Mountain Mom Finds

Honest reviews from a mom of 4 teens. Products, travel tips and local finds in Northern Colorado

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Local finds & travel tips
  • DIY Amazing Race Pit Stop Mat

    DIY Amazing Race Pit Stop Mat

    IIf you’re going to throw an Amazing Race party, you have to have a finish line. On the show, that means a pit stop with the iconic mat—and I knew our party needed one too!

    I had seen a few DIY versions online that used everything from vinyl fabric to paper, but I wanted something sturdier that could hold up through multiple teams racing to the finish. I first thought about a black tarp from Harbor Freight, but worried it might be too slippery.

    That’s when I spotted fatigue resistance floor mats and had the idea—why not just use a floor mat? Practical, safe, and reusable.

    I ended up finding an inexpensive one on Amazon, and while it isn’t quite as large as the show’s mat, it worked perfectly for our party. Each couple could easily jump onto it, and since this was for a birthday, the guest of honor could even keep it afterward to use in her garage.

    To decorate it, I grabbed some duct tape in the Amazing Race colors—red and yellow—and layered the yellow first, then the red over top, wrapping the tape underneath to secure it. For the logo, I cut it out on my Cricut Maker using Cricut permanent vinyl.

    On the actual show, pit stop mats usually have a world map in the center, but since I wasn’t looking to paint one, I decided to just stick with the logo. Honestly, it turned out great! When the racers came sprinting in and jumped onto the mat, it really added to the excitement and authenticity of the game.

    This little DIY project was totally worth it—and I’d do it again for sure.

    Step-by-Step: How to Make Your Own Amazing Race Pit Stop Mat

    1. Get Your Base Mat – I used a 17″ x28″ fatigue resistance floor mat from Amazon. It’s durable, slip-resistant, and because it’s waterproof, it was easy to decorate.
    2. Grab Duct Tape in Race Colors – Pick up red and yellow duct tape here on Amazon. Lay down the yellow first, then overlap with red so the edges wrap underneath.
    3. Cut the Logo – Use Cricut permanent vinyl with your Cricut Maker (or similar cutting machine).
    4. Find the Center – Use a ruler and a dry erase marker to mark the middle of your mat for easy alignment.
    5. Apply the Logo – Carefully place your vinyl logo in the center. Smooth it down so it adheres firmly.
    6. Optional World Map – If you’re feeling extra crafty, you could add a green world map design in the center like the real mats—but the logo alone still looks great.
    7. Finish Line Ready! – Set it out at your pit stop and let racers jump onto it for that full Amazing Race experience.

    Check out the mat here on Amazon
    Red & Yellow duct tape here on Amazon
    Cricut Vinyl here on Amazon

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    #DIYPartyIdeas #AmazingRaceParty #BirthdayPartyDIY #CricutProjects #PartyPlanning #GameNightIdeas #AmazonFinds #RaceTheme , , , , , , ,

  • How I Threw a DIY Amazing Race Party (The “Samazing Race”)

    How I Threw a DIY Amazing Race Party (The “Samazing Race”)

    I channeled my inner Phil Keoghan and hosted an Amazing Race for my bestie, Sam, to celebrate her birthday! We called it the Samazing Race 🌎—and it was a total hit. Check out my blog post and full race video!

    We had five teams (kids tagging along as the “camera crew”) race around Fort Collins to solve clues, complete tasks, and sprint to the finish line. It took about an hour and a half, and everyone had so much fun!

    To pull this off, I created several props and decorations to make the game feel authentic:

    • A custom logo
    • Classic yellow clue envelopes
    • Clue boxes at each stop
    • Contestant bags
    • Tasks for every location
    • Signs to mark the route
    • Detour, Route Info, and Roadblock folders
    • And of course—the Pit Stop finish line mat!

    Creating the Amazing Race Props

    Custom Logo

    I used ChatGPT to help brainstorm names and landed on Samazing Race.

    To design the logo, I used fonts similar to the show: Open Sans for the subtitle and Orbitron for the word “Race.” It gave everything a polished, on-theme look.

    Clues & Yellow Envelopes

    The Amazing Race is famous for its bright yellow clue envelopes. I wanted mine to feature our custom logo, so I ordered yellow envelopes and printable sticker sheets on Amazon.

    AmazingRace clue envelopes

    I designed the logo 3-up on a page, printed it with my laserjet, cut them down with a paper cutter, and centered them on each envelope. A little tip: don’t seal the envelopes until the very end—it makes organizing the clues much easier.

    Clue Boxes

    On the show, clues are presented in sleek black boxes, but I improvised with small styrofoam coolers my dad gets from medication deliveries.

    Homemade clue boxes

    With leftover red cardstock and yellow duct tape (from the Pit Stop mat), I decorated them to look official and stand out at each location.

    Contestant Bags

    Each team got a contestant bag at the start, which included:

    • A copy of the race rules
    • Color-coded notebooks (one per team)
    • Pens
    • Water bottles
    Race bags

    I used my Cricut to cut vinyl labels for the bags with team names, but I didn’t use the right kind of vinyl—so some of the letters peeled off during the day. Lesson learned: make sure to use permanent vinyl if you want your labels to last! Even so, the bags were a fun and functional touch that made each team feel official.

    Tasks & Stops

    I came up with 7 race tasks using a mix of ChatGPT brainstorming and my knowledge of Sam’s favorite things:

    1. Old Town art scavenger hunt
    2. Slyce Pizza delivery 🍕
    3. Library Park Detour – trivia vs. coloring one of Sam’s Etsy coloring sheets
    4. Torchy’s Tacos queso challenge 🌮
    5. CSU Library book hunt 📚
    6. City Park pickleball rally
    7. Final Pit Stop at Odell’s Brewery 🍷🍻

    Signs

    On the real Amazing Race, Phil often says “look for the marked route.” Since we didn’t have a full TV crew to guide racers, signs were key. I made simple signs with red cardstock, yellow duct tape, and yellow yard flags for outdoor spaces.

    Yellow and red signs

    Folders (Detour, Route Info & Roadblock)

    I designed printable folders to hold each clue and task. To save on color ink, I printed black text on colored paper—red, yellow, and blue. (I had extra yellow from a Pokémon Go party, so that worked perfectly!)

    Each folder was trimmed down to 9”x4” to fit the envelopes. I’ll share my printable files soon so you can use them for your own race!

    Amazing Race printables

    The Pit Stop Finish Line

    The Pit Stop finish line mat deserved its own post—it really made the ending feel like the real show! Check out my step-by-step guide here.

    Supplies I Used

    Final Thoughts

    The Samazing Race was such a success! Racers laughed, competed, and got really into the challenges. Best of all, Sam felt celebrated in a way that was totally her.

    If you’re planning a DIY Amazing Race party, I can’t recommend these little details enough—they really brought the whole experience to life.

    Packing envelopes
    #AmazingRace #DIYPartyIdeas #FortCollins #BirthdayPartyDIY #PartyPlanning #Pickleball #TorchysTacos #SlycePizzaCo #OdellsBrewery #AmazonFinds , , , , , , , , , ,
  • Salud Energy + Focus – My Go-To Coffee Alternative

    Salud Energy + Focus – My Go-To Coffee Alternative

    Confession time: I don’t love coffee. I wish I did, but something about the taste just doesn’t work for me (Can you say, hot dirt water??). For years, my workaround was soda—1-2. Mountain Dews a day, to be exact. It gave me the caffeine I needed but came with a bunch of stuff I didn’t want: tons of sugar, calories, food dyes (hello, Yellow #5), and carbonation that honestly just made me feel bloated.

    A while back I started looking for something better—a caffeine option that still felt like a treat, but didn’t come with all the junk. That’s when I found Salud Energy + Focus, and I haven’t looked back.

    Why I Love It:

    • It’s super convenient – I just toss a stick in my bag or keep a few in the car.
    • Mostly water – No carbonation, no fizz, just hydration with a boost.
    • 1g of sugar – Sweet but not overly so, and no weird ‘fake sugar’ aftertaste.
    • Lower calorie (5 per serving) – No excess sugar or artificial stuff.
    • Custom caffeine control – Each stick has 200mg of caffeine, but I only use half a packet at a time, which is perfect for me.

    Most mornings, I shake up half a stick in about 10oz of water, which gives me around 100mg of caffeine—about half the kick of a typical energy drink. It’s enough to help me focus and get through the morning, without the crash or the jittery feeling I used to get from soda.

    The caffeine is listed as Purcaf (from unroasted coffee beans) and Amatea and they add vitamins B6 + B12. Basically, I get the energy I want, minus the downsides.

    Favorite Flavors So Far:

    • Guava Agua Fresca (Guayaba) – light, fruity, and refreshing.
    • Dragon Fruit (Pitaya) – a little more tropical, also really good.

    If you’re looking to cut down on coffee, soda, or traditional energy drinks, I seriously recommend trying Salud. It’s been a game changer for me, and I actually feel good about drinking it. I have it on an Amazon subscription and go through a 15 serving bag about once a month (because I use half a stick/serving a day) – they run about $26 regular price, which works out to just under $1/day – way better than the cost of buying a daily coffee! (And no hassle of buying heavy cases of soda!)

    Shop Salud Energy Guava on Amazon
    Shop Salud Energy Dragonfruit on Amazon

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for supporting my blog!

    Cheers to healthier habits that still feel like a treat!

    #MountainMomFinds, #MountainMomFindsProducts, #saludenergy, #coffeealternative, #caffeinefix, #energydrinkalternative, #lowcaloriedrink, #hydrationboost, #morningroutine, #ditchthesoda, #naturalcaffeine, #focusandenergy, #guavaaguafresca, #dragonfruitdrink, #healthierswaps, #amazonfinds
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    Helpful reviews from a Colorado mom

  • A Unique, Fun Family Escape Room Alternative — Immersive Gamebox Denver

    A Unique, Fun Family Escape Room Alternative — Immersive Gamebox Denver

    We were looking for a fun family activity where we could work together as a team—something along the lines of an escape room—and we found the Immersive Gamebox in Denver. Located just off Colorado Blvd near an AMC theater and lots of restaurants, the spot was easy to find, with lots of street parking and a garage less than a block away.

    The space itself is simple, a small lobby with restrooms and lockers, and some drinks to purchase at the front desk, beyond that there’s a single hallway lined with doors, each leading to a small square room. Inside each room, projectors cast interactive images on the walls, and everyone wears a visor that tracks your movements so you can interact with the visuals. It was a cool mix of physical and digital gameplay.

    They offer a great variety of games including Angry Birds, Batman, Ghostbusters, Squid Game, Escape AI, Floor is Lava, James Bunny, and even kid-friendly titles like Paw Patrol and Temple of Coins.

    We played Floor is Lava and Squid Game. Floor is Lava was a perfect intro game—fun and active. You get to customize little characters with outfits and hats, which was a cute touch.

    I assumed there’d be projections on the floor, but all the action happens on the walls. At first, it felt a bit strange, but once you get the hang of moving your character left and right, and using your position toward or away from the wall to move up and down, it becomes intuitive.

    The gameplay is exactly what you’d expect—lots of movement, balancing on narrow paths, and actually jumping between “platforms” with increasing difficulty. It’s designed for two players at a time, which was a little awkward with our group of five, as some of us had to wait a bit longer for turns. Still, four out of five of us made it to the top of the volcano, which felt like a big win!

    Squid Game felt similar in movement but brought fresh challenges inspired by the show. We played classic games like Red Light Green Light, Tug of War, Glass Bridge, and more. Some rounds added mental challenges or required timing your moves to a beat, which kept things interesting.

    The experience was a bit pricey for all five of us, and the room did feel a little tight at times. I’d say a group of up to five would be ideal to keep things flowing smoothly without too much downtime.

    Overall, I’d definitely recommend Immersive Gamebox as a unique game night idea. It’s fun, interactive, and great for families or friends looking to try something new. I’m not sure it’s something you’d want to do over and over, but it’s definitely worth trying once!

    #ImmersiveGamebox #EscapeRoomAlternative #FamilyFun #InteractiveGames #DenverActivities #SquidGame #FloorIsLava #GameNightIdeas #FamilyAdventure #TechGames #VirtualRealityGames #KidFriendlyGames, , , ,
  • DIY Bedazzled Books – A Sparkly Craft Night

    DIY Bedazzled Books – A Sparkly Craft Night

    We’re a pretty crafty bunch at my house, and lately my daughters have become obsessed with bedazzling. Their latest project? Books! ✨

    Standing book

    One evening they hosted their very own craft-and-yap night, where everyone brought along their current favorite read and turned it into a sparkly masterpiece.

    What We Used

    Bedazzle supplies

    We gathered a few tools to make the process easy and fun:

    • Diamond Dotz pens and wax – perfect for picking up and placing the beads.

    B-7000 glue (off-brand version from Amazon) – this worked even better than expected! The bottles come with a fine needle tip for precision gluing and a needle-cap lid to keep it from drying out.

    Glue with lid
    • Bedazzling rhinestones in assorted sizes and colors – smaller beads for details, bigger beads for covering larger areas.

    The Process

    Each kid picked their favorite book (they tried to stick to a similar color scheme so we didn’t have to buy as many bead packs). To decorate, they dabbed a little glue on a section of the cover, then used the Diamond Dotz pen to place beads on top.

    Book mid decoration

    The fine-tip glue applicator worked perfectly for detailed areas like lettering, while larger beads filled in the big sections. Slowly but surely, plain covers transformed into sparkly, textured works of art.

    The Results

    By the end of the night, the books looked incredible—each one unique, colorful, and totally personalized. It was such a fun activity that combined creativity, conversation, and a whole lot of sparkle.

    If he had been with me book
    Hunger Games
    Broken Heart

    This definitely won’t be our last bedazzle-and-chat night!

    Sparkle Book

    Supplies We Used

    👉 Check them out on Amazon and get your sparkle on!

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    , , , , , , #DIYCrafts #BedazzledBooks #DiamondArt #FamilyCraftNight #CreativeKids #AmazonFinds

  • A Chill Father’s Day Adventure at the Bonsai Bar 🌿

    A Chill Father’s Day Adventure at the Bonsai Bar 🌿

    This Father’s Day, we wanted to do something a little different—something fun, hands-on, and a bit unexpected. We found the perfect way to celebrate: a Bonsai Bar Workshop at Loveland Aleworks, and it was such a cool experience!

    The workshop was all about learning the art of bonsai—pruning, potting, and designing your very own miniature tree. It was super relaxing but also a neat chance to get creative together. The instructors were great, guiding us step-by-step through the process and sharing tips to help us shape and care for our trees.

    One of the best parts was just hanging out in the cozy, welcoming space of Loveland Aleworks. We even got to order food and drinks to enjoy while we worked on our bonsai projects, which made it feel like a chill little party with a nature twist.

    If you’re looking for a unique activity (or just want a fun afternoon trying something new), I highly recommend checking out a Bonsai Bar workshop like this one. It’s hands-on, memorable, and you get to take home a beautiful, living keepsake.

    FathersDay #BonsaiWorkshop #LovelandAleworks #UniqueGiftIdeas #DIYBonsai #FatherDaughterTime #CraftingWithDad #NatureLovers #LovelandEvents #LocalWorkshops #PlantLovers , , , , , ,

  • A Golden 13th Birthday Party to Remember ✨

    A Golden 13th Birthday Party to Remember ✨

    This year was a special day for my daughter—it was her 13th birthday AND her golden birthday! To celebrate this perfect golden milestone, we threw a fun and cozy golden-themed birthday party right in our basement.

    We transformed our living space into a chill hangout and sleeping area with a touch of glam. We already had two twin mattresses from an old bunk bed and two air mattresses from our camping gear, so we laid them all out side by side. To keep the theme going, we picked up some simple gold blankets from Amazon that made the space feel warm and coordinated. For snacks, we got creative and used trays from storage bins as mini snack tables right on the beds—practical and cute!

    Now, for the sweet part—my daughter really wanted to make cake-sicles. This was our first time trying them, and I was so impressed by how easy it was with the right tools. We found some amazing cake-sicle molds and used melty candy coatings to give them a smooth, shiny finish.

    To top it all off, we scored these golden sparkly resin popsicle sticks at JoAnne’s during their going out of business sale. They were the perfect touch of sparkle and made the treats feel super special.

    For the finishing touches, we added a golden sequin dress and hand bedazzled boots for the birthday girl to wear. The balloons, gold curtain backdrop, and “Happy Birthday” balloons came from Walmart, rounding out the golden vibe perfectly.

    Overall, it was such a fun and memorable night for the birthday girl and her friends. It wasn’t about a big fancy party but more about making a cozy space full of golden touches that made her feel extra special on this milestone birthday. Her and her friends watched movies, did crafts and played games while hanging out in their cozy space.

    If you’re thinking about throwing a golden-themed party or a sleepover with friends, this setup is definitely a winner! Comfortable, cute, and a little bit sparkly—it hits all the right notes.

    Links:

    I am an Amazon Associate and may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

    #GoldenBirthday #SleepoverParty #BirthdayDecor #DIYParty #CakeSicles #GoldenTheme #KidsBirthday #CozyParty #MomLife #PartyIdeas #AmazonFinds #BirthdayTreats #TeenBirthday , , , , , ,
  • Restoring a Victorian Dollhouse Kit – Getting Started

    Restoring a Victorian Dollhouse Kit – Getting Started

    When my aunt downsized her home, we were lucky enough to inherit a beautiful Victorian dollhouse kit. It’s a full three-story house with lots of rooms, staircases, and details—basically a dream project for anyone who loves miniatures.

    Dollhouse box

    Of course, with a project like this, you need the right tools to make the process smooth (and keep your sanity). Here’s what I’ve been using so far and loving:

    Tools That Made the Difference

    Supplies

    Sanding Made Easy

    A kit like this comes with lots of little wooden pieces, and many need sanding to fit just right.

    Sander

    I picked up a sander with a handle that made the job so much easier on my hands. It also came with sheets of various grit sandpaper that attach easily—perfect for smoothing both big flat walls and smaller details.

    Filling Gaps

    As with any wood project, there are little gaps where pieces don’t meet perfectly. I’ve been using a sandable wood filler from Amazon, and it’s been a lifesaver. Once it’s dry, I can sand it flush and the surface looks seamless.

    Strong Holds

    For assembling the walls and smaller parts, I’ve been using a reliable wood glue. It’s strong, dries clear, and holds everything together beautifully.

    To keep the pieces steady while the glue sets, I’ve been using painter’s tape—a simple trick that works like clamps but is gentler on delicate pieces.

    Glued house

    Supplies I Used

    All of these have been must-haves for getting started, and they’ve made this big project feel a lot more manageable.

    👉 Check out the supplies on Amazon to get started on your own miniature restoration.

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    AmazonDollhouse

    This Victorian dollhouse is going to be a long project, but I’m already having so much fun with the process. I’ll share updates as I go—next up will be painting, flooring, and (of course) tiny furniture!

    Get a kit for yourself off Amazon!

    #DIYMiniatures #VictorianDollhouse #CraftProjects #Woodworking #AmazonFinds #DollhouseRestoration, ,

  • Sushi-Fi in Fort Collins – Worth It for the All You Can Eat Experience!

    Sushi-Fi in Fort Collins – Worth It for the All You Can Eat Experience!

    We finally checked out Sushi-Fi in Fort Collins a couple of weeks ago, and honestly, it totally lived up to the hype.

    My 15-year-old was especially excited about the “All You Can Eat” sushi concept (teenage boy + bottomless sushi = dream come true), and he went all in with the premium option. He absolutely got his money’s worth.

    My 12-year-old and I both opted for the basic tier, which was still plenty! We kicked things off with some apps—miso soup, cucumber salad, and veggie tempura—then dove into a few different rolls. I definitely ate more than I needed (story of my life at AYCE places), but it was fun to try so many things. And since kids ages 9–12 are half price, it felt like a great opportunity for my daughter to branch out and try sushi she wouldn’t normally order.

    We sat at the sushi counter, which I totally recommend. You get to see all the rolls as they go out—each one looked gorgeous and gave us ideas for what to try next. Olivia was our server and she was fantastic—super friendly, helpful with suggestions, and made sure we understood how the ordering worked.

    Yes, it was a bit of a splurge, but honestly, the price was right in line with what you’d spend at any quality sushi spot. We left full, happy, and already talking about what we’ll order next time. 🥢

    See my Google Review


    #FortCollinsEats #SushiFi #AYCESushi #FamilyDining #FoodieMom #ColoradoRestaurants #AllYouCanEatSushi #SushiLovers #WhereToEatInFortCollins #MountainMomEats    , , , , , ,

  • Quick & Cute Crocheted Wine Bottle Holders — The Perfect Crafty Gift 🎁🍷

    Quick & Cute Crocheted Wine Bottle Holders — The Perfect Crafty Gift 🎁🍷

    I’m all about homemade gifts, especially ones that are quick, cute, and useful. This year, I made crocheted wine bottle holders for my best friends, and they were such a fun project!

    I found this great crochet pattern on Etsy from CamiCrochetDesigns that was simple enough to finish in just a few days—because honestly, I can’t commit to a crochet project that drags on longer than a week. These holders are small but stylish, and the best part? Each came with a bottle of their favorite wine inside for an extra personal touch.

    This was also my first time punching holes in leather straps to add handles, and I love how they turned out! The leather handles give the holders a chic, polished look that’s perfect for carrying or gifting.

    I used t-shirt yarn from Amazon, which was my first time trying it out. I really appreciated how strong and durable this yarn is, great for holding a heavy bottle. The only tricky part was that the yarn tended to roll up and was a little hard to keep looking neat while crocheting, but it was worth it for the finished product.

    If you’re looking for a quick, handmade gift idea that feels thoughtful but doesn’t take forever, these crocheted wine bottle holders are a winner. Plus, they’re super cute and practical for anyone who loves a good bottle of wine.

    Links & Disclosure:

    I am an Amazon Associate and may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

    #CrochetGift #HomemadeChristmas #WineBottleHolder #CrochetProject #TshirtYarn #LeatherStraps #CraftyGiftIdea #QuickCrochet #DIYChristmas #AmazonFinds #EtsyPattern , , , ,