Kids Style in the Wild Part 2

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As the final installment of my Style in the Wild series I wanted to share some of these great Kids’ outdoor fashions. Just like in my 6 Tips for Style in the Wild Post I couldn’t forget the feet for my kids, so this post is all about keeping those toes protected from the elements.

Don’t forget to read Kids Style in the Wild GIVEAWAY and enter the Real Shades and Fawn and Foal Giveaway by April 13, 2016!


Farm to Feet

We love Farm to Feet who sent socks for Big E, Little G and Baby L to try out. Their Kid’s Kittery Hiker Socks have a cute stripe pattern in a variety of colors and their Park City Ski Socks are great for keeping cold toes from freezing on the slopes. Little G especially gets cold so good base layers for skiing are a must.

What’s awesome about Farm to Feet is their 100% Made in America commitment. From ingredients to manufacturing, their Merino wool is sourced right here in the US. Even the paper and ink in their packaging comes from the USA.
We got a pair for the whole family to try. The Farm to Feet Kid’s Kittery Socks smallest size was still too big for Baby L, but I didn’t mind. For once she couldn’t pull the socks off her feet – her favorite thing to do – since they went up to her knees.

Butler Boots
April showers may bring May flowers, but they also make great puddles to jump in. And for that you need a good rain boot. Butler Emperor Overboots are made from flexible material and can be worn directly over your kids own shoe. Great for picky, accessory conscious kids like my daughter. Or so I thought.

When we first got these Butler Overboots to review, Little G loved them, wearing them to preschool and showing off her colorful fashion sense. The bright colors are great for the preschool kid crowd. Like Butler says, these boots are like gumballs for your feet.

They are very waterproof, a major plus, and the included machine washable liner keeps feet warm if you don’t want to use them with their own shoes. I love the selection of bright colors, which adds happiness to every wet weather day.

Unfortunately for me and the Butler Emperor Overboot, Little G’s interest failed again. After wearing them a few times she said the boots were too heavy. Again with the offering, bribing and begging. Again with the refusing. I could not get her to wear them over her own shoes or alone.

I still think the Butler Emperor Overboot is a great kid product since it gives you the option of wearing them over the kids shoe or with the enclosed liner. Little G will just have to get wet in the next rain storm.
What about those non rainy days? When you need something quick to protect your bare feet? You could try Flopeeze.

Flopeeze gave me some of their flexible sandals to try out. The design is simple, just put your foot through the hole and hook the strap around your toes. The protective footwear is similar to a sandal, but the specially formulated rubber is squishier. They pack up small and are easy to take anywhere you go.
It all sounds good in theory, but I don’t like them. The space between my toes hurts after I wear them longer than ten minutes and the rings around my ankles felt too tight. Although the cushion is adequate, their use is still a mystery to me. I could see maybe taking Flopeeze to travel if you I needed something ultra thin to wear in a communal shower, but truthfully flip flops aren’t that much more space and you can wear them in so many more scenarios.
My kids loved the Flopeeze at first, again with the new toy syndrome, but they quickly lost interest as well. 
Thanks for reading. Make sure to check out my 6 Tips for Style in the Wild and Kids Style in the Wild GIVEAWAY Posts too!
I contacted the companies above to ask for items to review unless otherwise noted. I chose those companies because I thought their products were uniquely designed for outdoor families and relevant for you, my readers. My opinions of their products are my own. This post includes affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you purchase something by clicking through these links. 

Style in the Wild Kids GIVEAWAY

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Last week I posted 6 Tips for Having Style in the Wild as a Mom. This week it’s the tots turn! 
I have a range of fashion feelings with my kids. Big E could care less what he wears while Little G will change her outfit three times a day to find that perfect fashion combination. These pieces have the whole family covered. Plus you have a chance to win a pair of Real Kids Shades or a Fawn and Foal shirt in this GIVEAWAY!  

There is nothing so cool as kids in shades, and these sunglasses are the best I’ve tried. Real Kids Shades offers sunglasses for kids using flexible, shatter resistant materials that really stand up to kids use and abuse. 
The flexible frames are kid proof, easily bending but still bouncing back to their original shape. They’re durable and the elastic band for sizes 0-2 keeps them on baby L, even when she’d like to rip them off. I love these sunglasses. Unfortunately my kids don’t. 
When Real Kids Shades gave me these sunglasses to review, I was sure my kids would be overjoyed. At first they were, especially Little G who loves to accessorize. But after the newness wore off, my opinionated kids refused to wear them, except Baby L who didn’t have a choice. 
Even though Real Kids Shades offers 100% UVA and UVB protection, Big E decided he wouldn’t wear them. All winter long I tried to get him to wear sunglasses or ski goggles on the slopes. Sun glinting off the snow can really strain the eyes, but he wasn’t interested. And if Big brother E doesn’t want to do something you can be sure Little G will be quick to follow. I offered, bribed, may have even begged. But forcing them to wear sunglasses, even cool ones, wasn’t worth the fight.
Maybe it’s a matter of setting a better example. My own sunglasses broke a while ago – they didn’t have the same flexible frames that Real Kids Shades have – so I’ve gotten used to not having them. When I get around to replacing them for the summer, maybe Baby L and I can set the fashion standard for the whole crew. C’mon Big E and Little G. If you’re cool, you wear sunglasses! 
This summer I hope to put Real Kids Shades to work. Prices range from $14.95 to $29.95 but if you order before April 30th you get 10% off your whole order! They just launched their new line for Young Adults and You have a chance to win a pair in the giveaway below! Enter by April 13th!
  

Fawn and Foal Textiles

Someone in Utah loves Big E. I’ll give you a hint – it’s the woman who birthed him. Last summer I was introduced to Fawn and Foal Textiles at Outdoor Retailer. Walking by their trendy booth I wasn’t even going to stop because owners Juliana and Ben McLenna seemed way cooler than me. But then I saw an adorable onesie and since Baby L was strapped to me I had to stop and check it out.

I’m so glad I did! It turns out they have so much more than just baby clothes. Fawn and Foal Textiles is a small screen printing business based out of Boise, Idaho. They print state shirts made in the USA as well as cute designs related to the outdoors. Every state in the union is available in their ‘Someone in ‘your state’ Loves You’ line, with sizes for the whole family from baby onesies to adult.

Fawn and Foal sent me a shirt for Big E to try out and he loves it. The other day I took it out of the dryer and handed it to him. This is what he said:

E – Yes! This is my favorite shirt! (Pulled off his other shirt and put this one on immediately)
Me – Really? Why?
E – Because it’s so comfortable!

It’s odd to see my otherwise fashion oblivious son suddenly care about what shirt he’s wearing. But I get it. Fawn and Foal shirts are made from soft cotton, comfortable, durable and machine washable. Prices range from $18 to $26. And they’re obviously easy to move around in.

Now you have a chance to win your own! Adult and Baby sizes for Giveaway available only in grey. Enter the giveaway below before April 13th for a chance to win a shirt from Fawn and Foal. Go ahead. #BeTheSomeone.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I contacted the companies above to ask for items to review unless otherwise noted. I chose those companies because I thought their products were uniquely designed for outdoor families and relevant for you, my readers. My opinions of their products are my own. This post includes affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you purchase something by clicking through these links. 

6 Tips for Having Style in the Wild

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Camping doesn’t always make me feel beautiful. In fact it’s usually the opposite. It’s hard to feel stylish while your roughing it, smelling like campfire and miles away from a shower, but it is possible.

This post lists my top six tips for having Style in the Wild. Over the next few days I’ll be highlighting some of my favorite outwear brands for moms and tots, but it all comes back to this post. You can have fun outdoors and still feel beautiful.

1. Always pack warm clothes. Even in the middle of summer.

Last fall we took a camping trip to the High Uinta Mountains in Utah. I thought I was prepared for the cooler temperatures higher up in the mountains, but weeks of warm summer days made my body forget what cold really felt like. Spoiler alert – it sucks.

At one point this was my outfit. Pakems pink camo boots, red fleece pajama pants, a multicolored skirt, fleece sweatshirt, my 6 year old’s fleece vest and a winter hat I found under the seat in the truck. I was still freezing.

Now I plan for weather that’s 20 degrees colder and wetter than expected. I make sure to bring warm socks like these Mariposa Adventure Cross Terrain Wool Socks from Fox River or Farm To Feet’s wide array of wool sock offerings. And I won’t be caught without my new favorite sweatshirt – the Stonewear Designs Haze Hoody which I won from the Outdoor Retailer Trade show.

2. Wear jewelry.

I’m not talking about your Grandma’s pearls. But I make a point to wear a simple necklace and earrings that I wouldn’t be heartbroken over if they got lost or destroyed. Why? They help me feel pretty and are much easier to manage than makeup.

When water is a luxury and dirty hands inevitable, makeup and contact lenses aren’t worth the hassle.

At night I always clip my earrings into fabric of some sort – my pants pocket, the bottom of my shirt, even the tent mesh. It helps me find them in the morning.

3. Hats are helpful.

When I’m away from a shower for days at a time it’s not a pretty sight for my hair. Instead of bothering with brushes and shampoo on my greasy locks, I’ll just cover it with a hat. In summer it’s great because you get shade. In winter it’s great because you stay warm. Don’t be afraid to wear fun ones, you choose your own style!


4. Skirts Rock.

Some people may think skirts are just for Sunday but dresses and skirts are perfect for camping! They’re easy to throw on over leggings, shorts or swimsuits. They let others know that you care about your appearance, plus they can double as a towel or cloak for a child. I always wear shorts or leggings under my skirts.

I particularly like the new Spring line from Stonewear Designs. They sent me their Women’s Liberty Capri Tights and Cruiser Skirt to review. The skirt is made from their Mini Stripe performance fabric. It’s a stretchy material that’s great to move in. My favorite feature are the side pockets – why don’t more skirts have pockets? The fabric is super soft and comfy.

The Stonewear Designs Women’s Liberty Tights could be worn alone for yoga or running but I like them under the Cruiser Skirt. At capri length they’re a great summer choice with midweight material that’s not too hot. I love the thick waistband and hidden pocket.

5. Color is your friend. 

What I wear makes a statement about who I am. Wearing bright colors makes me smile, especially when I feel dirty from being outdoors for several days in a row or when I’m trying to have fun in cold or wet weather. For this reason I choose bright colors when I can like this red polka dot rain jacket I bought on a trip to Alaska. It rained most of the trip but my bright jacket made the bad weather a little more bearable.

Pakems packable shoes have a unique take on color. Not only do they offer great color selection for their Adult shoes (I love the pink camo), their kid’s boot comes with markers to decorate yourself!


6. Don’t forget the feet.

Keeping toes warm is a must while in the outdoors. I spent all winter snowboarding and skiing and I was so pleased to try out Farm to Feet Women’s Park City Midweight Ski Socks. Added cushion in the shin, heels and toe box kept me warm and made my ski boots more comfortable.

I also really liked their hiking socks The hexagonal weave in the heel and toes protects against excessive wear while the ridges on the top allow for ventilation. Made from Merino Wool, these socks wick away sweat while staying nice and warm.

Farm to Feet prides themselves on being 100% American Made. Their wool supply and manufacturing are all American, which is something I can definitely support. Plus their socks are beautiful and warm!

I’ve already mentioned my Pakems Pink Camo Boot but couldn’t have a section on feet and not mention them again. So often my sandals or shoes get wet or dirty with the days activities so slipping into something warm around the campfire is a must.

The tall boot has warm fleece on the inside but still pack up flat into the included carry case. The short version is great for a quick slip on. These shoes would be good for backpacking or skiing too when your feet just need a break from the clunky hiking or ski boots you’ve worn all day.

Those are my big six tips. Next time you’re adventuring in the outdoors don’t forget to feel beautiful. How clothes fit or what they look like is not nearly as important as how they make you feel. Are you comfortable? Confident? Warm? Cool? What you wear can help you feel beautiful, but really being happy does that a lot more. And you know what makes me happy? Being in the outdoors.


I contacted the companies above to ask for items to review unless otherwise noted. I chose those companies because I thought their products were uniquely designed for outdoor families and relevant for you, my readers. My opinions of their products are my own. This post includes affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you purchase something by clicking through these links. 

Battle of Wills – I Don’t WANT to Ride a Bike

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All winter long I begged, bribed and coerced my children into skiing with me. It’s not that they don’t like it. While out on the slopes both Big E and Little G have a great time – laughing, chatting, and racing down the hill. But the fight to get them to the lift is awful. You’d think I was asking them to spend two hours poking themselves in the eye. It’s skiing – fun, exhilarating, joyful.

Now that Spring is upon us and the slopes are riddled with dirt spots I’ve given up the fight and moved on to the next outdoor activity. Biking. 

I’m starting slow. Little g has a balance bike that she refused to ride all last year. I’ve taken it on our favorite local trail twice now. She refused to ride it both times. Big E is still on training wheels. I haven’t taken them off yet this season, but when I suggested he borrow a friend’s balance bike instead he locked himself in the car and refused to go on the trail with us.

Both Big E and Little G have said they don’t like feeling “wobbly” on the bike. I have attempted to explain that practice makes the wobbly feeling go away. But it seems like they don’t trust me where new sports are concerned.

I get it. Trying new things is scary, especially if there’s potential for self injury. But learning to ride a bike has the potential to add so much joy to their lives! I remember begging my parents to teach me to ride without training wheels and feeling so proud when I figured out how it all worked. I want that for my kids. Bike riding is not only fun, it’s a life skill.

Again I am faced with a dilemma. Just like with skiing, my children say they don’t like something, but I know they will have fun if they attempt it with an open mind. How much do I push it? How can I change my approach? Do I emphasize what a privilege it is to ride a bike? How lucky they are for the opportunity? Or do I accept the fact that my kids view bike riding as a chore and put it on their chore charts in the same category as Piano Practice?

One challenge of living near Sundance Mountain Resort is that middle word – Mountain. We live on a slope that would be deadly for a new bike rider, so anytime we want to practice riding we have to go somewhere flat and paved. It becomes an ordeal. Pumping up tires, loading bikes, finding helmets, driving, unloading, arguing, finally getting on the trail.

I want my kids to learn to ride, but not only that, I want them to work at something that’s tough. I want them to get up when they fall. Keep trying. Don’t quit. Have a good attitude even when it’s hard. If they can learn those lessons now, how much easier will their life be?

I don’t have a good answer for my question of how to make bike riding fun. I know I’ll try a few things.

  • Have special one-on-one bike outings with each of them. 
  • Bring Mountain Dad in for support. 
  • Talk about biking with a positive attitude. 
  • Set a family goal. 
  • Find them friends to bike with.

Maybe some of these things will help turn the tide from constant complaint to reluctant enthusiasm. Hopefully before spring ends I will hear them say something like this.

“Sure Mom, we’d love to go on a bike ride with you.” That’d be a dream come true.