Muddy Munchkins Boots by MyMayu ~ Gear Review + Giveaway

I truly believe that whether in your backyard or on the trails, being active outdoors is something essential for families, especially families with toddlers, even when the grass, cement and dirt is all wet! Children love nature when it's muddy, or when there are lots of puddles to explore, and having the appropriate footwear is as essential as having the proper clothing.

Featured: Muddy Munchkins Boot by MyMayu [Gray/Fairy, Size 7/8]
Over the last few years I've run into many issues with inadequate footwear for my toddlers.  It's been hard to figure out the right shoes for my toddlers when we go outside to play in our neighborhood or if we head out to the backcountry.  I was very glad to discovered Muddy Munchkins Boots by MyMayu that even as I read their Mission Statement...
"MyMayu was created out of necessity: a little boy without proper boots wanted to follow his big brother in the rain.  Too many puddle jumping sessions had been cut short by face-plants in the water because of bulky, clunky rubber boots that were too big, too heavy and made him trip.  There had to be a better boot."
I knew MyMayu, a Canadian company, understood the needs of my child who enjoys playing in the mud but not getting soggy, muddy feet! Why? Because the owners are parents themselves who love the outdoors and understand toddlers needs! Not only did I have the chance to review these awesome boots but MyMayu is giving away a pair in this gear review, so keep reading and enter below for a chance to win one for your toddler! [Giveaway has ended]


Side Note: I'm particularly fond of the name of this company because it's part Quechua! MyMayu means My "River".  Chasqui Mom approved!



  • Water-Repellent Boots (not waterproof) and Ultra Lightweight for infants/toddlers
  • Three-Season Boot (Spring, Summer and Fall) w/Fleece Liner option for colder temperatures
    • Helio Fleece Liner (Optional) Retail Price $16.95
  • Multiple Toggles at the knee and ankle to protect from water splashing
  • Compact storage due to collapsible upper section
  • MM by MyMayu Boot Retail Price: $48.95 ~ 18 different colors and designs!
  • Current Toddler Shoe Sizes: 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8 
  • Made in North America, BPA Free, Vegan and Quick Drying.



The Pluses!

The MM Boots by MyMayu, size 7/8 were tested by my three year old daughter who LOVES to get muddy.  These boots were tested in the San Francisco Bay Area on grass, mud, cement, shallow puddles and on the dirt trails.  

  • Lightweight ~ I think this is my favorite feature of these boots.  My daughter has had the hardest time finding shoes she can comfortably walk, run and hike in.  All other shoes, including her hiking shoes, make her trip a lot.  MM Boots provides all the protection from the elements but with no cost in weight, which means my toddler can play freely.
  • Water-Repellent ~ Nothing is worse than soggy feet, period.  My daughter was able to splash around in shallow puddles, wet grass, very muddy trails and her feet stayed dried.  It's a great boot for a rainy or misty day.
  • Quick Drying ~ After an morning of walking around in the rain and splashing in puddles, I was scared that the boots would be wet for the rest of the day but they dried quickly and was ready to be worn again later in the afternoon on muddy trails.  Usually shoes take days to dry but the MM boot (without the fleece) dried within hours.
  • Great for Urban and Outdoor Play ~ Living the the San Francisco Bay Area sometimes I feel like I'm over doing it by making my kids wear their waterproof hiking boots/shoes to the playground or a short hike but I know that if their feet get wet then there will be lots of complaining and being carried.  These boots allow for freely playing in urban and outdoor play areas such as playground parks, nature trails to walking on city streets.  A very appropriate boot for outdoor play on wet days.
  • Tall Upper Section, Toggles and Helios Fleece ~ I still carry my daughter occasionally in the kid carrier and her little calves usually end up being exposed.  What is great about the MM Boots by MyMayu is that the tall upper section that has toggles right below the knee so if the pants ride up neither cold wind or rain can dribble down their little legs!  A second toggle is also around the ankle to keep the boot in place.  Also, if the Helios Fleece are inserted, it adds an extra layer of warmth and doesn't stick out of the boot.



The Minuses
  • Not Waterproof ~ Let's make this clear, the MM Boots are not waterproof and they don't claim to be but they are water repellent.  The difference is that wading through a creek or standing in deep puddles will let water seep in.  We like to test gear to its limits so my daughter stood in a very deep puddle to test the "Waterproof-ness".  To my surprise her socks and feet were damp but not soggy.  Still just to clarify these are not waterproof.
  • Limited Sizes (For Now) ~ Currently MyMayu only has toddler sizes 1-8, but the good news is that in Spring 2015, MyMayu plans to have all sizes from Toddler 1 to Youth 2 in both MuddyMunchkins and Aqua boots in stock.  Did I mention the Aqua boot WILL be waterproof?! Yay!
MyMayu Giveaway!

Here's your chance to win one (1) pair of Muddy Munchkins Boots and Helio Liners by MyMayu!

  • This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
  • Contest starts October 9, 2014 12:00 a.m. PST until October 23, 2014 11:59 p.m. PST.
  • Winner will be announced a couple days after the giveaway has finished.
  • Your choice of boot and matching liner found HERE, granted that it's in stock, Toddler Size 1/2 to 7/8 only.

Please use the Rafflecopter below to submit your entries and good luck!



a Rafflecopter giveaway



I would like to thank MyMayu who provided these product for the purposes of this review.  As always these are my true and honest opinions.




Join in on the conversation by leaving a comment here! You can also join in on the conversations on Chasqui Mom's FacebookInstagram and Twitter that is updated daily with outdoor activities and other wonderful posts and links from #OutdoorFamilies!

Dawn's Day in the Wildlife on the California Coast

This is a sponsored post by Dawn and the first post of a four-series posts on my experiences with #DawnDayintheWildlife.

This is a sponsored post by Dawn and the first post of a four-series posts on my experiences with #DawnDayintheWildlife.

Photo by Susan Goldman

Photo by Susan Goldman

"Loving nature through hiking, backpacking and anything outdoors as a family" is Chasqui Mom's motto.  Over the years of enjoying the outdoors with my family we have learned to respect, learn and PROTECT our environment especially wildlife.  Therefore, I was very excited when Dawn asked me to participate in "Dawn's Day in the Wildlife"  to experience how Dawn is involved in saving wildlife.

The only thing I knew about Dawn saving wildlife was from those super adorable commercials of oil covered ducklings being washed with Dawn and coming out as fluffy as can be, so I was very interested in learning how else Dawn was involved in saving wildlife at The Marine Mammal Center (TMMC) and the International Bird Rescue (IBR).  A collection of 11 bloggers were brought to the San Francisco Bay Area from all over the US and Canada to experience a tiny portion of what goes on at these great centers.  To say that I was blown away is an understatement...

The California Coast and The Marine Mammal Center

Many of you know I'm truly a California girl and a true California Coast nature lover.  My family and I have had the pleasure of viewing wild elephant seals and dolphins along the California Coast.

Elephant Seals at Año Nuevo State Park

Elephant Seals at Año Nuevo State Park

It is amazing to see wildlife in their natural habitat but unfortunately many of these coastal marine mammals are injured or affected by illnesses caused by human interaction.  But it's not always human interaction - the sea lion below was bitten by a shark!

Photo by Susan Goldman

In our visit to the TMMC, we learned how this great organization rescues marine mammals, covering 600 miles of the California Coast, and working with animals ranging from elephants seals, harbor seals and sea lions.  It's an enormous amount of effort to bring the marine mammals back to health so they can have a chance in surviving back in the wild.

Photo by Susan Goldman

All this work is done by 45 staff and OVER 1,100 volunteers!!  From veterinarians to high school students, all ranges of volunteers come to TMMC to give their time to these beautiful animals.  TMMC uses Dawn products to clean cages and all the processing equipment used to make the marine mammal fish-shakes! Yum!

Kath Crawford, Education Volunteer

I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with Kathy Crawford, Education Volunteer and learn about her experiences at TMMC.  I learned so much and admired Kathy's countless hours to the TMMC, which I will write about in an upcoming post!  Thanks to Kathy many families and children learn how to help the marine mammals.

Unfortunately, due to infectious diseases that can be passed from marine mammals to humans, it was highly recommended for me to not participate in the food preparing and kitchen/cage cleaning process because of my pregnancy.

Photo by Susan Goldman

To read about the cleaning and food process in more detail, please visit A Slob Comes Clean blog.

But I was able to get a quick visit to a few "patients" recovering in their hospital cages...

Sweet, sweet sea lions....

The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, CA. © David Wakelyrine

TMMC is a located in San Francisco Bay Area, my backyard National Park the Marin Headlands Golden Gate National Recreation Area in Sausalito, California.  Did I mention that it's free to visit?!

Sea Lions Released at Point Reyes National Seashore

We had the honor and pleasure of participating in releasing THREE sea lions back into the wild at Chimney Rock, Point Reyes National Seashore. We were told that not all 1,100 volunteers ever see a release, so it was truly special to be able to see and participate in this momentous occasion.

There will be a more in depth post and maybe video of the release, but I was very happy to participate in a small portion of the the release "Apostrophe, Row and Fritters" the sea lions!

"We are FREE!!" Photo by Susan Goldman

Point Reyes National Seashore is one of my favorite Bay Area National Park gems and now that I know and witnessed a sea lion release there, Point Reyes will forever hold a special place in my heart!

Dawn and The International Bird Rescue

During "Dawn's Day in the Wildlife" I had the pleasure of meeting Andrew Harmon, Director of Marketing and Communications of the International Bird Rescue (IBR).  I was happy to find out that the IBR has a Bay Area center in Fairfield, California so he invited my family and I for a visit, which I will write about in more depth later in this series.

Andrew Harmon, Speaking about the IBR

A few facts about the IBR:

  •  There are two centers (bird hospitals) in California: The San Francisco Bay Area and another in the Southern California.
  • The IBR saves seabirds and aquatic birds affected by man-made and natural disasters such as oil-spills and marine trash from around the world since 1971.
  • From Alaska to Argentina to South Africa, the IBR can send emergency response teams to help when disasters hit these beautiful birds.
  • In 1978, IBR founder Alice Berkner discover that Dawn worked best cutting the oil off of birds and since 1988 Dawn began its partnership with IBR.
  • The IBR has about 200 volunteers!

As an outdoor loving mom, I enjoy spending time in nature with my family and seeing wildlife in its natural habit.  I'm trying to instill the values of taking care of our earth which includes wildlife like the birds at the IBR.  Seeing the excitement of my children's faces when we saw the Pelicans at the IBR, will always remind me that it's not just a bird, there is a bigger picture that we sometimes don't see in our daily lives.

For more information on...

The Marine Mammal Center

International Bird Rescue

Dawn Saves Wildlife

I would like to thank Dawn who provided this sponsored trip.  As always these are my true and honest opinions.


Join in on the conversation by leaving a comment below!  You can also join in on the conversations on FacebookInstagram, TwitterGoogle+ YouTube and Pinterest which is updated daily with outdoor activities and wonderful from other #OutdoorFamilies.

Gear Review: Dorcy LED Headlights Spot and Broad Beam

I'll be honest, I was a little perplexed on doing a gear review on headlights since it's always difficult to take pictures at night unless you are a professional photographer, which I'm not.  In order to show my review in action, I tested out Dorcy LED Headlights both Spot and Broad Beam on a moonless night hike with my family!  Check out my video and read my review below.




Lighting is very important to this family! Why? Because I married an electrical engineer who is a lighting specialist and even though we usually don't go on many night hikes, we are camping all the time where hands-free lighting is essential.  As you also see in the video my husband is carrying our daughter as well as holding my son's hand so his hands are tied up.

Dorcy has two headlights that fit both our outdoor lighting needs!


Spot Beam ~ Photo Courtesy Dorcy.com


Run Time: 12 hours on 3 AAA Batteries (included)
Brightness: 134 Lumens, 387 Feet Beam Distance
Lighting: LED in Full and Half Power, Strobe
Weight: 2.9 ounces
Retail Price: $24.99
Switch: On top of light that can angle 
Weather Resistant




Broad Beam ~ Photo Courtesy Dorcy.com 



Run Time: 12 hours on 3 AAA batteries (included)
Brightness: 120 Lumens, 157 Feet Beam Distance
Lighting: LED in Full and Half Power, Strobe
Weight: 2.9 ounces
Retail Price: $24.99
Switch: On top of light that can angle
Weather Resistant



The Pluses!


Dorcy Spot Beam and Broad Beam:
  • Lightweight ~ We are a backpacking family so we count every ounce that goes in our packs, so at 2.9 ounces both headlights are up to our weight standards,
  • Adjustable Band ~ While most headlamps are adjustable not all adult size headlamps fit toddlers.  Both Dorcy Spot and Broad Beam headlights were able to be sized down to fit my toddlers heads, which is great because children like to test out whatever gear we have.
  • Durability ~ Both headlights are weather resistant and "toddler" resistant.  Anything used outdoors should be weather resistant, period.  As in most of my gear reviews, I let my kids "test" the headlights not only were they able to manage to function the headlights they didn't destroy the head lights. 
  • Simplicity ~ There are only THREE levels of lighting in both Spot and Broad Beam, Full Power, Half Power and Strobe.  Those three levels of lighting are the only ones that are truly needed.  I don't like fumbling at night going through multiple levels of lighting before I figure out the right one.  
  • Switch Location ~ The switch is INDEPENDENT from the light, (which can be angled).  No more searching for where the switch is or accidentally hitting the switch when trying to change the beam angle.

Dorcy Spot Beam Only:
  • Great for Physical Activity ~ I prefer the Dorcy Spot Beam Headlight while night hiking.  It was a stronger, bright light and even though it's a "beam" it had a large flooded lighted area on the trail.  My husband also tried the Spot Beam out while cycling during the early morning hours and said the Spot Beam has "more punch".
Broad Beam Only:
  • Great for Low Impact Activity ~ The best use for the Dorcy Broad Beam would be around camp.  The light is very defused but still bright enough to walk around camp especially if the light is brought down to half power.  

The Minuses
  • Size, Style and Batteries ~ Even though the headlights are very lightweight the size of the headlights seem large.  The style of the both lights seem a little "outdated" but in all reality the functionality is what matters.  We are a very "green" family and we try to use rechargeable energy sources as much as we can, so the fact that we have to use batteries bothers me a little bit, but most headlights use batteries.
  • Spot Beam Only: The beam is too harsh for around camp.
  • Broad Beam Only: Not enough lighting for outdoor physical activity.


Chasqui Mom Last Thoughts...

Overall, I'm very pleased with Dorcy LED Spot and Broad Beam Headlights and would recommend them for outdoor use.  Depending on your needs and lighting likes both headlights are useful for a large array of outdoor activity and in particular, outdoor family activity!


I would like to thank Dorcy who provided these product for the purposes of this review.  As always these are my true and honest opinions.


Join in on the conversation by leaving a comment here! You can also join in on the conversations on Chasqui Mom's FacebookInstagram and Twitter that is updated daily with outdoor activities and other wonderful posts and links from #OutdoorFamilies!

#OutdoorFamilies Enjoying Summer Time One Picture at a Time

Summer is the time when kids are free from school and parents try to be "free" from work!  Summer time reminds me of my childhood road trips to beaches, mountains and deserts.  Sadly, Summer is coming to an end (and for many it has ended already) but Hiking Along and I wanted to celebrate the great moments #OutdoorFamilies had this Summer 2014, just like the previous year summer adventures!  From Cananda to East and West Coast of the USA, outdoor families know how to have fun.


Jumping into Lake Sunapee, New Hampshire.
Photo by Jennifer Chambers of Hiking Along



The Moser Family heading up to Summit Lake in the Hoover Wilderness at 11,100 ft in the sky!
Photo by Jeff Moser of The Path Less Beaten


Enjoying the waves at Patrick Point State Park in Trinada, CA
Photo by Lindsey Stewart


Having a good time at hiking at Wilcox Pass Banff National Park


Too much sweetness in this family backpacking trip in Uintas, Utah
Photo by Alyssa Erickson of The Kid Project 


Sometimes mamas need a trip without the tots, Susan enjoying Exit Glacier at Kenai Fjord National Park in Alaska!
Photo by Susan Strayer of Mountain Mom and Tots


Splashing around in Bear Lake, Utah
Photo by Kathy Dalton of Go Adventure Mom


Crabbing while SUPing! Double the fun at Nantucket, Massachusetts
Photo by Christina McGuire of Skirting Season and Teton Family


Sister and brother enjoying the views at Moraine Lake in the Alberta Canadian Rockies!
Photo by Amber Johnson of Mile High Mama.


Which pictures above is your favorite of #OutdoorFamilies enjoying nature?

Do you have a favorite family summer snapshot of your own you would like to share? Share your picture on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and tag @HikingAlongKids, @ChasquiMom and hashtag #OutdoorFamilies on your photo.

Enjoy the few days left of Summer (if you have any left) and start planning outdoor family Fall adventures!  Head on over to Hiking Along to see some more great summer snapshots!


Related Posts and Links:
  1. Outdoor Summer Round Up

The Family of Four Hikers is Growing to FIVE!

9.5 weeks - Hiking pregnant mamá
One of the questions I get asked the most is "What age is a good time to start hiking with you children?"  My answer is always the same: "Since in the womb!"

I've been holding in a secret and I wanted to share that I've been heading outdoors with another little future hiker in my tummy for a couple of months now. We are expecting our newest little adventurer in March 2015 and are very excited to welcome our precious little gift from God.

Our #3 has already been hiking, biking and camping in the few weeks it's life.  My other two kids don't care that I'm pregnant so I don't have the luxury relax on the couch like I want to, so we are still heading outdoors for the family's sanity!!  The third time around means my abdominal muscles are non-existent so even though I'm just bloated in the picture above, it's nice to have a little bump again.  And yes I'm hiking in jeans....don't kill me, I know I broke my own rule!

But here is my precious little one's heart...




The List of Baby Questions

I know the drill about the barrage of questions people ask in my prior pregnancies so I'll answer them upfront:

Was this a planned pregnancy?
Yes, you are talking about a former accountant and an electrical engineer.

How do you feel?
Overall, I feel exhausted and terribly hungry.  Like I said earlier, my other two kids don't care I'm pregnant, so I'm lucky if I can get a 15 minute nap.  My hunger goes through the roof when we head out hiking or biking, so I need to drink and eat even more when outdoors!

Are you still going to be active in the outdoors?
ABSOLUTELY!! I'm going to continue hiking, biking, walking, running, camping as much as I can.  Of course taking in consideration my exhaustion levels and other pregnancy aches and pains.  I have to keep up my activity level up or else my "weird exercise allergy" will be worse once I'm done being pregnant.

Are you going for a natural drug-free birth?
NO. I love not feeling pain, especially down there.  I'm might be a little hippie and granola but I love modern medicine so bring on the pain relief.

Is this your last one?
Yes.

What are you looking most forward to and also not forward to?
I'm looking forward to seeing my two toddlers enjoy having a baby in the house.  I'm especially looking forward to seeing another little child enjoy the outdoors! I'm terrified of the level of not sleeping that will be going on in this house for a long time and learning how to backpack with THREE children.  I think I might want to buy llama for our backpacking adventures!

6 Weeks Pregnant - Biking with all my babies!
I'm truly excited with "Bebe numero 3" and looking forward (not really because pregnancy sucks, for me) to the next 30 weeks.  Until then, I will give thanks to God who created the majestic mountains and oceans that my family enjoys so much, as He continues forming my new little one in my womb...

For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother's womb.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made
Psalm 139:13-14

¡Mas Aventura Viene! ~ More Adventures to come!

Join in on the conversation by leaving a comment here! You can also join in on the conversations on Chasqui Mom's FacebookInstagram and Twitter that is updated daily with outdoor activities and other wonderful posts and links from #OutdoorFamilies!
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