FitSugar

Love It or Hate It? Great Sleeping Bear

CasaSugar — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 07:00:43 PST

Artist Eiko Ishizawa's Great Sleeping Bear is a synthetic sleeping bag resembling a wandering bear, which gives its owner the feeling of protection with the look of a big scary bear. I'm not sure that it's durable enough for genuine camping, but I love its kitschy quality and think it would make an entertaining addition to any sleepover!
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Lil Find: Animal Friends Sleepover Bags

babysugar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 05:00:41 PDT

If your prince or princess has some sleepovers on their social calendar, make your child the center of attention with these sleeping bags from Orvis ($69). Though they are not the typical camping beds the company usually sells, these sacks are sure to get your lil one excited about a night away from home. Each set features a three-dimensional animal on the bag, as well as a matching stuffed animal that can double as a pillow. The bags are washable, which means your tot will get good use out of them.

Fit Gift Guide: Camper

FitSugar — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 02:30:00 PST

The gift-giving holidays are just around the corner and to spare you some of the last-minute shopping stress the Sugar sites are creating ever-helpful gift guides.

Here are some essentials for the camper in your life. Great gear is so important when out in the woods in order to stay safe and comfortable, and these gift ideas are sure to be loved by anyone who loves the outdoors.

Petzl Tikka Plus LED Headlamp: This super-strong flashlight is worn on your head, so you can see in the dark and have both hands free. Use it when walking, cooking, going to the bathroom, or looking for firewood.

Marmot Angel Fire +15 Sleeping Bag: This goose down sleeping bag is designed to fit a woman's body. It's wider at the hips and narrower at the shoulders, and has a hood so you'll stay cozy warm even in frigid weather. I love the heater pocket near the feet that can hold heat packets so your tootsies won't freeze. This sleeping bag is great for temperatures 15°F or higher.

REI Mountain 3 Tent: This tent can sleep three people, but would be really comfy for two campers (it's big enough to hold a full-size blowout mattress). The tent is simple to set up with only five poles, and has two doors so you can get in and out easily. It can be used through all four seasons, is waterproof, leak proof, and weighs under 10 lbs. when packed up.

Petzl Tikka Plus LED Headlamp ($34.95)

Marmot Angel Fire +15 Sleeping Bag ($199)

REI Mountain 3 Tent ($349)

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How to Pack For a Camping Trip

FitSugar — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 03:00:00 PDT

If you haven't had the chance to get away for a weekend of camping, now is your chance. Most campgrounds require that you call ahead to reserve a campsite, so make your reservations now. Ask friends where they've camped to get recommendations. I love to get sites that are right on the water, so when you wake up in the morning you can take a quick dip.

Planning ahead for your trip will ensure that you don't forget anything. Make a list and be sure to get all your gear ahead of time. Pack for all kinds of weather, not just the weather you're hoping for. Also remember that you're in the woods, which means it may be a bit colder and much buggier, so don't forget the jeans, sweatshirt and bug spray. Also, don't forget the ingredients to make S'mores!

Here's what I like to pack:

Get in Gear: REI Lightweight Sleeping Bag

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 11:00:00 PDT

I have a lot of wonderful memories of camping with my family as a kid. There was nothing like the feeling of snuggling into your sleeping bag inside your tent after a night of roasting marshmallows by the campfire. Back then I had this huge, thick sleeping bag made out of flannel and a whole lot of stuffing - it was like a comforter with a zipper.

Camping gear has come a long way since then, and that huge, puffball sleeping bag just wouldn't cut it on a backpacking trip. Check out the REI Kilo Flash +35 Sleeping Bag. It only weighs 1 lb 4 oz, and it's less than 1 foot long once it's rolled up and snug in its stuff sack. It's made of goose down, so it'll keep you warm in up to 35°F weather - perfect for those chilly summer nights in the mountains.

This sleeping bag is designed for women. It has a narrower cut at the shoulders, and extra insulation in the footbox and torso areas where it's needed most. Plus it has a hood at the top with adjustable draw cords so you can tighten it to your face and keep the cold out. It's like one big tube of cozy warmth.

Want to know why this sleeping bag is my favorite? Then

Another cool feature (and why I love this sleeping bag so much) are the sleeping pad loops underneath. They allow you to keep your sleeping pad attached to the sleeping bag so it shifts and moves when you do. Nothing's worse than waking up on the cold rocky ground next to your sleeping pad.

You can order it from REI.com for $179. Not a bad deal for a lightweight sleeping bag with such great features.

Fit's Tips: This sleeping bag will fit a woman who is 5 ft 6 in tall or shorter. If you are taller, you'll want to order this sleeping bag in the LONG version.

Backpacking: The Essentials

FitSugar — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 10:15:00 PDT

If you love to camp, you'll love backpacking. Basically instead of packing all your stuff in your car and driving to your campsite, and enjoying nature with people all around you, you pack all your gear into a backpack and hike to a remote and way more private location. No neighboring campers playing acoustic versions of their favorite Metallica tunes until the wee hours of the morning.

I would start off slowly and just do an overnight trip. There is a lot less food and water to pack if you are only going for an overnight. I tell you though, chances are high you are going to love it and start planning longer and longer trips. Serious backpackers go for weeks at a time.

Before heading out, it's a good idea to get a book on the basics of backpacking like Backpacking: One Step at a Time ($18.05). It'll give you life-saving tips on how to enjoy yourself in the wilderness, and how to have the least impact on the environment.

Having good gear is essential and you'll need lightweight hiking boots (sneakers are not sturdy enough when you're carrying extra weight on your back), and a good sized backpack. Since you're carrying all your stuff, you want to carry only what you NEED, and you want to get lightweight versions of everything. You'll need a lightweight tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. You'll also need enough food for your trip as well as layers of clothes - warm stuff because it can get cold at night.

Want to see what I pack? Then

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Get Physical: Winter Camping

FitSugar — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 07:17:03 PST

If you love the outdoors and have someone who loves it equally as much, why not plan an overnight excursion? I know it's February, and it's cold out, but winter camping is a huge sport. What's so great about it? No bugs!

If you plan ahead and pack the right gear, you'll beat the cold and have a ton of fun. Here's what you'll need:

Waterproof Tent and a tarp to lay underneath it
Warm mummy style sleeping bags for each of you, preferably made of down like this one from The North Face
Always use a sleeping pad under your sleeping bag so you're not resting on the cold earth
Warm clothing - pack wool base layers to help keep you warm, extra pairs of wool socks, a warm hat and mittens, a waterproof coat and pants, and waterproof boots.
Enough water for the both of you. Keep your water bottles from freezing by placing them in a wool sock or insulated bottle cover.

Want to see what else you need? Then

A camera to hold onto the memories
Cell phones just in case
A pocket knife
Plenty of snacks and food to cook. Remember to bring pots, plates, can opener, and utensils - everything you'll need in order to eat. Canned foods or one pot meals work best. My favorite camping meal is macaroni and cheese.
Waterproof matches or a lighter and plenty of firewood to start a campfire. (You may as well pack some marshmallows to toast as well)
Bring snowshoes or cross-country skis to use during the day
If you're hiking to your camp site, pack all your stuff in a comfortable back pack or pull it along in a sled.

Fit's Tips: Very important: Make sure you plan your trip and tell family and friends exactly when and where you're going. It's a scary reality that something could happen, so this way, people will know where to look for you.

Christine Taylor on Organic Beauty, Her Must Haves, and Nighttime Hair Routine

Jessica Cruel — Thu, 10 May 2012 12:00:00 PDT

Actress Christine Taylor has signed on to be the spokeswoman for organic skin care line Nourish, and as a vegan and mother, her partnership with the brand seems like kismet. "A lot of times products will say 100 percent natural, but this one actually works," Christine explains. "Every person in my family has different favorites, and it's in every bathroom."

Not only does she love the idea of USDA-certified organic beauty (the fresh fig body butter is her top product in the line), but Christine also has plenty of tricks for getting the best results. "You can use the body butter during the day, but you can also load it on at night and wake up with really smooth skin," she explains. Look for Nourish at Whole Foods, and get more of Christine's beauty tips and advice when you read more.

6 Ways to Look Better Without Spending a Cent

Annie Tomlin — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 06:56:40 PDT

Looking good doesn't have to cost a lot of money. In fact, it doesn't have to cost a thing. There are plenty of ways to look better without spending a single penny. We talked with top dermatologists, hair stylists, makeup artists, and estheticians to score their secrets for looking your best for the best price of all: free. Read their tips here.

Purge, Then Splurge: 10 Ways to Treat Yourself With Your Tax Refund

Brittney Stephens — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 09:31:34 PDT

Hopefully by now you've filed your yearly tax return and your bountiful refund is well on its way, so what are you going to do with it? It's important to pay off some bills, add to your 401k, and sock some of your refund away in savings - but that doesn't mean you can't treat yourself too. While we don't recommend going overboard, you may find yourself in the position to indulge in a new bag, update your Spring basics, or snap up that pair of shoes you've been lusting after - as long as it's within reason. We suggest sticking to classic shapes and silhouettes and thinking out of the box when it comes to colors or prints, like a pair of candy-colored jeans in your signature style, or face-flattering sunglasses with a little something extra. Here are some of our other tips for dealing with that burning hole in your pocket:

If you get something, give something back. One of our go-to moves for buying something new is to give something away at the same time. If you're looking to pick up a new pair of jeans, make room for them by getting rid of that ratty pair you never wear. Looking to invest in a slew of new Spring tees? Throw away those stained, holey pieces that just aren't cutting it anymore. Most importantly, don't forget Goodwill. Purging your closet will make you feel a lot better about buying new things - plus, you can write off those donations next year!
Don't take it too far. Nothing is worse than overspending on something just to need that money later. You don't want to run into a medical emergency or encounter a random bill and hate yourself for having bought those Chloé wedges.
Sleep on it. An investment purchase is just that - an investment. You don't want to go into it with too little thought and end up making a bad decision. The best thing to do is have a think on it for a night or two; if you truly can't get it off your mind, it's probably meant to be (but keep your receipts, just in case).

Click through now to shop 10 of our favorite refund-worthy picks.

Photo courtesy of Vogue Turkey