Mermaid Spotted In FL - Sun Tail Mermaid Tail And Monofin Review #usfg

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Gwyn showing off her tail on the beach. She was quite the attraction.

Sun Tail Mermaid is yet another amazing product that thanks KickStarter.com was able to expand their kid-sized monofins and mermaid tails. on March 2015 Sun Tail Mermaid launched a campaign on Kickstarter to expand their product line to include premium realistic mermaid tails and monofins for teens and adults. Within one month they were fully funded thanks to 78 generous backers and now offer a large selection of monofins, mermaid tails, swimsuits and shark fins. Sun Tail Mermaid is a multi-family owned and operated business based in Alaska but they are spread all over the seven seas.

Not only are Sun Tail Mermaids dreams coming true, but my daughters is as well. What child (or adult for that matter) hasn't fantasized about being a mermaid.

A moms review:
Christmas arrived a little early for my daughter and just in time for our trip to FL. Let me give a quick little back story so you understand just how special this early Christmas gift was for my daughter.

As you may have noticed I haven't been blogging much this past year. If you follow me elsewhere on social media then you know that I have been struggling with some very horrible health issues. Last November I had major foot surgery and well this November I had major cervical and skull surgery. The only surgeon I could find that would do the much needed surgery on my neck to rid me of my chronic migraines and neck pain was in FL however and he didn't take insurance. So we spent a year fundraising and selling lots of stuff (including pets) to get the funds we needed. This meant that we had no family vacation this year, no frivolous spending, and it meant that the kids most likely wouldn't be getting many (if any) Christmas gifts. Well surgery did happen and we are still in FL, so I guess our vacation did happen after all (at least for the kids) since we got to spend 3 weeks in a condo with a pool and bay beach out our back door. And Christmas came a little early for one of the kids thanks to Sun Tail Mermaid and US Family Guide blogger offers.

It took me a good 1/2 hour to choose the perfect tail for  Gwyn. There were so many beautiful options. I ended up choosing the Seven Seas Mermaid Tail + Monofin Set which is rainbow. I had just dyed her hair rainbow so it matched perfectly. Since we were heading down to FL within the week of me ordering I emailed the company and explained our situation to see if they thought it would arrive in time before we left or if I needed to change the shipping to the FL condo. They assured me it would arrived very quickly and before we left...and it did. Talk about great customer service. The tail arrived in a large brown box with no markings so the kids had no idea what was inside. I opened the box in secrecy to check out the tail, and well couldn't resist trying it on. I was unsure about the size, but thanks to several reviews I decided on the JS so it would fit her next summer too. She is 11 yrs old but just about my size in the weight department (107 lbs) and just a little shorter (5 ft roughly). She already wears my clothes...not sure how that happened! Because the material is 4 way stretch a Kids XL would have probably fit her as well. The tail fit me perfectly as well and I am closer to 6 ft and 130 lbs. I immediately wrapped the box and placed it by the door to be loaded into the car. The wrapped package drove the kids crazy especially since they weren't expecting anything this year and it was killing them as to why it was going with us to FL when Christmas was still a month away.

We didn't give her the gift right away since they were going to a friends while I had my surgery and we didn't want her bummed out that she couldn't use the tail right away so we waited until the kids got home. We gave Gwyn the present and explained it was an early gift and that we were giving it to her now because it was something she would be able to use while we were in FL. She unwrapped the present and I am pretty sure everyone within a 1 mile radius heard the squeal.

 
As recommended on the Sun Tail Mermaid paperwork she first practiced with just the monofin. I couldn't believe how well she did and how natural she was with the monofin. She said the monofin is very comfortable, easy to get on and easy to use. The unique thing about these monofins is that they are made with neoprene and one size fits all (2 sizes available Keiki for kids and Nunui for adults/teens), thanks to adjustable velcro straps. Many of the other monofins on the market are plastic, breakable, difficult to adjust and uncomfortable. They also come in a wide selection of colors so that you can match your mermaid tail. The monofin will be something she will have for years to come.

After she mastered swimming with the monofin she added the tail. The tail has an opening in the bottom making it easy to just slide the monofin into the tail. The set also came with monofin protector tips (removable when not using the tail) and mer-shield tape to help protect and repair the tail as needed. The tail is made of high quality swimsuit fabric which is 80/20% nylon/spandex material with 4 way stretch. They do quality control testing on all batches of fabric to ensure the best color fastness and durability for your tails. The laser printed scales on the tails make them look 3d and very realistic. Sun Tail Mermaid indicates the tails are made to last a season however with proper care (which may be easier for older kids and adults) I think these tails could withstand a couple seasons. Gwyn as taken great care of her tail so far making sure to not drag it on the ground and hanging it up properly to dry. The tail could also be used for swimming without a monofin and since the bottom is open making it easy to walk in, you could also use it for dress-up or a costume.

As we imagined she has had a great time with her tail and monofin and has become quite the mermaid. She is definitely going to be bummed when we leave FL, since she will have to wait until the Spring to use it again. The condo we are staying in has a lot of "older" folks visiting and they all been quite impressed and enamored. One evening we walked down to the beach for a mermaid photo shoot and she became quite the attraction...it isn't everyday that a mermaid washes up on Boca Ciega Bay after all. Several people ended up asking to take photos of her with her tail to show their grand-kids. 

My daughter gives the Sun Tail Mermaid tale 10 stars! She has wanted a mermaid tail since she was about 6 yrs old, but in all honesty they always worried me because I am quite the stickler for water safety. But she is such an excellent swimmer now and to make sure my kids had some resemblance of Christmas I caved and I am glad I did. She has had no issues with swimming with the tail...but of course adult supervision is always required when near the water.  Some tails I have seen on the market make it difficult to stand up if need be but the Sun Tail Mermaid tail and monofin are easy to stand up in which made me feel a little at ease. She is already trying to convince me she needs a second one and a swimsuit top to match. She read inside her packaging that Sun Tail Mermaid has a photo contest....thus the reason for our beach photo shoot.

Links to follow:

-Sun Tail Mermaid Facebook
-Sun Tail Mermaid Twitter

Where to buy:

Want a mermaid tail or a shark fin of your own? My readers can save this holiday season. Take 10% off your order at Sun Tail Mermaid by using code BestGiftEver at checkout!

Must Have Gift - Calling All Mermaids and Sharks

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure Page for details.

Do you have a child that is more fish than human? Are you looking for the perfect gift for your mermaid or shark? Then you must check out the fun products at Sun Tail Mermaid.

Make your little girls dream come true! Sun Tail Mermaid has created the world's best swimmable mermaid tails and mermaid flippers. Their mermaid tails are soft, comfortable, and come in a wide variety of designs and colors. They are made of high quality swimsuit fabric with 4-way stretch.

Sun Tail Mermaid's monofins are extremely comfortable and virtually unbreakable. Their patented monofin is several steps ahead of everyone else in engineering, durability, comfort, and functionality. The propulsion and control is exceptional. The monofins come in a wide range of beautiful colors, so you can match your mermaid tails or look amazing wearing it alone.

10% discount - Receive a 10% discount on your order at www.SunTailMermaid.com by using coupon code: BestGiftEver

Trees Atlanta - Growing Atlanta One Seed At A Time

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Homeschool group helping to weed one of the hills on the BeltLine.

In the heart of Decatur there is a tree house! This tree house is not your ordinary tree house though and belongs to a very unique organization. It is a place that we think is very special, and one which we think deserves some attention.  So let me cultivate some awareness about the organization that owns this tree house. They are called Trees Atlanta and they are not only helping to protect and improve Atlanta's flourishing urban forests, but are also helping to grow family fun!

Did you know that Atlanta is known as the city in the forest? Or that the tree canopy in Atlanta covers almost half of the city, 47.9%  percent to be exact? Atlanta has the country’s densest urban tree canopy. But keeping this canopy is no small feat however, since Atlanta is still expanding and new buildings are popping up everyday. Trees Atlanta is one of the many organizations in Atlanta that helps protect and improve Atlanta's urban forest by planting, conserving, and educating. Trees Atlanta is a nationally-recognized non-profit citizens’ group founded in 1985. They serve the Metro Atlanta area and focus primarily on those communities within the City’s outerbelt.

You may be aware of the Atlanta BeltLine, but did you know that Trees Atlanta is one of the organizations that keeps many sections of the BeltLine pristine? Trees Atlanta offers free Atlanta Beltline Arboretum Tours for the entire family. These 1 mile tours which are led by expertly trained Trees Atlanta docents will educate attendees on the design and history of the Atlanta BeltLine, the horticultural collections of the Arboretum, and the positive changes the project is having on Atlanta communities. Have your cell phone handy, so that you can interact with the If Trees Could Sing installations and hear some of your favorite musicians talk about their favorite trees.

Ms. Sabrina teaching about leaves. 

But that’s not all. Trees Atlanta has a variety of youth education programs. If you have a scout be sure to check out the 2 hr programs that helps scouts earn their nature focused badges. If you have a child in grades K-6th make sure you sign them up for the Acorn Club. The cost is $10 per year. Acorn Club is an environmental stewardship program for children who are eager to learn more about our urban forest. Little ones will love the weekly Thirsty Roots Reading Club where they will  learn about the outdoors through nature-themed book readings and hands-on arts & craft projects. If you are looking for a summer program Trees Atlanta has Junior TreeKeeper Camps June-July. They also offer BreakAway camps and Spring Break camps. During camps Junior TreeKeepers will experience a new adventure everyday! They will explore the outdoors with hands-on activities in environmental science, biking the Atlanta BeltLine, field trips to local attractions and more fun! Trees Atlanta also has programs for homeschoolers and public schools. Our family has attended many homeschool days and my children really enjoy their time with Ms. Sabrina the Youth Education Coordinator for Trees Atlanta. We asked Ms. Sabrina what she loves most about working for Trees Atlanta and she said, "utilizing the Atlanta BeltLine arboretum. It's cool because most kids (or people) don't know that the trees planted  on it are an arboretum and are planted intentionally with respect to the toughness of the species and neighborhood history." Before you hit the BeltLine with your children be sure to also pick up the BeltLine Clue Town booklet which is an educational scavenger hunt. 

Collecting leaves and pointing out trees.

One of our family’s favorite things to do together is service projects. We volunteer at nursing homes, volunteer at Save the Horses, put together shoeboxes filled with gifts for Operation Christmas Child, donate to Operation Homefront, and volunteer with Trees Atlanta. Trees Atlanta has a variety of ways to volunteer and even children can get involved. Last Summer I took several classes at Trees Atlanta to become a TreeKeeper. So if your family is looking for a way to dig in to help our beautiful city and make some fun summer memories check out all the volunteer opportunities that are available. 

If you haven’t been to the Trees Atlanta Treehouse or Arboretum on the Atlanta BeltLine be sure to check them out soon. As you can see this hidden gem offers something for everyone! And if you see us at Trees Atlanta Tree House or on the BeltLine be sure to say hello!

11 Hot Travel Retailers on Groupon Coupon

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure Page for details. 

I am sure you are all well aware of Groupon, but did you know that Groupon also offers coupons? This was NEW news to me and I just spent about 20 minutes browsing the list of retailers and deals! Groupon has over 9,000 retailers and over 70,000 deals! That is money just waiting to be saved in your pocket.

I decided I needed to highlight some of these amazing deals for you. With back to school right around the corner I know many of you are looking for some last minute travel deals and ideas. So I rounded up all the great Groupon travel related deals for you.

1. Hotwire - right now there are 38 amazing coupon offers for Hotwire. Including flights, hotels and car rentals.
2. Orbitz - right now there are 32 deals on Orbitz including flights for just $97.
3. Travelocity - Travelocity has 41 deals currently, how does 40% off a hotel sound?
4. Biltmore - if the Biltmore is in your Summer plans check out the great $10 off coupon deal.
5. Ticketmaster - perhaps some concerts are in your near future? How does a 2 for 1 deal sound to you?
6. Expedia - Expedia has a whopping 51 coupons available. 
7. Extended Stay America - if you need to plan an extended trip then you will love the coupons 20% - 40% coupons available for Extended Stay America.
8. Sea World Parks - perhaps Orlando is on your list for a splashing good time. Then head over to check out the 53 coupon deals for Sea World Parks.  
9. Booking.com - right now there are 58 ways to save at Booking.com.
10. City Pass - if you are hitting a big city like New York or Atlanta then be sure to get a City Pass to get the most bang for your buck. Plus you can save even more by visiting Groupon Coupon first. 
11. Zipcar - if you are not interested in driving to your destination then Zipcar has over 15 coupon offers for you to choose from. 

These are just a few of the many retailers on Groupon. Other companies that might interest you include Amazon, Target , Macy’s, Walmart, Walgreens, and Aeropostale. No matter what your shopping need may be, Groupon has a deal for you!  

Urban Adventure Quest Discount

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Our family loves a good adventure and anything that resembles a scavenger hunt. We geocache, do local clue town booklets, discover painted rocks, go picking, dig for rocks and gems, go fossil hunting etc. Not only are we spending time as a family while out on these fun filled adventures but we are most certainly learning as well.

Well I recently learned about a new scavenger hunt adventure where you can turn Atlanta into a giant game board. Urban Adventure Quest combines the excitement of the Amazing Race with a three-hour city tour. Guided from any smart phone, teams make their way among well known and overlooked gems of the city, solving clues and completing challenges while learning local history. You can play anytime during daylight hours. Start when you want and play at your pace. Doesn't that sound like great family fun?

Right now you can save 20% - Only $39.20 for a team of 2-5 people after Promotion Code: FGBLOG. Sign up online at www.UrbanAdventureQuest.com.

*Review coming soon.