Warm weather is creeping up on us and I’m sure I’m not alone in wanting to get in better shape  for those shorts, skirts and “ahem”, swimsuits. As we all know a healthy diet and exercise are key in obtaining and maintaining a shapelier you.

Well ladies, I know just the place to arm yourself with comfortable and stylish apparel that you can not only wear while you work out but when you’re out and about, and guess what, even if you haven’t obtained that perfect weight, this super awesome brand offers clothing that slims you in a stylish way— it’s SlimSation.

Now you can look and feel 10 pounds lighter in just seconds thanks to SlimSation. How? Their pants have a flexible tummy control panel that only you will know about. This figure flattering fabric gives you a smooth, slim figure and it doesn’t skimp on style.

I received a pair of Long & Lean Leggings (in black) and I have to say I absolutely love how they fit. They comfortably pull my tummy in without making me feel like I’m suffocating. They also give my legs the illusion of length which I love because at 5′ 3″ I definitely was not blessed with height or those legs that just go on and on.

The Long & Lean Leggings are made with a cotton spandex fabric blend that is soft to the touch and contours my body without being binding. Talk about all day comfort. I love that they stay put, even when I’m more active. Other leggings I’ve purchased in the past had a tendency of creeping up my legs or flipping down on my waist and had to be readjusted frequently. Talk about annoying! My new SlimSation Long & Lean Leggings don’t stretch out with wear. They’re amazing!

Something else I love is their 28″ inseam. As I said before, I was not born with long legs and I find it rather hard to locate pants in any style that are not made for super tall ladies. Pants tend to drag the ground on me and pose as a tripping hazard. The 28″ inseam is perfect for me!

These babies make the ideal pants for warm ups, exercise, and yoga. Plus, they’re stylish enough to wear out in public when you’re shopping, dining or traveling.

If you think it isn’t possible to look fabulous and feel comfortable at the same time, think again!

CONNECT WITH SLIMSATION:

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Disclaimer:
This product was received from the Company for review purposes only. All thoughts and words in this post is my own and I was not paid to endorse it. I am only voicing my opinion about this product.

The post SlimSation Long & Lean Leggings make great Yoga Pants appeared first on Mom Blog Society.

I saw it out in the green field, a blackish-brown dot in the distance. A few people started gathering looking in the same direction. I was on a mission to see grizzly bears in BC Canada, and FINALLY, this was it.

You see, I have a Grizzly bear curse.

No matter what I do, I’ve been unable to see one in the wild.

I know – most people wouldn’t call that a curse, they would call it lucky. But I’ve always wanted to see and photograph a grizzly – in a safe situation of course. I’ve seen Polar bears in Canada, and even a couple of black bears; but never their brown cousins.

But recently, I finally managed it!

If you’re curious about bear watching and viewing bears in the wild safely, this guide is for you. I’ll tell you about my experience bear watching in Bella Coola (BC Canada), touch on some bear safety tips I learned, and show you 3 different ways you can go bear watching in BC.

2021 Update – Know before you go: Make sure you check this resource out prior to traveling to Bella Coola British Columbia. This has updates on COVID, wildfires, and border information for Bella Coola.

My (failed) History with seeing Grizzly Bears in BC

Like most people I am terrified of grizzlies. They’ve been haunting me my whole life. I still remember when I was 11 years old on a road trip with my parents and we arrived in Glacier National Park right when a woman was hiking and was killed by a bear. It was all over the news and it freaked me out at that young age.

Of course, my parents still made me go out hiking, and I remember being terrified at every turn of the trail. Luckily, I never saw one on that hike.

Later, there were 4 times I was expecting to see grizzlies in my travels, and they never appeared. Most of these failed excursions were in British Columbia – normally a mecca for viewing grizzly bears.

Where I’ve Been Bear Watching

I’ve been to Nimmo Bay in the Great Bear Rainforest, Lake Clark National Park in Alaska, and went floating through a salmon river with Canada’s self-described Bear Whisperer – and never saw a bear. There was even a time when there was a Grizzly in captivity at Kicking Horse Mountain in BC Canada, and he never came out even though I was there for 2 days.

Each of these trips were in bear season – Sep/Oct – and yet no bears!

Seriously – how can anyone have that bad of bear watching luck?

All of my hosts on these trips couldn’t understand how I could be so unlucky. So that’s why I decided I was bear cursed.

Read about a couple of my past close but failed attempts:

Breaking the Grizzly Bear Curse

I Went Bear Watching in the Great Bear Rainforest and Didn’t See a Bear!

Never Give Up

But they say you should never give up – and that’s exactly what my friend Geoff believed.

Geoff was the person who invited me to go out with the Bear Whisperer in BC Canada. When we didn’t see any bears – he was of course disappointed, but he never gave up.

I saw him a year later, and he was determined for me to see bears in BC, this time around his home – the Cariboo Chilcoten Coast.

“This will happen,” he said unwavering, “we’ll send you to Bella Coola and you’ll definitely see a grizzly there.”

He proceeded to give me a big bear hug (yes – that pun was intended), and started planning the logistics.

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3 Destinations Where You’ll Find BC’s Best Bear Viewing This Fall

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Bella Coola Canada – The Heart of the Great Bear Rainforest

Bella Coola Valley is considered the gateway to the Great Bear Rainforest; a temperate rain forest on the Pacific coast of British Columbia, Canada comprising 6.4 million hectares. The valley lies 62 miles inland from the Pacific through a maze of beautiful fjords. The entire valley is remote and wild with only small populations of First Nations Nuxalk and long time residents.

There are a few ways to arrive in the remote Bella Coola valley; by Hwy 20 from Williams Lake, by scheduled flights from Pacific Coastal Airlines, or by BC Ferries or private boat. Any way that you arrive guarantees jaw-dropping scenic views.

Arriving to Bella Coola By Plane

I arrived by chartered plane.

As the small plane broke through the dense clouds I nearly jumped out of my seat in shock – there were big mountains on both sides of the plane – and we were landing in the narrow area between them. I suddenly felt claustrophobic. My adrenaline spiked. If I get this nervous landing, I thought, how will I ever handle seeing a grizzly bear!

The plane came to a bouncy landing on the little runway, I loosened the grip on my seat and let the blood flow back into my fingers. As I got off the little plane and stepped down onto the tarmac, I looked up in awe at the towering, jagged Coastal mountains, blue sky, and fluffy clouds…I like Bella Coola, I thought. I was here to see bears in BC, but hell…it was love at first site with these landscapes, and this was only the airport!

Local photographer, Michael Bednar, met me with a big smile at the tiny airport building. He would be my guide for my 5 days in the Bella Coola Valley.

We drove the short distance to our cabins at Bella Coola Grizzly Tours Wilderness Resort and settled in reviewing our plan for the week.

Bella Coola Grizzly Tours Wilderness Resort

The resort is made up of a handful of Aspen log cabins nestled in the woods, with full kitchens and big porches.

Note: During the pandemic in 2020/2021 constructed more cabins!

This family-owned business is just what you expect to see in this remote part of the world. No chain hotels, no big businesses. Owner, Leonard Ellis, has been guiding people to grizzly bears in British Columbia for decades.

Like many people in the region, he started as a Grizzly hunting and fishing guide in the region. However, as regulations have changed in the region, he transferred his incredibly acute Grizzly spotting skills to the growing business of wildlife viewing and photography.

Leonard is a good guy who has figured out how to make lemonade out of lemons, and I really enjoyed his company and his immense amount of knowledge about the wildlife and region.

Bear Safety Tips

Before any good bear watching outing, you’ll want to ensure you’re comfortable going out into the wilderness and potentially encountering a bear. Maybe ‘comfortable’ is the wrong word, because I’m never totally comfortable with it. ‘Prepared’ is probably a more accurate word.

The thought of accidentally running into a bear or surprising one is a big fear of mine. However, because I learned my bear safety, I know what I’m supposed to do if I encounter one in that situation. Namely – don’t run!

Michael went over Bear Safety 101 with me before we went out the next morning.

“You don’t need to be afraid, but you need to be aware.”

Then he got out something I had never seen before in my previous bear safety talks – a bear spray TEST canister.

I know bear spray seems pretty simple – pull out bottle and spray – however I had always wondered if I would be able to at the time when I needed to. You don’t really want to be learning how to use your bear spray while one is charging you!

The training can of spray was just like the real thing, but with no agitating or harmful product dispensed. You can get the feeling of how to take off the safety and how to use a sweeping motion to spray a charging bear.

How to Use Bear Spray

3 Ways to See Bears in BC’s Bella Coola Valley

There are 3 different ways you can view bears in the Bella Coola Valley. During my 5 days there, I was able to try them all with varying degrees of success.

1. Bear Watching Platforms

Bear watching platforms are timber platforms built at good spots by the river where you can safely watch grizzly bears fish or move around.

They normally have some sort of electric fence protection around them. Plus – grizzly bear watching platforms are less intrusive to the bears.

Seeing my first Grizzly Bear at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge and Platforms

Tweedsmuir Provincial Park is one of the largest parks in BC Canada and it’s a great place to do wildlife viewing. The Tweedsmuir lodge inside the park is not your typical park lodge – it’s quite high-end – but still rustic. The buildings are all made of timber with red roofs. The lodge sits in the middle with a number of chalets arranged in a semi-circle looking out onto a grassy field, the river, with the steep Coastal mountains in the background.

They have two sets of platforms built right on the river. You do need to be staying at the lodge to use their platforms. However, I had special permission from them for this outing since I was being hosted by Cariboo Chilcoten Coast Visitor Bureau.

I was sitting on the lodge porch admiring the view and waiting for Michael and suddenly I saw the brown figure in the thick green grass in the field in the distance. At that same time a lodge guide also saw the bear and we all slowly walked out a little way from the chalets to watch it.

It felt surreal to finally see a grizzly. I was giddy as I pulled out my camera gear trying not to move too fast, and thinking about my bear spray lessons. I was ready! However, the big bear just went about its business eating and ambling along.

Not One, but Two Grizzlies At Once!

Suddenly it stood on its hind legs and looked across the field. Our eyes followed its gaze and we saw a second grizzly entering the grassy field. I’m not an expert on grizzlys, but I do know enough about them to understand that they are solo creatures…and territorial. I suddenly felt like I was back on the plane doing a bumpy landing, my whole body tensed up.

The two grizzlies watched each other and slowly took a few steps towards each other. I got my camera settings ready, sort of hoping I was going to be able to catch a confrontation on camera. However, in the end, they basically had a stare off until the dominant bear won and the other left. No bear fights today.

Tweedsmuir Park Lodge Bear Guides

The guide decided it was safe to walk slowly out to the platform by the river. Up until then we had just been watching this whole scene from the lodge area. This meant leaving the safety of the lodge and walking in the open. We all followed the guide onto a wooded trail not saying a word and on high alert. I felt as if we were walking along where we just saw the 2nd bear, however I also trusted the guide that she knew the area and the directions the bears went.

We made it to a small little platform up in a tree that overlooked the river. I don’t think I was ever so happy to make it to a tree before! We set up our camera gear and like clockwork the bear we saw earlier started ambling into view in the river. I was amazed that the guide knew the bear patterns so well as to situate us right where the bear was heading.

It was as if we had the box seats in a posh theater. The bear put on quite a show, catching fish right below us, and sitting to eat them one by one. I was in awe of its big claws reaching down to pick up the fish; making fishing look so incredibly easy. It would stick its nose and eyes in the water looking for salmon and suddenly just scoop one up, as if it was as easy as opening the refrigerator door and getting a snack.

Provincial Park Viewing Platforms

The Provincial Park also offers platforms that are manned by rangers and protected by electric fences. Actually, they were more like viewing areas instead of raised platforms. We visited a couple of these in addition to the platforms at Tweedsmuir Lodge. They weren’t quite as comfortable, but totally adequate. There were more people there to try to see and shoot around. However, they were free for anyone to use!

BC Parks is encouraging the use of the Platform to alleviate the stress on wildlife and keep people safe.

The Platform is staffed from 7am – 7pm daily and is managed collaboratively by BC Parks and the Nuxalk Nation September 1st to 30th. Hosts are on duty at all times to inform visitors of the proper viewing procedures and ensure people are kept safely within the boundaries of the electric fence.

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Learn more about the Provincial Park Platforms for Wildlife Viewing

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Staying at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge

It’s a beautiful lodge in a stunning setting and definitely worth staying a night or two there!
Read Trip Advisor reviews of Tweedsmuir

The lodge’s grizzly bear watching trips are recognized by Destination Canada as a Signature Experience that showcases authentic, immersive and engaging tourism experiences for travelers from September to mid October. Prices start at $3,800/adult and is all-inclusive.
More Info.

2. Self-Drive Grizzly Bear Watching

Michael and I were driving down the main road in the Bella Coola Valley, coming back from lunch to take a little rest before we went out for more bear viewing that afternoon. Suddenly Michael pulled the truck over and pointed to someone’s house. “There…in the tree!” he said.

I saw it – there was a black bear in the crab apple tree right in the front yard of a person’s house! We got out of the car and watched it from a distance. Strangely there was an electric fence around this tree; the owner was trying to protect it – yet somehow this cunning black bear figured out a way in and was enjoying a smorgasbord of apples.

Self-Driving with a Local Bear Watching Guide

When I talk about self-drive grizzly viewing, I’m not necessarily talking about this kind of crab apple thing, though obviously sometimes it happens that you’ll see one along the main road in someone’s yard.

What I’m actually talking about is, if you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle with high clearance, and a local guide who knows what they’re doing, you can make your way back on some of the fire roads deeper into the wilderness near the rivers and spot bears that way.

Since Michael and Leonard were locals, I was lucky enough to have them lead the way in this endeavor. The three of us drove out on a remote fire road that skirted the river. Leonard directed us down the extremely rough road to a bend in the river. There, we stopped at some old hunting cabins.

Looking for Bears on Foot

“This is a good spot for bears,” Leonard said calmly. Michael stopped the truck and put it in park. They both started to get out of the truck. I was mulling this over as if I was skydiving out of a plane at 10,000 feet. My brain was telling me to stay put, but my momentum was already moving me out of the truck.

I followed their lead – they were experts at this – right? I put my hand on my container of bear spray on my hip just to make sure it was still there. Leonard, on the other hand, walked around with no bear spray and seemed to be completely at ease. I guess that’s what decades of tracking bears will do to you!

I was nervous…trying to recount my bear safety tips. It’s a really vulnerable feeling walking on foot in bear territory – next to a river full of salmon in September. I tried to take cues from Leonard and remain calm, but it’s not an easy thing to do!

Leonard looked for tracks and surveyed the area and the grass like a detective. We found a pile of bear skat and all stood around and examined it. He turned around and said – “Let’s go a bit further.” – as if he knew something we didn’t.

The road got worse and worse as we continued to inch along the river. Suddenly Leonard remarked, “There he is!”, pointing to thick brush across the river. There was a big beautiful boar grizzly in the deep brush looking at us.

For some reason this was one of the most exciting sightings I had. It was certainly the biggest bear I had seen and it’s coloring was an ombre of dark chocolate brown to auburn. He had a big round head and looked at us curiously, but not with any real interest.

Locals Have a True Love and Concern for the Wildlife

“That’s a healthy looking bear. Look at it’s coat, he looks really great,” Leonard said with a sense of relief and pride in his voice.

This is one of the things that ran true about the whole region. The locals have a genuine concern about the bears and wildlife in the region. They want to see the bears healthy and fishing. As I talked to locals the main topic was the concern about the salmon run which seems to be decreasing each year. The general thought was that Bella Coola bears were the end of the line of a long series of parties that are also after the salmon, namely the fisherman. If you are going to go bear watching in Bella Coola, it’s not just about bear watching, you learn about the whole ecosystem.

“We love our wildlife otherwise we wouldn’t be living out here”

–Leonard Ellis

Sadly, it was nearly impossible to get a shot of the big bear through all of the brush – so I just stopped trying and enjoyed watching him amble along the bank. We followed him for a bit until it was getting too dark, and we turned around and slowly made our way back out on the bumpy road. We even got lucky and saw a young grizzly on the river bank on the way out!

You can Self Drive by renting a 4×4 vehicle if you are skilled enough to do this yourself. But you really need to know where you are going and know your bear safety. Or you can hire Leonard to take you out in the valley for a Wildlife & Sightseeing tour in Sep/Oct during bear season. To get more info on a Bella Coola Valley tour check out the BC Grizzly Tours.

Note: For 2021, BC Grizzly Tours offers an option for you to drive your own vehicle and follow them so that you can stay socially distant.

3. Viewing Grizzly Bears by Boat

You can also take to the water for a marine wilderness adventure and grizzly watching in fjords and river mouths. Start out at the Bella Coola harbor and head out into the North Bentinck Arm and be surrounded by tall granite walls. Here you’ll find many rivers and their estuaries where grizzlies feed on the spawning salmon.

Boat Tour with the Bella Coola Grizzly Tours Wilderness Resort

One day I was there, I went out for a day trip with Leonard’s son Daniel. This is much more than just grizzly watching! We had a seafood feast, soaked in hot springs, saw seals, experienced waterfalls, and hiked to the biggest cedar tree I’ve ever seen in my life. And check out these fjord views!

We didn’t see any bears on our outing, but it was still one of my favorite days I spent in the region, and it gave me a more well-rounded sense of the culture there.

You might want to check out Leonard’s 3 day, 2 night marine tour where you get off the boat to walk upriver searching for bears. I sadly didn’t have time for this on this trip, but it would’ve been spectacular!

Float Down the Atnarko River in Search of BC Bears

If you want to really hone in on grizzly watching on the water, then consider a float down the river. Copper Sun Rafting Adventures offers guided trips down the river giving you the best chance of viewing bears on a 2 hour float with their experienced local guides.

As I got in the raft and hung all of my camera gear around me; I was excited. We were going to head right into the grizzly bear’s pantry – the Atnarko River.

This is the exact same river where, from the safety of a platform a few days earlier, I watched bears feast on salmon. But this time I would be floating down the river in search of bears. I know – that sounds a bit crazy, but the idea is that the bears are way more interested in the salmon than the raft. At least I hoped they were more interested in the salmon!

Paddle Raft Bear Viewing – A New Perspective

The raft had no motor – just paddles, and an experienced guide. The current took us down the river at a slow pace as our guide steered.

The views of the mountains were gorgeous, but we weren’t seeing any bears. After more time, I knew that we were getting close to the end of our float and I started to feel defeated. However, as we rounded one of the last bends, there he was…a young grizzly in the water.

Our guide put the ‘brakes’ on and tried to position us safely along the opposite bank.

It’s a whole different perspective than being above them on a platform or protected in a car. We were right at their level.

We watched as the grizzly caught a big salmon and took it back in the tall grass to devour it.

He stopped for a moment and looked at us. Those times when they lock eyes with you always sends a shiver through my body.

And even more so in our weirdly precarious position in the raft.

Bear Viewing Greediness

It finished the salmon snack and came back into view and into the water. He knew we were there and he started walking back upstream to search for the next course. That’s when Hank, our rafting guide, actually started to paddle us backwards back up the river! At first I was surprised that he could even do this, but let’s face it, I had become greedy….I wanted to see bears all the time now.

We were able to get some great shots and perspectives on the bear and his fishing technique, and we felt closer than ever on the river.

Photographing Bears in BC

I was still excited every time I saw one – but the amount of footage I took was less than the first for sure. Sort of like how you take a million pictures of your first child every moment you can, fill out their baby book, and keep every memento, but by the last child, you’re not as crazed about picking up that camera.

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What Photography Gear Should You take With You to Bella Coola?

Read about my favorite photography gear for traveling
and get additional tips for wildlife photography.

PIN IT FOR LATER!

I’m no longer a Bear Virgin!

The curse was broken! Bella Coola delivered on a goal I have been working on since 2014!

In the end we saw 10 grizzlies, 3 black bears, I met a ton of cool local people, and I was mesmerized by the beautiful views of the Bella Coola Valley.

How can 5 days go so fast? I’ll tell you how – when you are having the time of your life, time flies!

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Start planning your trip to see bears in BC – Things to do and Where to Stay in the Bella Coola Valley

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The post Watching Bears in BC: 3 Ways to See Grizzlies in the Wild in 2021 appeared first on Ottsworld Unique Travel Experiences.

Little Tikes is an amazing company, with amazing toys for our little ones.

I recently received the Little Tikes RC Tire Twister for my 4 year old, and he loves it.  Jacob plays with the RC Tire Twister all day, many days.  He loves RC cars, so this was perfect for him.  We love to watch him having fun.  Rolling it through the sand, which probably should not be done, is his favorite thing to do with it.

The Little Tikes RC Tire Twister is the wildest tire ever – all powered by a remote controlled car inside! The easy-to-steer remote control gives kids the power to control the car forward and backward. The car can perform back flips inside the tire to change directions and can even spin the tire 360 degrees! Remove the car for some R/C floor action. The RC Tire Twister is two toys in one!

Features:

•  Two toys in one
•  Tire moves when race car is inside
•  Tire can move forwards and backwards
•  The tire can spin 360 degrees
•  Race car can be removed
•  Remote control is easy for kids to hold
•  Requires 5 “AA” alkaline batteries (not included)
*  2 batteries for the remote
*  3 batteries for the race car

We also received the Tumble Train, which I gave to 3 year old, Kendall.  She is a good friend of Jacob’s.  She loves her Tumble Train.  She laughs and laughs as it is tumbling.  Her and her mommy bring it over a couple of times a week, and Kendall and Jacob love to watch the train tumble.  They’ve even been known to help it tumble a little.

Little Tikes Tumble Train is a wacky train that moves along the curvy track that tumbles in random directions allowing kids to chase after it.

 

 

 

Disclaimer:
This product was received from the Company for review purposes only. All thoughts and words in this post is my own and I was not paid to endorse it. I am only voicing my opinion about this product.

 

The post Little Tikes for Summer Fun appeared first on Mom Blog Society.

During the summer, there’s nothing better than being able to load up your car and head off to a scenic place to enjoy a spot of camping.

Camping trips are a budget-friendly way to enjoy time with your partner, family, or friends, tying in with spending time outdoors.

No matter how much you’re looking forward to an upcoming camping trip, the worst thing you can do is being unprepared. Otherwise, you could find yourself many miles from home missing some essentials that are vital for your vacation.

To ensure you’re more than ready for your next camping trip, here are 10 things you must pack to have a successful trip!

1. Food and Water

Some campsites are close to shops and restaurants, but others can be too far out. If you’re camping for a few nights, plan to have a BBQ on your first night. You can keep meats and fresh food in a cool bag as you travel and use a disposable BBQ for cooking the food on the first evening.

You’ll also need as much tinned and dry food as possible. It’s better to have emergency rations than to run out. A few gallons of water are essential too. In some campsites, you may need this for things like brushing your teeth and washing up as well as for drinking.

2. Camp Kitchen Equipment

You’ll need several items to cook for yourself during your camping experience successfully. There is nothing worse than realizing you can’t eat something you have brought due to missing cooking equipment! Consider the following:

• Camp stove
• Fuel
• Plates, cups and eating utensils (consider recyclable paper)
• Washing up tub and supplies
• Matches
• Cooler bag
• Disposable BBQ or grill
• Kitchen tools (tin opener, an all-purpose knife, mess tins, tongs, and tin foil)

3. Sleeping bags and pillows:

Make sure you have good quality sleeping bags which pack in the heat, especially if camping in colder climates. Don’t forget to bring pillows to go with these. You would be surprised at how many people pick up their neatly rolled up sleeping bag and forget to bring their own pillows.

4. Sleeping Pads:

These are especially valuable for when camping for longer than a weekend, as we all know how uncomfortable the ground can be. Look to bring either a thick blow-up mattress or the self-inflating air beds which are low but provide comfort when layering your sleeping bag on top.

5. Vitamins, medication and pain relief

There is no worse feeling than realizing you left your medications or vitamins at home. Of course, some more important than others, such as paracetamol for any headaches or pain.

Your own health and well-being while camping is vital for enjoying yourself without worrying. For example, some people can suffer more severe hangovers than others, which can ruin the next day after some beers around the campfire. Make sure you come equipped with hangover supplements as well as pain relief so that you can enjoy your time as much as possible.

6. Towels and personal hygiene items:

Try to limit this to avoid over-packing, but at the same time, don’t forget the necessities. Pack one towel per person, along with shareable shampoos, body washes, and hand sanitizers. It might be useful to throw in a couple of packets of baby wipes, which we can guarantee you’ll get lots of use from.

7. Flashlights, headlamps, and lanterns:

These are essential for those poorly lit campsites or if you are camping in remote places.  Try to make sure there is one flashlight per family member. Then, pack a couple of lanterns that can be used for both the inside of your tent and outside to ensure everyone has enough visibility.

8. Camp chairs:

You’ll find a few campsites have benches set up, but the smaller and more secluded sites don’t offer any seating. Don’t miss out on being comfortable while eating and chatting around the campfire! Bring a handful of foldable camping chairs – ideally lightweight ones.

 9. Sunscreen:

Even if you are not forecast pure sunshine, it’s surprising how easily you can catch the rays, especially when on higher land. Pack a sunscreen which has an SPF all the family can use, which tends to be the higher the SPF number, the better.

10. Toilet paper and shovel:

Not all camping sites come with luxuries! Some campsites have well looked after toilet facilities, but even these can run out of toilet paper. And then there are some campsites which don’t come with any facilities at all. Make sure to pack a few rolls!

Once you’re set up at your camping spot, make sure you always keep your car locked, as this becomes one of the places you will store certain items that don’t belong in the tent. Look for a space which looks safe and is away from as much noise as possible. Then the rest is up to you. The beauty of camping is that you can make it what you like, so embrace the outdoors and focus on having fun!

The post 10 Things You Need to Pack for Your Next Camping Trip appeared first on Mom Blog Society.

When you have a family, one of the biggest priorities is to keep them safe.

Having the best car for your family doesn’t have to resort to just a big vehicle, you can still have style and affordability in a car that is safe and child-friendly.

From SUVs to minivans, there are some excellent options for your next family-focussed vehicle.

Are you car shopping? Then keep on reading for the eight best cars for families.

1. Station Wagon: 2020 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback is a beloved vehicle for a variety of reasons.

The backseat offers excellent space for passengers, and you also get ample cargo space to store any sort of goods or equipment. Additionally, when it comes to safety features, the 2020 Subaru Outback will give you peace of mind.

With its Standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, it gives you the visibility you need to prevent rear-end crashes. By having pre-collision breaks, your car knows when to stop before you do. Accidents can happen, and if it occurs, it is imperative to also speak to a car accident lawyer.

This vehicle also comes with Adaptive Cruise Control with lane centering. With cruise control, this allows your car to stay precisely where you need to be on the road, with no fear of drifting off. With these safety features, the 2020 Subaru Outback is an excellent choice for adventurous families who want a car that is safe, stylish, and sporty.

2. Midsize SUV: 2020 Chevrolet Blazer

The Chevrolet Blazer is another stylish but functional vehicle that is fit for the whole family.

For starters, this vehicle comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, four USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot.

Additionally, when it comes to seating, this car has a lot of options. It has 60/40 split-folding seats, which allows you to pack more stuff in the vehicle. In addition to the seating, the Chevrolet Blazer also comes with with a floor-mounted rail system, an adjustable cargo fence, and an additional horizontal cargo net.

If your family is one that takes longer trips and wants the latest tech and most optimal space, then the 2020 Chevrolet Blazer is an excellent option for your family.

3. Minivan: 2020 Honda Odyssey 

This Honda Odyssey is a beloved minivan, and with this year’s new version, it comes packed with even more features to love.

For starters, this minivan can seat up to eight people. So, if you have a larger family, this is an excellent roomy vehicle that can fit everyone comfortably.

With Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control, you are safe on the road with the 2020 Honda Odyssey.

Additionally, you get the latest technology with this minivan. From Apple CarPlay and other Bluetooth functionalities, paired with a multi-angle rear camera with Dynamic Guidelines, you also have the convenience you need to make any trip a memorable one.

4. Compact SUV: 2020 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is an excellent compact SUV with a variety of features.

With a luxury experience at a reasonable price, it’s no wonder that the Mazda CX-5 is beloved among its drivers. Some of its family-friendly features include Blind-Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which both assists in accident prevention or lessen the impact.

Additionally, with a vehicle equipped with a Bose Soundsystem, you will hear excellent audio clarity. Moreover, the Mazda CX-5 comes with Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto to complete your audio and connectivity experience.

With the Mazda CX-5, there are no large comprises. With roomy space and luxurious upholstery, to its extensive safety features, it’s no wonder that this compact SUV made it on the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick for 2020.

5. Large SUV: 2020 Ford Expedition

The 2020 Ford Expedition adds on new features in its latest generation.

The Ford Expedition seats up to eight people. Additionally, it has excellent fuel economy for an SUV in its class, around 24 miles per gallon on the highway and about 17 in more city environments.

Additionally, safety features include Ford’s CoPilot-360 technology, which gives you various safety features to help in congested environments. These include a rear-view camera, parking assistance, active cruise control, and more.

If you need a large SUV that not only performs great but offers excellent safety, then you cannot go wrong with the 2020 Ford Expedition.

6. Midsize Car: 2020 Toyota Camry

Maybe you don’t need a larger vehicle for your family, or you want a secondary car that is more compact but still doesn’t budge on the safety features. If this is you, then the 2020 Toyota Camry is a great option.

The Toyota Camry seats up to five, which is still quite roomy for a family of four. With this vehicle, you get superb mileage, up to 41 miles on the highway, and up to 29 in the city.

In addition to the mileage, other great features include child-protector rear door locks and window lockout controls, ten airbags, and LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren.)

If you need a more compact vehicle but do not want to compromise safety for your family, then the 2020 Toyota Camry is a practical option.

7. 3-Row SUV: 2020 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2020 Volkswagen Altas brings together the practical and luxurious.

With seating for seven passengers, you will have plenty of room for all of your family adventures. Additionally, this space is not only roomy but highly functional and usable. The second row of seating folds back for easy entry and exit, and plenty of cargo space to store your stuff.

Additionally, if you need more room, fold back both the second and third-row, and you can pack furniture, boxes, or even sleep back there if you wish. The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas also comes packed with a variety of safety features, including a forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking.

From space to safety, the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas is the best of both worlds.

8. Large Car: 2020 Toyota Avalon

If you want a car that is not going to compromise on safety and performance, then the 2020 Toyota Avalon is an excellent option for your family.

This vehicle offers a smooth ride, which is optimal for longer car trips. Additionally, the Toyota Avalon comes with a spacious interior that can accommodate five passengers.

It also comes with various safety features at the base price. These include forward-collision warnings, blindspot monitoring, lane keep assist, and more. If you want a larger car that offers excellent features and performance, then the 2020 Toyota Avalon is the best choice for your family.

Best Cars for Families

Now that you know the eight best cars for families, you can now be more informed in your next car-buying decision. For more information on family and lifestyle tips, check out the rest of our website.

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