It's that time of year again and Jeff and I are gearing up for another round of August camping trips. Next month we're heading to the the Upper Peninsula for our annual trip with family and then it's off to the Pine River with friends for the Labor Day weekend. So here's a list of my tricks for staying 'cute' while camping. You can also check out last years list for additional tips. Enjoy!
1. GET SOME BUG REPELLANT BRACELETS
These exist and they are awesome. Over the 4th of July my mother-in-law purchased them for our nieces sitting outside watching fireworks. They completely do away with the sticky, stinky spray, which is awesome. I found adult ones at Meijer ranging in color and price listed anywhere between .99 cents and $2.99.
2. BRING HATS & HEADWEAR
Unwashed hair is not only acceptable while camping, it's pretty much expected. I suggest first and foremost: hats and other cute headwear. I recently became obsessed with my white dry-fit ball cap. I also have a couple wired headbands from Etsy that I purchased before our camping trips last year. I'll often braid my hair while camping as well, but a hat is a quick, easy and cute solution to dirty hair.
3. GO BARE SKINNED
If you can bare it, consider going without any makeup at all. No one likes that girl who's overly made up while trying to be one with mother nature. But if you have to, be sure to pack the water proof mascara assuming you'll be doing some sort of water activity: kayaking, canoeing, swimming, etc.
4. DON'T FORGET YOUR SPF
Lots of makeup these days includes SPF which is needed while spending time outdoors. If you're one of those girls who must wear makeup, be sure you're doubling up it's purpose and check your labels to see if it includes SPF. But if you're up for the no makeup challenge, don't forget your face will be even more exposed and pack a face lotion that will not only leave you feeling fresh, but protect your skin as well.
5. PAINT YOUR TOES AND NAILS
I always have my nails freshly polished before trips, camping included. You'll be barefooted or at the very least have open toed flip-flops on so having your toes polished is an easy way to feel cute.
6. PACK SWEATSHIRTS & SNUGGIES
We spend a lot of time around the campfire and sitting outside in general. Because we're usually north, it gets chilly at night and having a cute sweatshirt on hand is important. A nice zip up or hoodie is perfect, but last year I decided to include my snuggie as part of my camping pack list. It seems silly, but trust me, you'll be the envy of the campsite sitting by the fire at night.
7. PACK BABY WIPES & POWDER
Pack baby wipes for cleaning off your feet before bed or wiping off your hands from food. It's such a simple solution to not having access to running water. Also, if it ends up being a super hot weekend, baby powder helps keep you from being sticky. It's also great for sprinkling on your feet/legs after spending time in the sand - it makes the sand fall/wipe right off.
8. GO GET WAXED
Forget the razor and go get waxed before your camping trip. The last thing you want to worry about is finding access to running water so you can shave your legs and bikini line. Getting waxed saves you a ton of hassle and is well worth the cost.
9. PACK YOUR FAVORITE WATER BOTTLE
We do a lot of drinking when we camp (vodka waters for me!) and I usually pack two large water bottles to keep my cocktail cold. We talk kayaking trips and four-wheeling trips where I'll make two water bottles full to last me the entire trip. But even if you're just hanging around a camp site and even if it's just filled with actual water, having a cute water bottle that you can call your own is much better than a red solo cup. My favorite is my pink Contigo bottle. It has a latch that you can clip to things and a button that opens and closes the opening to the bottle.