Hoprah’s Favorite Things: The Outdoor Edition
The Camping edition: What do media mogul Oprah Winfrey and I have in common, aside from the fact that I added my H to the front of her name? We both have our favorite things! Back when Oprah had her talk show, she would do a feature on her favorite products every year. That’s where the similarities end. Oprah received most of her products for free. In the interest of fair reporting, I should say nobody gave me any products for free nor even at a discount for my unbiased review. While Oprah gave the audience these products for free, I am merely telling you where you can acquire them on your own dime. In all seriousness, I love to find a product I am passionate about and share my good finds with others! –Hope
Telescoping Roasting Sticks
These are a must with kids or if your partner insists the bonfire needs more wood! They telescope 3.75 feet so you don’t get too close to the fire. They are durable and don’t slide in accidently. They are easier to store because they shrink down smaller than standard smore sticks. I now have 2 sets!
$15.99 (set of 5) • mkitchenworld.com
Nature Smart: A Family Guide to Nature
Local author and wildlife photographer Stan Tekiela has written many wonderful nature books. As relevant today as when it was originally published in 1995, Nature Smart is an incredible reference guide. From identifying animal tracks to spotting poison ivy, this guide is easy to navigate and answers hundreds of questions about animals, bugs, plants, stars and weather. I can’t recommend it enough! $16.54 (paperback) • Barnes & Noble
Artisan Marshmallows
These gooey marshmallows are made here in Minnesota and come in four delicious flavors. There are no artificial ingredients or chemical preservatives, so they never catch on fire. Take your s’mores to the next level, and don’t forget the wet wipes! $7.99-$8.99 • northmallow.com
Yeti Tundra® Cooler
We had eight coolers laying around, and none of them were perfect for our trip. After buying the Yeti Tundra® 65, we threw away all of our old coolers. I’d never go back to another cooler—the Tundra® truly keeps food cold. Totally worth the money! $399.99 • yeti.com
Bose Outdoor Speaker
The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ is so rich and loud—what incredible sound from such a small speaker! This bluetooth speaker easily pairs with your phone, and you can enjoy up to 16 hours of play time. A water resistant speaker is a must for outdoor entertaining, so we keep ours out by the pool. I highly recommend the optional charging cradle too! $299 • bose.com
Sawyer Insect Repellent
Mosquitos love me, but I hate them! I can’t stand the smell of most mosquito repellents, and Sawyer Picaridin does not stink like most other sprays. With up to 12 hours of protection, it prevents mosquitoes, ticks and biting flies from making you their next dinner. Prices vary by size • sawyer.com
Swarovski Spotting Scope & Eyepiece
You have finally carved some time out of your busy schedule to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you are viewing a wild moose in northern Minnesota or attempting to identify
an interesting bird, this spotting scope will make the experience unforgettable. Swarovski’s optics are engineered to gather more light in low light conditions. $2,059.00 (30-70 x 95 ATX Lens) $2,689.00 (BTX Eyepiece) • swarovskioptik.com
Looking for more?
Welcome to Hope’s Corner! Here you will find topics ranging from gems and timepieces to cars and elves. Or pretty much whatever strikes my fancy! I’d love to hear your comments or suggestions.
