Tag Archives: trees

Mommy 101

Bay Area Summer Stop: Muir Woods with Kids

Leave a comment

muir

The boys and I trekked over to Marin for a hike through Muir Woods. I had always heard about Muir Woods and the giant redwoods, but I had never actually made the trip, so I figured it would be a fun day trip to do with my boys. My sister and her 2-month old baby boy also joined us for the excursion. I didn’t do much research before our visit, I had a decent idea of where to go and what to expect…so I went with it!

muir1

Muir Woods is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and it’s known for its giant redwood trees! My boys have a thing right now where they’re trying to understand measurements and anything “100 tall” is as big as it gets, so I figured they’d get a kick out of these super tall trees…plus, we’d all get a workout in!

muir4

One of the thing I really appreciated about the main trail is that the beginning is made up of a wood boardwalk and the terrain is easy to navigate. Although it was a very sunny day, once you get inside, the trees provide lots of cover and shade and it can get a little cool, so be sure to layer. However, I loved that it was a comfortable walk with a few different choices of places to hike and 3 different bridges you could cross to tailor the length and duration of your hike.

fabl2 fabl1

I’m not a usual hiker, but I figured I’d sport my favorite Fabletics workout gear. Yes, I’m wearing a fanny pack …and yes, I’m “posing” in the woods. Both of those photos are courtesy of my 4-year old. These pants are great for just about any workout and hiking too, and equal parts fashion and function! I love the mesh panels in the back of these pants because it’s fashionable, comfortable and keeps me cool. I’ve gotten numerous compliments while out and about while wearing Fabletics and the price point is affordable too!

muir3

My guys had a great time on the trail running ahead of me and my sister…the terrain is easy enough where my sister wore her baby and I didn’t have to worry too much about my boys slipping and falling… If you’re quiet (my boys have issues with noise control), you can even hear the water running through the center of the woods.

muir2 muir5

They got a kick out of looking for sticks along the way and seeing how many “holes” they could find within the wood fence lining the groves of trees. There was also one tree that was still standing and hollowed out where they could stand inside to get a feeling for the depth and size of the trees.

muir6

All in all, it’s a great day or even half-day trip. The drive out there on Highway 1 is pretty curvy, so be sure to allow for extra time to get out there, and we’ve heard the nearby parking lots can get pretty packed. We went around 11am on a weekday and didn’t have an issue. Restrooms are located near the parking lot and also once you enter Muir Woods near the cafe. Yes, there is a cafe and gift shop there, so it’s a nice place to check out after your hike. We actually packed some lunch and found a nice bench to enjoy our food before driving home. If you haven’t checked it out, make sure to put this one on your list of things to do with the kids!

 

 

Mommy 101

Steam Train at Tilden Park

Leave a comment

 

train4

On a Sunday afternoon whim, I decided to venture out with my boys the short distance from where we live to Tilden Park. Isaiah had been asking me for the past several weeks to go on a train ride, and while he would’ve settled for a BART outing, I wanted something a little more fit for my little man! I had heard about the steam train rides through the park, we had visited the adjacent Little Farm last year, and on this day, we finally made the trek out to Tilden. And, before you go, always be sure to check the steam train website aka Redwood Valley Railway.

The single ride tickets were just $3 each, so it wasn’t going to break the bank and it’s super safe, even for the little ones, so that made it more enjoyable for me. The ride was about 15 minutes through the tall trees of the park, there were some fun turns and a couple passes through the tunnel too which were perfect because Isaiah was wearing his glow in the dark shirt, so he got a kick out of seeing it “light up” when it got dark in the tunnel.

train5 train2
Anyhow, we must’ve timed it just right because after out steam train ride, we walked down to where they had the Golden Gate Miniature Railroad and we hopped on one of the last trips of the day! This was a no cost ride, but they happily accept donations. I believe it is run by retired train enthusiasts who are all too happy to share their hobby with the public.

train3

Since our two train rides didn’t take up much time, we decided to venture over to the Merry-Go-Round. This is not something you can walk to, it’s a little more than a mile away from where the trains are…so we got back in the car and made our way over. It’s an old-school antique carousel with beautiful, carved wooden animals for the kids (and adults) to ride. They also have a snack bar there and seating where you can sit back and relax. Rides on the carousel are $2 a pop.

All in all, I’m so glad we made it an afternoon adventure at Tilden Park. We had a great time and it was the perfect place, activities and day to burn off some Sunday Funday energy.

Food

Christmas Tree Cupcakes!

7 Comments

tree

I decorated these fun Christmas Tree cupcakes on the show – courtesy of Twisted Sisters Cupcakes, and I thought it was such a simple, but yet very cute idea and easy to do. All you need are the cupcake, sugar (ice cream) cones, green icing, white frosting and powdered sugar, sprinkles, mini M&Ms, etc… whatever you want to decorate with on your tree. A small piece of fondant can also be used to cut and add a star as a tree topper!

tree3

First, bake and cool the cupcakes. Then you take your cupcake and cover with white frosting, and sprinkle some powdered sugar on top of the top for a “snow” effect. Then lightly use a butter knife to cover the outside of the cone to be “green.” After that you want to fill the pastry bag (can use ziploc bag) and slowly squeeze out small amount to create the “leaves” on the tree.

When finished, you can sprinkle with powdered sugar to give the tree a dusting of snow, or use sprinkles, mini M&M’s or other small candy to decorate you tree. Then place the tree on the cupcake and there you go! These could make cute centerpieces or edible decor on a table or just be a fun kids holiday craft idea! Enjoy!

Here’s video of the TV segment I did…