My 5-Year Old Teenager and Her Things

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”6579″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1547520361083{margin-right: 150px !important;margin-left: 150px !important;}”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Iza Ruby is really hitting the ground running. She is such an indvidual at 5, I can only imagine what the next 10 years are going to lead us towards…

But what that individuality really breeds is a sense of STYLE in her wardrobe! Iza loves to put outfits together and this one is a favorite. I am so impressed.

It’s odd to be the mother of someone so interested in developing their own sense of style. She will spend hours in front of the mirror playing with makeup and trying on different outfits. She absolutely loves it. Kurt has been known to have a moment or two in front of the mirror before we go out – he loves to try out creative looks. Zai, on the other hand is obsessed with shorts that have string and t-shirts. He will only wear red or yellow shoes – so extremely specific and limited. I am one of the least fashion-oriented females out there. I exclusively shop at Banana Republic because the sizes never change and I can quickly pick up discounts with my Banana credit card – most of the time upwards of 40% off.

We had a fantastic manny named Luis who used to love to dress Iza and take her shopping. It was actually wonderful to have someone so attentive to her in those ways. Now she takes care and is thoughtful with her choices.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vcex_image_grid columns=”3″ randomize_images=”true” thumbnail_link=”custom_link” custom_links_target=”_blank” title=”yes” image_ids=”6578,6576,6574,6572,6571,6570″ custom_links=”https://www.kleankanteen.com/collections/kid-kanteen,https://www.radioflyer.com/my-1st-scooter-sport-bundle.html,https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Sculpture-White-Diamond-Pita-Plastico/400121/3578647/view,https://us.corolle.com/louise-1250.html,https://us.benetton.com/baby-girl-dresses/,https://www.adidas.com/us/infant_toddler-shoes”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

November 7, 2015January 20, 2019

Product Review: E3 Live BrainON Food for Mama & Baby

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_single_image image=”5951″ alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://amzn.to/2RWDQld”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Set them up for success early. When it comes to parenting, doesn’t everyone want to have a super smart kid?

With our 1st child (our daughter Iza), we did whatever we could for brain development.

We did all the things we knew of:

Green juice
Folic acid
Remained raw vegan
Listened to a variety of music and TedTalks

… and we added in E3Live BrainON to everything.

E3Live is thought to provide a cleaner, clearer way of life by infusing your body with a natural inflammatory from an ancient algae-based formula. It is meant to be a terrific balancer for the amount of existing alkaline and chlorophyll in your body. When it comes to deep-rooted change, this is the formula!

For both my pregnancies I was able to take E3Live BrainON. With Iza it was more accessible since we lived across the street from the health food store that carried it, so we were regularly stocked. For Zai, we only had access in our final trimester since it can’t be shipped to Guatemala (they actually have pill versions now that can travel). Kurt brought back the bottles in a freezer bag and checked it in our luggage. It made it here perfectly (which was shocking!).

How much did I consume?

I went through about 2 bottles a month (instead of the recommended 1 bottle a week). We kept it in the freezer and defrosted enough for 3 days and put the liquid defrosted part in the fridge in an airtight container. The frozen bottle went back into the freezer.

Sometimes I would put it into a smoothie, other times I would just take a shot like we would with wheatgrass. It takes sweet, and you can get a few different flavored options if you go to the E3 Live website.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_single_image image=”5895″ alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://amzn.to/2RWDQld”][vc_empty_space][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]

Fresh Frozen E3Live with an added Brain Support helps:

Increased focus and clarity
Lifted and brightened mood with PEA
Lower stress and enhanced well-being
Ability to function at a higher level
Increased concentration

Description

E3Live + BrainON is Certified Organic Fresh Frozen E3Live (Aphanizomenon flos-aquae) with a super concentrated Organic E3AFA extract of Phycocyanin and Phenylethylamine (PEA). Phycocyanin is a natural anti-inflammatory. PEA is a naturally occurring extract that may promote clear thinking and focus to give you optimal cognitive function.

E3Live + BrainON is for anyone who wishes to balance mood and increase concentration while functioning at a higher level.

Product Research & Technical Data

E3Live (Aphanizomenon flos-aquae) is wild-harvested from Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, USA. E3Live is tested and assayed for purity. AFA is an edible species of blue-green algae that has been consumed by indigenous people for thousands of years. AFA is a very nutritious, whole food containing over 64 nutrients that are easily absorbed by the body.

AFA is considered a new superfood that contains more protein and chlorophyll than any other food source. Micro-algae, existing at the beginning of the food chain, provide nutrition in its simplest form balanced whole food nutrition that is easily digested and absorbed. AFA has a soft cell wall that is easily digested by the body. This allows rapid absorption of vital nutrients and easy assimilation.

Research on the molecular studies and health benefits.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5304″ alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://amzn.to/2RWDQld”][vcex_button url=”https://amzn.to/2RWDQld” target=”blank” align=”right”]Check Prices[/vcex_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]

September 23, 2015December 28, 2018

Homemade Creams for Pregnancy and Babies Courtesy of Meghann

RaCo Life Homemade Pregnancy and Baby Creams

Pregnancy is never a comfortable feat for anyone, especially when it comes to stretching and growing. The most uncomfortable piece of the puzzle is typically the skin during this growth and with it comes a need for soothing. Here are two fantastic homemade cream recipes my step-sister Meghann passed on via my mom to help me get through the last couple of months. With 3 kids under 3 1/2 she is the master of all things surrounding health and wellness for herself and her kids. These are great recipes!

Homemade Baby and Belly Itchy / Eczema Cream

The typical natural remedy calls for Shea Butter with lavender. While effective, Meghann created a cream of her own that has actually made this pregnancy bearable. It stops the itch, soothes and stays moist for at least the entire day. I asked her for the ingredients, and I guestimated the recipe based on the logic system of how they would come together to form a cream like substance. You can easily adjust this as you go if the consistency is not to your liking.

Remember: A little goes a REALLY long way!

Ingredients are all organic and can be purchased through Amazon:

Version 1:
1/2 cup Olive Oil (infused with nettle)
1/2 cup Coconut Oil
1/4 cup Beeswax Pellets
20 drops Licorice Root Extract
1 tsp Tamanu Oil

Version 2:
1/2 cup Olive Oil (infused with nettle)
1/2 cup Coconut Oil
1/4 cup Beeswax Pellets
1 tbsp Sweet Almond Oil (add several drops of Calendula + Chamomile to it)
1 tsp Evening Primrose Oil

Mix the olive oil, coconut oil and beeswax together in a jar placed in water in a sauce pan over low heat until the beeswax and coconut oil melt and blend together. When it starts to cool, add in the remaining ingredients. Quickly transfer to a permanent glass jar and seal.

The cream should harden and form a harder substance, but you may have to adjust your recipe accordingly based on your preferences.

Homemade Magnesium Cream

This is a great way to round out an evening bath and settle in for relaxation. It is thick like vaseline, so a little goes a long way. I use it after a tub when the skin is still moist.

Ingredients are all organic and can be purchased through Amazon:

1/2 cup Magnesium Oil
1/4 cup Coconut oil
2 tbsp Beeswax Pellets
3 tbsp Shea Butter

Here is the recipe from Wellness Mama (one of our favorite sites)!

Don’t want to make it yourself? My mom just mentioned that Meghann is starting to sell her batches of creams from Northampton, MA. If you are interested, contact us and we can get you in touch.

September 23, 2015December 28, 2018

Wyse Organics Delivery Meal System Review

Part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle is eating fresh from the farm, but people have busy lives and cooking farm fresh takes time. If you happen to live in the NYC or Long Island area, you have an option that we strongly recommend from people we know and respect: Wyse Organics. This is not just any meal delivery service; it is in essence a private chef service with an affordable price tag. You can trust you are getting good quality, exceptional flavor and fresh, local ingredients.

Delicious organic entrées.

Plans include entrées, sides and soups or kids meals. View Meal Plans.

You can view the listing in our shop
or go directly to Wyse Organics.

Chef Wyse has made it easier than ever to get delicious and healthful meals delivered right to your door. Annual subscription plans start at $149 per month.

Using only local and organic ingredients, our menu changes with the seasons. This way the ingredients are at their freshest and provide the best flavor. From ripe tomatoes in the summer to pumpkins, squash and winter greens in the winter are all sourced from the best organic farms on Long Island and the surrounding region.

Wyse Organics Instruction Video from Wyse Organics on Vimeo.

Healthy eating shouldn’t be hard. Using modern sous vide and flash freezing techniques, we’ve made it easy for you to create a restaurant-quality culinary experience in 3 steps. If you have additional questions, please reference the Wyse Organics FAQs.

Wyse Farm Stories – Green Thumb from Wyse Organics on Vimeo.

Founded in 2014 by private Chef Allan Wyse and global organic food entrepreneur Erik Bruun Bindslev, Wyse Organics is a start-up with a mission to empower more people to savor the best organic, local and seasonal flavors from the comfort of home.

Wyse Mix & Match Video Series

Wyse Mashed Organic Zucchini with Spaghetti

This episode has Chef Allan Wyse using Wyse Organics frozen mashed zucchini from Quail Hill Farm in Amagansett in combination with spaghetti. Its an easy, organic and healthy 10 min. meal.

WYSE MIX & MATCH: Wyse Mashed Organic Zucchini with Spaghetti from Wyse Organics on Vimeo.

Wyse Braised Kale & Chard with Organic Lamb Chops

In this episode Chef Allan Wyse uses Wyse Organics Braised Kale & Chard as a perfect side for organic lamb chops. An easy 10 minute meal from Wyse Organics.

WYSE MIX & MATCH: Wyse Braised Kale & Chard with Organic Lamb Chops from Wyse Organics on Vimeo.

Chef Allan Wyse

Chef Wyse is a celebrated private chef amongst New York’s A-list. From Horizon Media to Cosmopolitan Magazine, Fran Drescher, Mario Cantone and Kim Cattrall both of Sex and the City fame and numerous Fortune 500 CEOs. Allan’s name is synonymous with fresh, delicious and organic first-rate cuisine. Raised with an organic garden in his backyard, Chef Wyse has always known the importance of using only the best ingredients in his kitchen. He crafted his trade working in some of the world’s finest restaurants, including Daniel’s and The Modern in New York City. Chef Wyse has cooked alongside the world’s most renowned chefs such as Daniel Boulud and Marc Aumont.

Allan has appeared on “Food Networks” iron chef chairman’s challenge, promoted both the Vita Mix blender and Turbo Chef Ovens (with Charlie Trotter) and hosted his own cooking show Wysecooking. Allan is based in Southampton, New York.

Erik Brunn Bindslev

Erik’s career spans more than 2 decades in which he has built up a responsible and long-term approach to global business. He is truly at home as a strategic partner for his clients building and managing multi-stakeholder brand building models. Current and past clients include: Linda McCartney Foods (vegetarian food business – London), Lady Carole Bamford and Family (luxury food/lifestyle and fashion/spa – London and Tokyo), HRH Prince of Wales (luxury food and lifestyle – London), COJEAN (high-end foodservice concept – Paris), Hakkasan Group (fine dining restaurant and clubs – London and Las Vegas), BlowToGo (mobile hair services- London)

Erik has lived in São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Sydney, Paris, Copenhagen and London. He shares his time between his base in London, Long Island’s East End and travelling around the world.

January 23, 2015January 22, 2015

Uppababy Stroller… Oh How We Miss You!

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]We bought this by reading reviews and it has not failed! There are several features we think are must-haves.

The silver lining which becomes a sunshade. It is a lifesaver with a very picky toddler who is constantly bothered by the sun.
Storage. Come on, the universe requires crap when it comes to kids. We could NOT live without this basket. I especially love the dividers which allow for a mommy bottle and a baby bottle, or diapers, etc. I have never carried a diaper bag.
Hand extension. My husband is tall, I am miniature. It works for both of us and is a comfortable push no matter what size is in charge.
Packability. This thing goes FLAT! It is so easy to chuck into the car or store in a closet.
Drivability / Kiddie-comfort. The wheels on this bus are hefty. What that means is that our little one has a very smooth ride. It also allows us to manage the cracks in the NYC sidewalks and the paths of Central Park.

There are few complaints, but here are 2 key ones:

Collapsing sucks. It requires two hands to delatch this thing and is seriously a pain. With an infant I would have to pop out the seat and put it in the back of the car with her in it, then pray she wouldn’t move too much that she would bounce herself right out of the car. Then use both my hands to delatch. Truthfully a very thoughtless design feature knowing how thoughtful the “pop up into action” (opening it up) is. That effort takes 1 second flat and can be done essentially without hands!
Too much visibility into the basket. Since it is a mesh basket, if you put anything in it of value, it is totally visible to the passerby. If it was a opaque nylon and had a drawstring coverlet like the Bugababy, it would be a better all around design.

But those two complaints are nothing in comparison to the absolute awesomeness of this stroller. GET IT!

If you already like Uppababy and are looking at lots of options, here are my two cents: The Uppababy Vista is a waste of money… it is simply too much stroller (unnecessarily so). The Uppababy Lite is great down the road, but doesn’t work for an infant. The Mesa is killer! Go for it and you will have the complete package.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row id=”” visibility=”” css_animation=”” style=”” center_row=”” tablet_fullwidth_cols=”” min_height=”” bg_color=”” bg_image=”” bg_style=”” parallax_style=”” parallax_direction=”” parallax_speed=”” parallax_mobile=”” video_bg=”” video_bg_overlay=”” video_bg_mp4=”” video_bg_webm=”” video_bg_ogv=”” border_style=”” border_color=”” border_width=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” margin_left=”” margin_right=”” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][vc_column width=”1/2″][vcex_image_carousel style=”default” item_width=”230px” min_slides=”1″ max_slides=”1″ items_scroll=”page” auto_play=”true” infinite_loop=”true” timeout_duration=”5000″ arrows=”false” thumbnail_link=”none” custom_links_target=”_self” img_width=”300″ img_height=”300″ image_ids=”3533,3534,3535,3536,3537″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3538″ border_color=”grey” img_link_target=”_self” alignment=”none” link=”http://www.racolife.com/product/uppababy-cruz-stroller-yellow/”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

December 31, 2014December 28, 2018

BobaAir, I can’t live without you

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]There are few material things in life that I cherish. The BobaAir is by far the ‘top dog’ on my very short list of things I cannot live without. My daughter has been toted around in a Boba since birth; hiking up mountains from the time she was 2-weeks old, to nursing while on the subway at 6-months, to traveling as an accessory through the jungle at over a year. The first Boba we had was made of organic cotton and while we loved the shape and design of it, the fabric caused us all to get too sweaty.

This new version of the Boba is my magic pack. Rip-stop nylon keeps it light and airy and it has a deeper base which allows for a lot of growth with an older child, or as a little one with their folded legs on the inside. And the best part – way less moisture on both our parts.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”32px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vcex_image_carousel style=”default” item_width=”230px” min_slides=”1″ max_slides=”4″ items_scroll=”page” auto_play=”true” infinite_loop=”true” timeout_duration=”5000″ arrows=”true” thumbnail_link=”none” custom_links_target=”_self” img_width=”500″ img_height=”500″ image_ids=”2351,2348,2347,2346,2345,2344″][vc_empty_space height=”32px”][vc_column_text]Now that my daughter is 18-months, at least 3-people a day use the Boba – myself, my husband and her nanny… and sometimes even my assistant. We all quickly can adapt with the easy to manage adjustable straps. In general, getting it on is so EASY! Since it offers us two options: Front or Back, we can use it wherever we go. We throw her on our back like we would a monkey and…. snap! We are a go, folks! Or when we go to crowded places, we can still fit her on the front and that way we can make sure that we can see her all times.

She loves it because it is her safe house. She can just be rocked to sleep in the kitchen, or in a busy crowd she can put her hands inside and be totally protected from the world around her.

The BobaAir seems like a product that we dreamed up and it suddenly appeared on our doorstep. It combines everything we need from a perfect diaper-sized pocket, to a lightweight shape, to a rip-stop material. Perhaps all I would add would be a Camelbak somehow within.

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”32px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vcex_feature_box style=”left-image-right-content” content_width=”50%” media_width=”50%” heading=”Want to buy the BobaAir? ” heading_type=”h2″ image=”2354″ img_width=”9999″ img_height=”9999″ image_url=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.racolife.com%2Fproduct%2Fbobaair%2F|title:Buy%20through%20Ra’Co%20Life%20Shop|target:%20_blank” image_lightbox=”url”]Buy it through the Ra’Co Life Shop, today!

Just fold, zip and stash. That’s the promise of our high-flying, far-roving, light-as-a-feather, there-when-you-need it Boba Air. With this perfectly portable travel baby carrier, there’s practically nowhere you can’t go. Just toss it in your diaper bag, carryon or glove compartment and you have instant access to a simple, supportive child carrier that unfolds or self-stores in seconds. A journey for two doesn’t get much easier than that.[/vcex_feature_box][vc_empty_space height=”32px”][vcex_feature_box style=”left-content-right-image” content_width=”50%” media_width=”50%” heading_type=”h2″ image=”2343″ img_width=”9999″ img_height=”9999″ image_url=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.racolife.com%2Fproduct%2Fbobaair%2F|title:Buy%20through%20Ra’Co%20Life%20Shop|target:%20_blank” image_lightbox=”url”][/vcex_feature_box][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

October 28, 2014December 28, 2018

The Magic of Caran D’Ache

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]When I was a little girl, Halloween was my favorite time of year – Hello Candy! But also, it was a time where I got to write all over my face with NeoPastels by Caran D’Ache. These little magical crayons are water soluble, but have the texture and wearability of oil pastels. They also retain their color value, which is pretty special.[/vc_column_text][vcex_spacing size=”30px”][vc_column_text]Halloween is abound and I am reminded of my friends and I coloring all over our faces. I couldn’t find one of me with drawings on, but I found one of Eva and Sara Burger (friends I grew up with)![/vc_column_text][vcex_spacing size=”30px”][vc_column_text]A couple of months ago, Kurt started a canvas for Iza. She has been having a blast just being a kid with that crazy artist coming from within. She is a like Jackson Pollock gone wild – crayons flying, arms flailing and a very astute manner of working. She seems to have a game plan in mind![/vc_column_text][vcex_spacing size=”30px”][vcex_image_grid grid_style=”default” columns=”3″ title_type=”title” thumbnail_link=”none” lightbox_caption=”true” custom_links_target=”_self” img_width=”9999″ img_height=”9999″ image_ids=”2161,2160,2159″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_video link=”http://youtu.be/xz1M-GH7lbc”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_video link=”http://youtu.be/w8PlKwfmTUQ”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_empty_space height=”32px”][vcex_feature_box style=”left-content-right-image” content_width=”50%” media_width=”50%” heading=”Caran D’Ache NeoPastels” heading_type=”h2″ image=”2146″ img_width=”9999″ img_height=”9999″]Living with an artist has huge benefits! We have a large stash of Caran D’Ache Swissmade water soluble pastels at our fingertips. These little buggers go a long way with a little person. They are easy to get out of clothes and since they are water soluble, you can clean a wall and paint over in minutes.[/vcex_feature_box][/vc_column][/vc_row]

October 27, 2014October 28, 2014

Synonymous? Prince and Dancing!

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_single_image image=”2137″ border_color=”grey” img_link_target=”_self” alignment=”none”][vc_empty_space height=”32px”][vc_column_text]We have had a blast the last couple of nights dancing around the new house listening to music (mostly Prince). Kurt got this incredible speaker from JBL when he was in the States, which also charges your phone. For something so small – the sound is outrageous.

It is also relatively durable, in that Iza has tossed it on the floor more than 10x already and it is still holding its sound and lighting up as it is meant to.

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”32px”][vcex_image_grid grid_style=”default” columns=”3″ title_type=”title” thumbnail_link=”none” lightbox_caption=”true” custom_links_target=”_self” img_width=”250″ img_height=”200″ image_ids=”2148,2136,2135″][vc_video link=”http://youtu.be/-jToziKFqHQ”][vc_empty_space height=”32px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vcex_feature_box style=”left-image-right-content” content_width=”50%” media_width=”50%” heading=”Art Official Age by Prince” heading_type=”h2″ image=”2147″ img_width=”9999″ img_height=”9999″]There is just nothing like a new Prince album, and while Blood Orange has tried to fill the void over Prince’s hiatus from new material, he cannot be replaced. This record has been our household new favorite for the last few weeks – and since we got the JBL’s the sound is incredible![/vcex_feature_box][/vc_column][/vc_row]

July 25, 2014July 25, 2014

Guatemalan Arts and Crafts

I have become fascinated with Mayan Arts and Crafts in the Lake Atitlan region of Guatemala where we are living. There is a rich culture of Mayan women who weave beautiful textiles using the backstrap loom method and painters, mostly men, who paint in vibrant colors in a unique primitive style. There are also various crafts using found objects and recycled materials.

This is a beautiful example of an embroidered textile made by an artisan in Panajachel. It appears that there are many stories going on here having to do with the artist’s life.

These recycled nylon shopping bags are made from large sacks that once carried sugar, wheat and other various bulk items. High Design!

Guatemalan-Textiles-Childrens-Backpack — Check out this great little backpack we bought for Iza in the market of Panajachel. It was lovingly crafted by a Mayan textile artist.

Most of the painting in Lake Atitlan is done in the town of San Juan La Laguna near the popular town of San Pedro. Here are a few examples of some of the paintings we really like. They are hanging in our house in San Marcos. The owner, an American writer named Joyce Maynard, obviously has excellent taste!

We really like the artist Diego Isaias Hernandez who works in a highly expressive narrative style.

Huge painting by Diego Isaias Hernandez hanging in our bedroom.

Another style of painting we like is called vista del pajaro and was popularized by the artist Juan Fermin Gonzalez. The painting below is unsigned but it is a good example of this style.

Finally, I love the many styles of hand carved flutes they sell all in most tourist areas.

So you can see that Guatemala is full of really beautiful arts and crafts. From intricate textiles to colorful vibrant paintings, most of the objects created here could be called folk art and depict the rich lives surrounding the artists in the villages of Lake Atitlan.

July 5, 2014July 13, 2014

How Much Do You Really Need?

The stuff we need from day to day lives in a back pack. Well, 2 backpacks, 1 front pack, a few side bags and a kiddie tent that hangs off the back. We have whittled it down to the bare minimum required to survive. Of course wherever we go we accumulate food, oils, etc. but the basics for hosteling come in a neat and tidy little package.

We do have a storage unit, but that requires a whole other post.

Here I am carrying my load (baby included) while Kurt managed to bumble around with the balance of our crap. He too has a sturdy eBag on his back, a front pack and is carrying a shoulder bag. Oh and on this trip he has the Graco pack n’ play and the Fisher Price Space Saver Booster Chair which we have suddenly accumulated from my last trip home and find exceptionally useless in the eyes of Iza. When we seem to move locally we some how end up with more bags, but the same amount of stuff. Lazy packers? I think so.

What we each have with us in our packs, always:

(3) Short sleeve, (1) long sleeve t-shirts
(1) Jeans, (2) hiking pants with zip offs
(1) Shorts
(2) Bathing suits
(3) Socks
(7) Underwear
(1) Sleep outfit
(1) Flip flops or sandels, (1) Vibram 5 fingers, (1) hiker boot
(1) Computer and accouterments
(1) Toiletries
(1) Water bottle
(1) Headlamp

We share in some of the joint things like:

Iza’s clothes, toys and tent
Guitar and xylophone
Kitchen spices, oils and dry goods
Hiking poles
First aid kit

[We will provide reviews on the eBags, eBag cubes, the Marmot front pack, the KidCo PeaPod Lite and the BobaAir soon.]

We decided to go this route primarily because Kurt didn’t want us to check our bags. After going through my most recent trauma of checking two boxes through when I came from NYC I am really glad we didn’t check our bags on our way down here. It would have been a nightmare if they lost them since we are 3-hours from the lake!

After the run down of what we are actually carrying I feel like with all our gear and bags we aren’t super light packers at all! But we do try. 🙂