Camping With Princess Magic Blanket Clarification
My sweetie and I finally made it to the mountains for our first camping trip of 2009....the weekend of July 4! Wow, what a late start to the camping season. But I'm not too discouraged by the date on the calendar because we did take a few day trips earlier in the year for some dirtbiking!
As we were camping this past weekend I thought about my post ages ago about the must have "magic blanket". I couldn't imagine my fellow princesses on a camping trip without making it clear that although any blanket will do, I would strongly recommend that it be a nice thick one!
My magic blanket of choice is an 85% acrylic 15% polyester blend. Not sure how safe it is around the campfire...but I've been camping and snuggling up next to the fire for several years without incident. There are a few holes in the blanket from ash burns, but that adds character to the "magic".
You may also want to consider a nice tall and wide blanket. Mine is a bit too narrow. I'm constantly struggling to keep it wrapped around me. You see, I stand up and hold the blanket up on the tall side behind my back. So the narrow side is what wraps around me. And why do I do that???
I wrap the blanket around me so that the tall side covers every inch of my backside from the top of my shoulders to the very tips of my toes (I sometimes even have my feet resting on it). I don't want bit of cold air hitting me from the back and I want all the hot air from the fire trapped against me.
Camping with Princess Towel Tips
What got me to thinking about the blanket in the first place was my new favorite camp "must have" - my see-through thin towel. Ok, it's not quite see-through, but it's one of those very thin beach towels I got at an amusement park years ago just outside a log ride.
You see, one thing this princess hates about camping is greasy head! I can handle bed head and hair straighter than a pencil. I can go the entire weekend without makeup and perfume (oh, wait...I don't wear those things anyway). But one thing I can't stand is greasy head. Even if I'm not looking at me, I don't want others looking at me with greasy hair.
This past weekend, rain was forecast (and did in fact come) and I wanted a towel along in case I got drenched. And because I wanted to wash my hair! Hey, we were gone for three days! =)
I didn't want to pack a big bulky towel (even though we were car camping and there was plenty of room). I was going to take a small hand towel, but my prince thought that a bit too small to accomplish anything. So taking his advice, I settled on the thinnest big beach towel I had.
Though rarely used, it is thin by design. Which worked out swimmingly. I was able to dry my hair with it after I washed my hair on Saturday. And I hung it to dry, which wouldn't have taken very long....had I not left it out in the rain that afternoon! =)
The towel became a great tool for wiping down gear as we packed to leave on Sunday.
Throughout the trip I was pleasantly contented with my "princess" tools. The thick magic blanket and thin beach towel are now my two favorite and trusty must haves. Give 'em a try. And you'll be shaking your head in agreement.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Your "Princess and the Pea"
Do you remember the story of the Princess and the Pea; the fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson where the princess has a terrible night’s sleep due to one tiny pea under her huge stack of mattresses? When it comes to camping, your princess is not unlike the one in the fairy tale. You see, no matter how many sleeping pads you give her, the cold, hard, lumpy ground will keep her up all night.
Consider your options.
One: traditional sleeping pad (or multiple pads). This seems like a viable solution since you have a few sleeping pads laying around. And for your more adventurous princess, this may be fine. But for your average to very high maintenance princess this simply won’t due. See options two and three for more appealing solutions.
Two: Air Mattress. Let’s face it, this is camping at it’s finest. Air mattresses contour to the body the best which means princess will be comfortable sleeping on her back, front or side. Also, the 6” to 8” of rise removes any chance that princess will feel the hard, lumpy ground beneath. This is an affordable option not without a few limitations.
Consider the following. First, because it is filled with air, sleeping on top of the mattress can be quite cold. Always put a blanket between your princesses sleeping bag and the air mattress. Second, air mattresses are easily punctured. Therefore diligently clear debris from under the tent and put a couple layers of tarp between the air mattress and the ground. Third, because it is filled with air, princess will feel every toss and turn you make if you share a queen sized mattress. Don’t be surprised when she asks for her own mattress!
Three: Cot and foam pad(s). Though expensive and bulky princess may find this the most appealing option. First, the cot, bought from a camping supply store, provides a level, lump-free sleeping surface, gives princess someplace to sit and frees up valuable floor space allowing her to stow clothes and gear beneath. Second, the open celled foam pad(s), purchased from a sofa manufacturer, provides the most dependable cushioned comfort. Princess will most likely request a stack of two or three.
So, how do you decide which sleeping accommodations to invest in? If princess is unsure about the whole camping thing, start with the air mattress. It’s by far the most comfortable. Then, right about the time the air mattress gets a hole in it, princess will be a camping convert and it will be time to invest in a cot and foam pads. Sweet dreams!
Consider your options.
One: traditional sleeping pad (or multiple pads). This seems like a viable solution since you have a few sleeping pads laying around. And for your more adventurous princess, this may be fine. But for your average to very high maintenance princess this simply won’t due. See options two and three for more appealing solutions.
Two: Air Mattress. Let’s face it, this is camping at it’s finest. Air mattresses contour to the body the best which means princess will be comfortable sleeping on her back, front or side. Also, the 6” to 8” of rise removes any chance that princess will feel the hard, lumpy ground beneath. This is an affordable option not without a few limitations.
Consider the following. First, because it is filled with air, sleeping on top of the mattress can be quite cold. Always put a blanket between your princesses sleeping bag and the air mattress. Second, air mattresses are easily punctured. Therefore diligently clear debris from under the tent and put a couple layers of tarp between the air mattress and the ground. Third, because it is filled with air, princess will feel every toss and turn you make if you share a queen sized mattress. Don’t be surprised when she asks for her own mattress!
Three: Cot and foam pad(s). Though expensive and bulky princess may find this the most appealing option. First, the cot, bought from a camping supply store, provides a level, lump-free sleeping surface, gives princess someplace to sit and frees up valuable floor space allowing her to stow clothes and gear beneath. Second, the open celled foam pad(s), purchased from a sofa manufacturer, provides the most dependable cushioned comfort. Princess will most likely request a stack of two or three.
So, how do you decide which sleeping accommodations to invest in? If princess is unsure about the whole camping thing, start with the air mattress. It’s by far the most comfortable. Then, right about the time the air mattress gets a hole in it, princess will be a camping convert and it will be time to invest in a cot and foam pads. Sweet dreams!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
The Magic Blanket
One of the most essential items princess needs when camping is her magic blanket. This little piece of heaven will keep princess comfy, warm and happy. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Mine is a simple acrylic/polyester blend snuggle blanket my grandmother bought me 20 years ago. Here’s why it’s so important.
First, this blanket will keep your princess warm and comfortable while sleeping. Folded in half and placed under her sleeping bag this blanket acts as an insulator, keeping the cold air/ground at bay and providing extra cushion (this is in addition to her air mattress or foam pad/cot – more about that later).
Second, although the campfire is warm, it leaves one’s backside feeling cold….and that’s not acceptable for princess. By draping the magic blanket across her camping chair you create a natural barrier. It traps the warm air at her feet and keeps the cold air out.
Third, though her sleeping bag is rated 15°, princess is still cold at night. Here’s where a second magic blanket comes in handy. I recommend a fleece sleeping bag liner. Wrap it around the sleeping bag or tuck it inside. Either way she’ll be toasty warm.
Fourth, Princess will melt in your arms when you create a little love nest with the magic blanket. Clear some floor space in your tent and spread out the blanket on top of your sleeping bags. Princess loves a little romance.
When princess joins you on your next camping bringing along a magic blanket or two. She’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness.
First, this blanket will keep your princess warm and comfortable while sleeping. Folded in half and placed under her sleeping bag this blanket acts as an insulator, keeping the cold air/ground at bay and providing extra cushion (this is in addition to her air mattress or foam pad/cot – more about that later).
Second, although the campfire is warm, it leaves one’s backside feeling cold….and that’s not acceptable for princess. By draping the magic blanket across her camping chair you create a natural barrier. It traps the warm air at her feet and keeps the cold air out.
Third, though her sleeping bag is rated 15°, princess is still cold at night. Here’s where a second magic blanket comes in handy. I recommend a fleece sleeping bag liner. Wrap it around the sleeping bag or tuck it inside. Either way she’ll be toasty warm.
Fourth, Princess will melt in your arms when you create a little love nest with the magic blanket. Clear some floor space in your tent and spread out the blanket on top of your sleeping bags. Princess loves a little romance.
When princess joins you on your next camping bringing along a magic blanket or two. She’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
The "Princess Factor"
Why is it that so many women are hesitant to join their husbands and guy friends camping? I believe it has something to do with the “princess factor”.
I submit to you that every woman, whether she’s Barbie®, GI Jane or someone in between, has a princess inside her. One who loves her modern day conveniences and one who loves to be pampered…treated like royalty.
But not all princesses are created equal. The amount of pampering needed will vary from princess to princess. For instance, one princess may desire the comforts of a warm shower, a private latrine and an air mattress to sleep on, while another may simply request someone else do all the cooking.
To ensure that your princess has a good time camping, talk to her about her fears, her objections and her needs. And, because of her lack of experience, you will need to think about them, too. Does she get cold easily? Bring warm clothes and blankets. Does she hate getting dirty? Bring lots of wet wipes and antibacterial hand cream. Does she use lots of toilet paper at home? Bring plenty of tissue to the wilderness.
Think through each day. What do you plan to do and what gear will you need? Then ask yourself, "will princess need any special gear to make this enjoyable for her?"
Your extra attention to detail and thoughtfulness will help her have the time of her life. And after all, isn't that the point?
I submit to you that every woman, whether she’s Barbie®, GI Jane or someone in between, has a princess inside her. One who loves her modern day conveniences and one who loves to be pampered…treated like royalty.
But not all princesses are created equal. The amount of pampering needed will vary from princess to princess. For instance, one princess may desire the comforts of a warm shower, a private latrine and an air mattress to sleep on, while another may simply request someone else do all the cooking.
To ensure that your princess has a good time camping, talk to her about her fears, her objections and her needs. And, because of her lack of experience, you will need to think about them, too. Does she get cold easily? Bring warm clothes and blankets. Does she hate getting dirty? Bring lots of wet wipes and antibacterial hand cream. Does she use lots of toilet paper at home? Bring plenty of tissue to the wilderness.
Think through each day. What do you plan to do and what gear will you need? Then ask yourself, "will princess need any special gear to make this enjoyable for her?"
Your extra attention to detail and thoughtfulness will help her have the time of her life. And after all, isn't that the point?
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