6 Tips for Having Style in the Wild

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

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.

Perfect Picnic GIVEAWAY – Food and Drink

Only 1 more day to enter! Giveaway ends March 29th!

The third and final day of our Perfect Picnic GIVEAWAYS. Don’t forget to post about your outdoor eating adventures on instagram, twitter and the Mountain Mom and Tots Facebook Page. Tag @mountainmomtots in a photo of your perfect picnic so we can share the outdoor dining love.

Today we’re talking food and liquids. I consider myself a connoisseur of water bottles. From twist tops to pour spouts I’ve tried just about every bottle combination and it’s given me a strong favorite. But before I get to it, let’s talk about the youngest in the family.

Bubi Bottles

These bottles you need to feel to believe. Made from squeezable silicone, the squish up small for portable storage. Seriously so squeezable.

But when I first tried out this sample Bubi Bottle gave me, I did not like it at all. Squeezable or not, it was hard to screw on the nipple since the material of the bottle is so squishy. The built in hard plastic retainer helps with this but it seemed like I was constantly missing the threads and leaking all over my baby. Plus Baby L wouldn’t use it for months.

Now that Baby L is older, however, she has mastered the Bubi Bottle and I like it much better. I think the squeeze top attachment would be more useful than the baby nipple since that’s what you want to do with it anyway. But Baby L seems to like it. Maybe it feels like the real thing.

Polar Bottles

This sample pack of water bottles was given to me at the Outdoor Retailer trade show last summer. The innovative design of the Polar Bottle 22 oz Ergo’s half twist spout is hard to see in the photo, but it just requires a half turn to open and the flow is regulated by turning the top more or less. I’m not a huge fan of the crinkly paper look, but that’s what gives these BPA and Phalate Free plastic water bottles their insulation.

I like the ease of pouring. It helps me fill up the kids water bottles without having to share germs. I don’t like the squareish shape because it tapers too wide to fit in my backpack’s side pocket.

It’s cool, except that it’s not very obvious when the top is twisted making it prone to leaking in my house. Also, the Polar bear icon the polar bottle has a tiny head. I don’t know why this bothers me so much, but it really does.

The traditional sports top on Little G’s 12 oz Polar Bottle Kidsworks great. It has become her favorite.

AVEX Sport

My favorite water bottle I’ve tried is the AVEX Sport FreeFlow . It’s the pink one in the photo above. With a simple push button pour system it makes it easy to use for all ages. I can refill the kids waters from my larger bottle or if I forgot to bring theirs they can drink easily from mine, even the baby. The amount of water released is controlled by the pressure placed on the push button.

I liked it so much I included it on my great giftable gear post from 2014. And now the redesigned AVEX Stainless Steel FreeFlow is the next generation. I contacted Avex to ask for a prize for one lucky winner!

Now to the food! A Perfect Picnic wouldn’t be complete without tasty snacks.

Wacky Apple
Two years ago we did a review for Wacky Apple, a company that knows its way around an orchard. My kids loved their flat fruits and flavored applesauces so I knew immediately who to ask for a Perfect Picnic Giveaway Pack.

Enter the giveaway below before March 29, 2016 to win! And don’t forget to enter Day One and Day Two of Perfect Picnic Giveaway Week!

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This post includes affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you purchase something by clicking through these links.

Perfect Picnic GIVEAWAY – Keeping it Hot and Cold

Welcome to Day two of the Perfect Picnic series. Today we’re talking about keeping things hot and cold. Remember to share your photos of perfect picnics (or attempts at perfect picnics) on instagram, twitter and the Mountain Mom and Tots Facebook Page. Tag @mountainmomtots in a photo of your perfect picnic so we can share the outdoor dining love.

I asked Big E what he would pack on the perfect picnic. Here’s his list:

  • Cotton Candy
  • Baked Potatoes
  • Nachos
  • Blueberry Juice (I’m not even sure what this is)
  • Chocolate Milk
I don’t think I could do Nachos without a heat source of some kind but I’m pretty sure these insulated food containers could help with the potatoes and blueberry juice – just not at the same time.

Fifty/Fifty
This water bottle company is branching out to offer Double Wall Vacuum-Insulated food storage containers and they gave me a 25 oz one to try out. It’s been a life changer. With Big E allergic to wheat, eggs and nuts I’m always looking for nontraditional food options that work for picnics and school lunches.

Having a Fifty/Fifty food storage container that actually keeps hot food hot has opened a world of possibilities. Soup, stew, stir fry, even baked potatoes. Now Big E can actually enjoy a warm meal at lunch time instead of having homemade lunchables every day of his life. And the steam release button is pretty cool, so the lid never gets stuck by steam pressure. I love that warm food stays warm. Such a novel thought.

The Fifty/Fifty 25 oz food container is a good size for two servings of food. It’s a little big for just Big E’s lunch, but even with being half full the Double Wall Vacuum Insulation works awesome. Plus it’s essential for the perfect picnic food. Ice cream! 

I chose this company as one of my top ten picks from this year’s winter Outdoor Retailer trade show. This stainless steel insulated bottle company is in the business of keeping hot drinks hot. Liquid Hardware’s owner Steve Kitto graciously gave me a 25 oz Outrigger bottle to review. The magnet in the lid attaches to the top of the bottle making it a one handed system that’s really cool. Not only that, the lid floats so if you put it in still water you have an automatic compass! Pretty sweet survival feature.
Plus I heard Liquid Hardware is coming out with a new cafe lid feature in the next few months. Keep an eye out!

Timolino
My favorite insulated containers were these beauties I requested from Timolino. The Timolino Biner Vacuum Mug has a built in carabiner lid which was pretty useful to clip instantly to a purse, bag or stroller. When I put ice cold lemonade in the Timolino Biner Vacuum Mug the ice was still intact seven hours later! And the no slip base is nice to prevent spills. I just wish the biner clip were a smidge thinner, it didn’t quite fit on my backpack’s thick handle strap.

The larger Alpine Vacuum Bottleis great for a family outing. With a 40 or 50 oz version, two cups, attachable strap, popup handle and a pour through spout it seems perfectly designed for hot cocoa on the go. The wide mouth is great for ice cubes too so any drink you plan to share would go great in the Timolino Alpine Vacuum Bottle.

Little g also loved her 20 oz Icon Vacuum Bottlewith the one touch, one hand pouring. The strap was great for her to carry herself and it’s currently on sale on the Timolino website. I love the fun colors, but if you’re not interested in baby pink or powder blue there’s also a sleek stainless steel option.

Now it’s time for the giveaway. One lucky winner will receive their own 12 oz Aqua Blue Biner Vacuum Mug from Timolino! And don’t forget to enter day one of the Perfect Picnic giveaway series here.

One lucky winner will win. You have until March 29, 2016 to enter. And don’t forget to check out Day One and Day Three of Perfect Picnic Giveaway Week!

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This post includes affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you purchase something by clicking through these links.