Winter Camping: Fort De Soto Park, Florida

A couple of weeks ago my family went winter camping at Fort De Soto Park on the west coast of Florida. Fort De Soto Park has been named America’s Top Beach for two years in a row. And with it’s combination of powder soft sand and seashells – we immediately knew why. We spent our days strolling the beach collecting sand dollars, sea urchins, sand biscuits, and seashells. There were also a large quantity of horse shoe crab shells. Then, we spent our afternoons canoeing and bicycling, there were a ton of great places to do both. It was fantastic! 

At the end of the day, we went back to our campsite and the mister spread all of the sea goodies on the edge of the canoe to dry out. Early the next morning, we heard these crazy little guys chit chatting away and checking out our collection. It was hilarious!

If you are planning a camping trip on the west coast of Florida, I highly recommend Fort De Soto Park. We did hear while we were there that it is crazy busy in the summer – so maybe a fall, spring or even winter trip would be perfect for you.
+ Fort De Soto Park
3500 Pinellas Bayway S.
Tierra Verde, FL 33715
727.893.9185

Earth Friendly Etsy: Win M. Hauser Gallery Wooden Blocks

This week’s Earth Friendly Etsy giveaway is a set of 13 reclaimed wooden blocks from M. Hauser Gallery. M. Hauser Gallery is owned by Matthew who has loved to work with wood since he was very young. He creates one of kind furniture pieces and toys. Matthew takes pride in the workmanship of everything that he creates and uses a fabulous selection of recycled woods. 
Matthew’s building blocks come in an assortment of colors, sizes, shapes and woods. These will have your child expanding their imagination with hours and hours of fun.

If I still lived in Colorado, I think I would have to pick up a set of his ski storage racks. Wouldn’t your skis look fantastic hanging from these beautiful pieces? Instant artwork.

The details in his tables are fantastic, with fabulous details inlaid into the pieces. I am especially smitten with the federal card table.

Jump over to M. Hauser Gallery and pick up something beautifully sustainable for your home and leave a comment below.

– The winner is Vava. Thank you for playing!

7 Ways Families Can Save Time at Home and On the Go

Life with a family is busy and when you get behind, some of your good green habits can go out the window — making unnecessary car trips, forgetting your reusable grocery bags, or (gasp!) buying fast food for dinner. A busy family can make saving time at home and on the go a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Read my 7 ways organization can save you time at home and on the go at Inhabitots.

How do you save time at home and on the go?
What are your tricks and tips? Please share.

Win! Irma Guzman Eco Jewelry Giveaway

Happy Monday. Let’s start the week right with an Eco friendly jewelry giveaway from Irma Guzman. Irma Guzman is giving one lovely reader an Ipanema bracelet and matching earrings. Wow! Won’t the fantastic yellow brighten your winter?

Irma Guzman Eco Jewlery offers handmade jewelry that supports Fair Trade principals, conservation of our natural environment, and the economical develop of South American artisans.

Irma’s jewelry collection is made using Tagua, Congola Nut and many different types of seeds and shells. Irma loves designing jewelry and enjoys playing with different colors and textures. As a native of Colombia, Irma is inspired by the colors of nature, the seasons, and exotic places and animals.

Some of my favorite pieces from Irma Guzman’s collection include the Cayman Islands Necklace and Earrings, the Pumpkin Delight Necklace, and the Montego Bay Necklace.

Jump over to Irma Guzman Eco Jewelry and pick up something to brighten your winter. You can also find Irma Guzman on Facebook. Then, leave a comment below – You have until February 7th to enter.

– Update: The winner is Allyson. Thank you for playing!

It’s OK to Say No + It’s Good for your Heart

True confessions of a chronic over-thinkerOne of the largest stresses in many people’s lives is caused by trying to please everyone. Although, you may feel like everything is going your way when you have control over the situation – when we over commit ourselves we start to feel out of control and stressed out. One of the simplest ways to reduce stress is by acknowledging your limits and saying “no” when you have reached it. By doing so, you reclaim your time and your life – all while reducing your stress. Try it. Just say NO and see if your stress level goes down.

Do you find it hard to say no?
What ways have you found to reduce stress in your own life?