Deuter – ACT LITE 65+10 Backpack

Written by guest writer Jason Moore

I was first introduced to the outdoors at a very young age, growing up in Northeast Ohio with a county metro park in my backyard. The countless summer afternoons I spent exploring that park fostered in me a desire to explore everything. At the age of 31, that desire now translates to multiday trips through some of our countries most prominent national parks and forests. I often read blogs like campingfunzone.com to determine where I venture next. The Guadalupe National Park sounds pretty good to me.

As my adventures grow, so does my ability. With that growth, my equipment needs evolve to compensate for new challenges. My last adventure was a five-day hike along part of the Appalachian Trail in Smokey Mountain National Park which I accomplished with a 55-liter pack. I did a little research on what to pack and looked at this guide on How to Pack a Hiking Pack to make sure I had everything I needed before I went on the hike. My next adventure was a hike of the same length along the Trans-Zion Trek in Zion National Park. The differences between the two hikes are that I would need to carry a tent in Zion (the AT utilizes shelters) and at times more water due to the limited reliable water sources along the trail. I don’t have the smallest and lightest equipment so with these two additions I needed a larger pack that could carry the extra load. I was excited when I found the Deuter ACT Lite 65+10 because I was able to increase my capacity by 36% while only increasing my pack weight by 20%.

The ACT Lite 65+10 is the first Deuter pack I have owned and I experienced the frequency illusion as soon as I entered the park. I noticed Deuter packs everywhere and even had another hiker compliment me on the trail because we were carrying the exact same pack. I guess when you are a company with more than 100 years of experience in making packs that have been used in some of the most famous expeditions in history your brand speaks for itself.

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Overall, I am very satisfied with the way this pack performed on the trail. With the help of the bottom compartment and well positioned compression straps it was easy to pack my gear, food, and water in a manner that distributed the weight evenly. I was impressed with the ventilation provided by Aircontact System. I wasn’t aware of how much I was sweating until I took the pack off at the end of the day. Lastly, I was surprised by how durable the pack held up to me dragging it 48 miles over granite and sandstone. After a quick wipe with a damp cloth the pack still looks brand new.

My favorite features of the pack are:

  • separate bottom compartment
  • zipped pocket on hip belt for valuables
  • ice axe and hiking pole loops
  • spacious stretch side pockets
  • compression and load adjustment straps
  • hydration system compatible

I am confident that this pack will be with me for a lot more adventures including more multiday hikes, rock climbing trips, and even the occasional trip back to Ohio to visit my family.

Check out our review of Deuter’s Kid Comfort Air.

Cuff Daddy for Fathers Day

 

This Fathers Day you may be thinking of doing something different, yet classic for the father in your life. You can hit a home run with a pair of cuff links from Cuff-Daddy.com

Cuff Daddy is an online retailer that specializes in unique, high quality cuff links at discounted prices. They manufacturer and are able to source out, allowing them to get you the lowest prices on the most stunning cuff links you can buy.

What sets them apart from other companies are:

  • Punctuality (orders ship within 24 hours)
  • Selection (more options than you can shake a stick at)
  • Price (they even have bulk discounts for weddings and other events)
  • Service (they are kind, friendly and have very fast response time)

Check out Cuff-Daddy.com for some amazingly low prices (low as $24.99) and tons of Fathers Day deals

Each holiday I love to check out all of the cuff links that Cuff-Daddy is carrying.

They break their cuff links down by categorizes like:

They also sell:

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With such a huge variety there is sure to be something for the Fathers in your life. Click here to check out all Cuff Daddy has to offer

Stamp the Moment Fathers Day Gift Ideas

Fathers Day is almost here, and creative ideas always a top runner for gifts. While some people prefer to buy their dad the latest tech, such as this Mini 2 drone, or a box of his favourite chocolates, there’s something about personalised gifts that just a little bit more special. Popular gifts consist of picture frames with a family photo or perhaps a keychain with your photo inside of it. Personalized gifts are often the most popular as they’re something a father can cherish forever and look back on in the years to come. There are also gifts that can be useful to him in his everyday life, such as a custom photo wallet, a useful gift that allows him to keep his family close!

This year give him the gift that he will cherish for a lifetime, an etched reflection from Stamp the Moment. Stamp the Moment has pre-made and custom options to give the guy in your life the perfect Fathers Day gift.

Etched Reflections are customs pieces which you can have stamped on a necklace or key chain. With tons of styles and shapes, there is guaranteed to be a perfect shape for your piece. This Fathers Day I decided to have my daughters first self portrait she drew over a year ago made into a key chain for my husband. He has always loved this piece of artwork she drew, and I knew he is going to flip when he see’s it this Fathers Day. Here’s to hoping I get something like this but in a custom needlepoint design or something similar for Mothers Day! Memories made into custom-designed accessories are always very heartwarming and sentimental!

Popular things people have etched on their pendant are:

  • Drawings/Doodles
  • Portraits
  • Fingerprints
  • Signatures
  • Logos/Groups
  • Pets
  • Events
  • Sound Waves (heartbeat/voicemail from loved one)

A hugely popular idea for Fathers Day is a dog tag necklace. These necklaces are not only manly, but personal too. This makes them the perfect gift for any man in your life. If the man in your life is not into wearing necklaces, then I would suggest the key chain, which is what we had made for my husband.

If you don’t have a drawling or particular image in mind, but love the idea of Stamp the Moment, you should check out their line of stamped jewelry. It is packed with awesome gifts (and not just for dad)!

Click here for more Fathers Day ideas

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Here is the drawling my daughter drew (her first self portrait) and the key chain

Comes with a nice bag to present as a gift

Has the option to customize the back (we made a word doc file, then used that as the image for the back)

Empatia Coffee

Empatia – the coffee that pours back

Did you know that most coffee farmers do not turn a profit? In countries like Columbia, where over 10% of the countries population is employed by the 550,000 coffee bean farms are struggling to turn a profit due to ever increasing production costs and low market prices.Hence we suggest following people’s minds. I mean following the recent trends that people actually love. If you understand the cafe market report then you’ll understand what people want.  Empatia, a new coffee bean company, is striving to help out the everyday bean farmers in these struggling areas.

According to the International Coffee Organization (ICO), if you factor in depreciation of farm assets “there were only four crop years in the ten-year period [2006-2015] in which total profits were greater than or equal to zero.”(Assessing the economic sustainability of coffee growing – ICO, Sep 2016)

There may not be a solution that is obtainable right now, but we can take great strides in moving forward to fixing this issue. Empatia Coffee is giving back 15% of their profits to the farmers they work with in addition to paying premiums for our beans in excess of Fair Trade prices.

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As a daily coffee drinker, I have come to appreciate the fresh ground beans turned into caffeinated bliss. Of course, the coffee brewing process is enhanced by using the best grind and brew coffee maker. After all, it’s no secret that the equipment and ingredients you use have an impact on the final product, especially where coffee is concerned. Even if you’re someone who is looking to Make your morning coffee healthier, you can still make a great drink with just the type of coffee beans you use in it. I love taking that moment just to sip and breath in a new day. With 2 small children, I need to make the most of my time and that includes the choices I make. I would rather have an enjoyable, deep flavored cup of coffee over a low cost, grainy cup of coffee. Obviously, over the years I have experimented with different types of coffee to know my preference and what makes coffee good. Looking into wholesale cbd coffee taught me a lot about the different ingredients that can be filtered into coffee and the tastes it can give. Nowadays I’m set on what I like, but I like to think of myself as a bit of a coffee fan.

Monthly Empatia will offer a new bag of beans that features a different and exciting flavor profile. This subscription services (or one-time purchase) gives you the chance to try a different coffee from varying places around the globe. The beans are NOT flavor infused, but instead are treated and grown in such a way that the natural aromas and flavors will be bold enough for you to taste. The month that MamatheFox received was the Finca La Cabaña – from Sevilla, Valle Del Cauca in Columbia. These beans were amazing! Opening the bag you could smell how fresh and clean they were, as if they were roasted that morning. I ground some and made my first pot. My husband, who doesn’t typically drink coffee, even had to try a cup. He loved the flavor and found it very soothing. I cannot say enough nice things about Empatia Coffee. If you know a coffee lover, or are one yourself, so yourself a favor and try out at least 1 month worth of beans. This makes a perfect gift for family and friends.

Need that end of school year gift for teacher – give them a subscription to Empatia!

When you receive a monthly subscription box (shown above) from Empatia, you will also be sent a 2-sided colored card featuring the coffee bean farmer that will receive some of the 15% give back funds. It is so welcoming and reassuring to see the face of the person who will benefit from your purchase. With additional facts about the farm, the farmer and a peek into their lives. It also includes details about the beans you are brewing, such as the elevation which it was grown, how it was treated (dried/roasted) and how large their farm is. When you drink your lovely cup or coffee or espresso you can feel a connection and an appreciation I have not found in other coffee’s.

Click here to sign up for a 1-month subscription for only $12.99!

$100 You! Lingerie and Preggo Leggings Giveaway

Enter for your chance to win a $50 gift card to You! Lingerie and a $50 gift card to Preggo Leggings

This giveaway is open to US and Canada

Runs 5/19 – 6/2. Winner will be pulled on 6/3

Hosted by: MamatheFox

Sponsored by: You! Lingerie & Preggo Leggings

Co-Hosted by: Living Simply

MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations

Pediped Shoe Giveaway

Welcome to the Grillin’ & Chillin’ Giveaway Hop

Brought to you by: MamatheFox

Enter for your chance to win (1) pair of Pediped Summer Collection Shoes. Winner can choose gender and size, not style


MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations 

You! Lingerie

Affordable nursing lingerie is very hard to come by these days, especially pretty kinds! Most products you find while searching are overpriced, bland colors, and just plain ugly. Pregnant and nursing mama’s want to feel good and look good like the girls on https://www.fulltube.xxx/?hl=el; that is one aspect about pregnancy that doesn’t change. That’s where You! Lingerie comes into play. This company creates beautiful, unique nursing bras and sleep and lounge ware that will help you feel and look beautiful, just like the girls on www.tubev.sex. Their mission: “To make breastfeeding and expecting moms feel confident and look beautiful everyday. They believe that pregnancy & breastfeeding are beautiful, your nursing and maternity lingerie should be too.” That’s what we all want, right?

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Their wide range of products include: nursing bras, panties, tanks, chemises, and pajama sets (tank top and pants). All You! Lingerie products feature the brands signature hot pink color – the cotton lining, the nursing clips and the decorative bows. These splashes of color are a visible yet subtle touch that distinguishes You! Lingerie products from others.

Nursing clips are a necessity while breastfeeding your child and sometimes they can be so difficult; but not with the You Lingerie bras. The clips are super easy to use, especially with one hand. The bra cups are very easy to pull down once the clip is un-done, perfect when you only have one free hand.

The straps on these bras are really awesome too. They are very thick, so they stay put. This is especially good for me because I am always struggling to find a bra where the straps stay on my shoulders. So many of my bra straps slip down throughout the day, but not with these bras. They really hold their place; and they do so without cutting into your skin.

Each of the bras that I received (Anastasia and London) have eight rows of hook back closures. These are such a great feature. Most bras only have three or four closures; these literally double that! I like this feature a lot because as pregnancy goes on your ribcage likes to grow, causing you to upgrade/size up your bras. With the investment of a few You! Lingerie bras you can wear them though all your body changes – 1, 2, 3 trimesters, postpartum, and nursing day in and day out!

Anastasia Maternity & Nursing Bra

This bra is absolutely adorable and super sexy. The misty blue color is beautiful and coordinates so well with the glacier grey shimmer of the lace band. I really do feel great when I wear this bra. It gives me a boost of confidence knowing that it fits well and it actually looks pretty. I bet any sexy women who from time to time enjoys working at fuckedtube can agree with me that its a confidence booster.

The Anastasia features a wide under-bust band and wide straps that give you the extra support you need, leaving you feeling like you came right out of the pride of Scotland part 2 with how sexy and strong you feel. I love how the fabric cups feel. They are super soft and under t-shirts they are smooth. Their 90% polyester and 10% spandex fabric really make them feel good to the touch.

London Maternity & Nursing Bra

My favorite aspect of the London bra is the fabric on the cups. Unlike the Anastasia (polyester and spandex), the London has smooth microfiber cups. The feel of this bra is perfect for at home around the house. I can see myself wearing this bra postpartum with my future kiddos; those days right after you leave the hospital and never leave the house. The microfiber fabric is smooth on my underarms and doesn’t rub me raw like some bras do.

This bra fits much different than the Anastasia as well. Featuring drop – cups, the London bra is perfect for low cut necklines. I have some bras that peek through even when I’m wearing a v-neck shirt, so the London is a perfect choice over a higher cut bra.

My only complaint with this bra is the teal blue bra straps. The straps just aren’t conducive to being discrete. One plus side of the bra (which I stated above) is how snug the straps stay to my shoulders. This feature should keep the straps from showing while wearing any shirt.

Pediped Shoes for Summer

With summertime here all parents are updating their children’s shoe collection. Out with the boots and in with the sandals! While the kids will always love having new items, shopping for new shoes can also be a great way to bond with a child. This may not be an issue for parents, but if you’re caring for children as a Cultural Care Au Pair, a trip to get some new shoes could be a great way to bond with the children you’re caring for. With so many brands and styles it can be overwhelming. There are a few basic things most carers look for when buying their kids new shoes.

  1. Comfort (We all hate to hear those dreaded words “they hurt me”)
  2. Affordable (Kids need several pairs of shoes each season as they grow, we need a break in the pocket book)
  3. Stylish (The cuter and more versatile the shoe, the better)

I have been trying so many brands of shoes over the years, but I am in love with Pedipeds 2017 summer collection. Each pair is fun, easy to put on, durable and affordable. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take the right care of our shoes. Many find that a boot and shoe holder can be a great way to show off and maintain our lovely shoes. Even children can benefit from this, my friend tells me that her children appreciate their shoes so much more when they are shown off. I love how my 4 year old is able to put these shoes on herself! It really boosts her confidence and gives her the assurance of independence. Most 4 year old’s are in preschool, and its important for them to be independent and take care of those little things on their own, we all know their teachers have enough other things on their plates other than helping our kids with their shoes.

These shoes stay on her feet without rubbing and causing blisters or irritation. They are thick enough to withstand her rough play and running and they support her growing feet. One of the things I remember from my childhood is my mom taking the extra effort to get us durable, supportive shoes. It really does make a difference in their development. Toddlers feet are not fully developed and those muscles and ligaments need support. Without proper support the muscles cannot form correctly. Some of the top feature one should look for in children’s shoes (according to the AOFAS) are:

  • For children 9 to 18 months, choose a high-top shoe which will stay on the foot better than an oxford or a low-top tennis shoe. A leather or canvas tie shoe is more secure, will stay on the foot, and will fit fat little feet better. The sole of the shoe should be smooth like the palm of your hand. A smooth sole means less friction so the shoe won’t grab the floor, which could cause your child to fall.Choose a light-weight shoe, since children use a lot of energy walking at this age. Toddlers can go barefoot in a protected environment such as indoors.

I am pleased to tell you that Pediped hits all of these goals! Click here to read more about Pediped and to grab a pair for your child

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Pediped features 3 lines

Pediped Originals: Theses are the best for infants and are the best option for toddlers learning how to walk. With soft and flexible soles they are recommended by pediatricians and podiatrists because they allow children to clearly mimic barefoot walking. You need to make sure you get in contact with trusted podiatrists to give you the best professional advice they can. I have been in regular contact with our family podiatrist for advice on this subject matter. I must say, appointments have become a lot more stress-free ever since they started using podiatry billing services. Making payments could not be more straightforward.

Pediped Grip n’ Go: There are a great second step level type of shoe. They are perfect for kids who are more confident with walking. They are made with G2 Technology which includes a specialized soft rubber sole, rounded edges that mimic the natural shape of a child’s foot, heel stability and a soft show toe that allows toes to curl and grip the floor.

Pediped Flex: These are the ultimate shoes for confident walkers. They have developed a shoe with a cushioned arch support and a soft rubber sole which provides excellent flexibility and promotes healthy foot development.

Omaiki Giveaway

Reusable menstrual pads from Omaïki’s Lötus line are a great way to go green! They’re trim, absorbent and made in Canada with Canadian materials. With a waterproof PUL backing, they keep your clothing dry and have wings to secure around underwear. Available in multiple sizes including thong-liners, they are a great way to keep toxins away from your most intimate areas. Read Mama Banana’s Adventures Omaïki Lötus review for full details and enter to win a set below!

Why cloth pads? Cloth pads are free from the toxins found in disposable menstrual products and many women report that they seriously reduce or stop menstrual cramps. In this fantastic starter set, you get 2 panty liners, 2 mini-maxi, 2 maxi and a matching wetbag! It’s a great way to try out reusable pads, add to your collection or to give as a gift. The Omaiki Lotus starter set can be found on their website and at select retailers. More information:

Omaïki Lötus Features

  • Made in Canada with Canadian fabrics
  • Organic cotton and bamboo
  • Washable
  • Thin but absorbent
  • Waterproof PUL backing
  • Nature-inspired prints
  • Serged edges for minimal panty lines
  • Available in 5 sizes for Menstrual Care
    • Panty liner 8.5″
    • Mini-Maxi 8.5″
    • Maxi Pads 11″
    • Maxi Plus 11″
    • Thong liner
  • Available in Incontinence
    • Light, Medium and Premium
  • Wings that snap around your underwear
  • Matching web bags with zipper and pouch

Enter the giveaway below! $60 arv open to USA & Canada 18+, void where prohibited. Good luck!

Disclosure: This giveaway is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media network. Event organized by Mama Banana’s Adventures. Open to legal residents 18+ of USA and Canada. Confirmed Winner will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be drawn. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Mama Banana’s Adventures & participating bloggers are not responsible for lost or stolen prizes. For questions about this event contact MamaBananasAdventures@gmail.com

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