Fall is here and this is the perfect time to pack your camping gear and head to a campsite. Camping is just plain old good for the soul. There’s something about being outdoors and surrounded by nature that forces us to slow down and take a deep breath. The sounds of tree frogs or a rushing river are pure and simple – and things we don’t hear at home over the traffic, video games and ringing cell phones.

Even the most city-fied CupCase girl can find happiness in the great outdoors. Here are a few tips to make your camping trip a success:

Before we launch into the list, you may feel better knowing that it’s possible to dress in style – even while camping. There are so many cute and functional outdoor wear options! Just make sure you pack clothes for cold and rain, no matter what time of year.

Here’s a list of basics:

• Fleece jacket – This will surely keep you comfy if the temperature drops!
• Water proof poncho or jacket (Ponchos are never pretty, but if that prevents you from getting soaked to the skin, we’ll overlook it J.)
• Pajama pants or sweatpants
• Long-sleeved T-shirts and short-sleeved T-shirts (great for layering).
• Jeans or convertible pants – The legs on these pants zip off to become shorts. CupCase loves these, even when we’re not camping!
• Shorts
• Thermals
• Thick and thin socks
• Hat (for blocking the sun, keeping your head warm or disguising hair that hasn’t been in a shower for a few days)
• Gloves
• Hiking boots and/or very comfortable sneakers
• Sandals or slip-ons to wear walking to and from the bathroom or showers
• First aid kit
• Insect repellant
• Flashlights and/or headlamp
• Camping lantern
• Camera
• Bags for trash
• Toilet paper
• Bungee cords for laundry lines – They also can be used to fix a tent in an emergency or hold lanterns.
• Small broom and dust pan to sweep out tent
• Wet wipes – Try ActionWipes for a shower in a towelette!

Don’t bother wearing much makeup (gasp!). Just wear sunscreen. Hey, you’re roughing it, after all! If that just isn’t enough coverage for you, try mixing the sunscreen with your foundation and storing it in a small plastic container. You should also take Chapstick, lotion and OK, maybe a little mascara.

So now that you know what how to stylishly pack for camping, CupCase wants to remind you of a few rules:

1. The campground is home to wildlife so respect their space. Keep the campsite clean. If you leave food out, animals will take that as an open invitation to drop in.

1. Keep food in plastic zip locks for easy access. Keep toiletries in a plastic zip lock bag – or better yet, a cute CupCase for easy storage. (Maybe an animal print CupCase, since you’ll be in the wilderness and all! J)

1. To further deter animals from stopping by your tent uninvited, many campsites require all food, and anything with an odor (which includes sunscreen and toothpaste), to be bagged and hung from a tree at least 15 feet in the air. Or, if you’ll be close to your car, you could just put everything in your car while you’re sleeping or out exploring nature.

1. The final and perhaps most important rule is: “Pack it in, pack it out.” What you bring in, must be taken out.

That’s it, CupCasers! If you go camping, be sure to share your photos with us on our Facebook site so we can see how fab you look!

It’s September and those of you out there with children might almost have the new morning routine down to a science. But it’s hectic, right? Breakfast, school lunches, getting kids dressed, grabbing the backpacks, finally out the door and then a little voice says, “I forgot, I need to bring something for show-and-tell today.” Hectic just went to maddening.

That five-day-a-week race to school before the tardy bell rings leaves little time for moms to worry about the details. So, it’s easy to understand why so many moms just don’t have the time to change out of their PJs before taking the kids to school. Or is it?

Since many of us do the car pool line, it’s easy to try and hide what we’re wearing. That is, unless you have a flat tire. Then everyone including the guy from AAA will know. Other parents walk their children to school or escort the kids to their classrooms so mommies in jammies are spotted by the school staff and all the parents and students.

A school in the UK got fed up with parents schlepping in the door wearing pajamas and slippers and made it clear that moms should respect the school enough to put on clothes. They felt it set a bad example for the students so pajamas were banned.

A CupCase devotee admits she was regularly dropped off in the carpool line by a mother sporting her bathrobe and a bed head, and she says it wasn’t just embarrassing, it was mortifying. Why couldn’t she get dressed? Why didn’t she care what others thought of her when they passed her at the school entrance?

Celebrities are often photographed walking their kids to school. They get out of the door with a little style so why can’t we all do the same? We know, we know: They probably have a cook and a maid, but is it really that time consuming to throw on some cute jeans, plain top and boots or sandals? Even a cool hat if you don’t have time to do much about your bed head. Take a look at these looks worn by some celebrities for ideas.

And here’s a thought: Why not pull an outfit out of your closet the night before when you are asking your child to do the same? After all, you’re asking your child to look neat and get dressed for school, so set a good example rather than “do what I say, not what I do” J.

Sorry Super Moms, school mornings are not going to get better anytime soon. However, when you get to school late without a lunchbox because it’s still on the kitchen counter, but with the show-and-tell item that you snatched from your child’s toy box at the last minute, you’ll look together, even if nothing else is. J

Some of us here at CupCase love coffee. It’s not only a delicious treat; it also keeps us awake during the day! J When it comes to coffee, we don’t think less is more. That’s why we loved hearing about a few beauty products that include coffee and/or caffeine as an ingredient.

The Pacifica Kona Coffee & Sugar Detox Whole Body Scrub sounds luxurious, right? It smells heavenly and is a great way to wake up your skin in the morning. Its ingredients include sea salt and sugar to exfoliate your skin, as well as coconut oil to soften and moisturize. And the coffee? The caffeine stimulates, brightens and detoxes your skin.

You may have heard about caffeine and its effect on cellulite. As we noted above, caffeine stimulates your skin, so it’s being used in a growing number of products to help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Bliss Fat Girl Slim is one such product. The product says it’s a “lean, mean skin firming cream,” claiming to visibly reduce the appearance of excess fluid retention in skin layers. Independent studies showed 87% of testers saw a firming effect; 85% felt a slimming effect and 73% saw a reduction in the appearance of cellulite!

The company 100% Pure makes an Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream using green tea and coffee. This sounds like the double shot our tired eyes need some days! Testers said they saw a reduction in puffiness and dark circles around the eye and that it reduced the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improved skin hydration!

We also found this little instructional video on how to make your own cellulite scrub with coffee! Plus, it will give you something to do with your coffee grounds. J

Have you ever tried products with caffeine as an active ingredient? Did it work for you? Share your story and tips with CupCase!

Attention shoppers! Your mood may have a direct effect on what you buy. The emptier your heart, the fuller your cart.

ABC News reports that sad people feel empty inside and so they are looking for something to fill them up. Behaviors such as eating too much, drinking too much or spending too much help them forget their troubles.

Shopping, in particular, allows us to buy things that bring us joy. And when we are down, joy is just what we need. Had a bad day at work? Break up with your boyfriend? A quick stop at the mall may be all you need to turn that frown upside down.

Huffington Post reports that people spend an average of $59.18 to lift their spirits (well, that’s an inexpensive mood-lifter, if you ask us!). People buy: clothing (26.1%), food (20.3%), electronics (17.4%), entertainment products (17.4%), accessories (e.g., jewelry and shoes) (12%) and other miscellaneous items (6.8%) as a quick remedy for their blues.

And ladies, here’s the real kicker. What we already knew has now been proven in studies: Buying a little something for ourselves actually does improve our moods! Huffington Post also reports that 82% were totally happy post-purchase and almost no one had buyer’s remorse. We bet that other 18% just didn’t buy enough.

Retail therapy can certainly lead to problems. Overspending when you are not financially secure will only lead to more sadness so let’s not do that. Make sure you can afford that remedy before you head to the checkout line!

No matter what the comfort item, thank goodness there’s a quick cure for all the downers that life throws at us. And CupCase is here to help you through any bouts of sadness. No matter what the issue, a fun, hot pink or leopard print CupCase brings out a smile every time!

Women began competing in the Olympic Games more than 100 years ago, and this year women set a record for competing in more events than ever before – go girls!! After pressure from human rights groups and the International Olympic Committee, Saudi Arabia finally allowed two women  to compete Wojdan Shehrkani in judo and Sarah Attar in the 800-meter race. What amazing accomplishments for women all over the world. So why are their outfits even an issue? Or really, why should we be surprised?

Uniform rules are strict in the Olympics. There is no room for personal preferences. International committees decide these very important matters. In order to accommodate other countries’ cultural beliefs, the Washington Post reported that spectators of beach volleyball would be seeing less of the Olympic competitors. For the first time, Olympic beach volleyball players would be allowed to trade bikinis for shorts and sleeved shirts. Men everywhere shuttered, but all was not lost. The players claim bikinis are more comfortable while playing in the sand so bikinis remain.

The changes didn’t stop there. Women’s boxing is making a debut in London this year and the Amateur International Boxing Association feared that while women beat each other with their fists, they may not look feminine enough in shorts. They also thought viewers may not be able to distinguish the women from the men so instead they should wear skirts!

Badminton’s international governing body tried to enforce the same idea. In order to attract more fans, the new dress code would require the females to wear skirts. Both boxing and badminton competitors protested. As a compromise, skirts were made optional. Thank goodness!

Who’s seen “A League of Their Own”? This 1992 movie with Tom Hanks, Geena Davis and Rosie O’Donnell is based on the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League that was created during World War II. The women’s uniforms were short skirts, not ideal for sliding into home plate. In the movie, talented women playing baseball wasn’t enough to draw the crowds. Men didn’t want to just see a good game. They wanted to see good looking women play a game.

It seems the Olympic Games are no different in 2012, unfortunately. The Boston Globe reports that as insulted and angry as females may be, the numbers don’t lie. Smaller uniforms attract a bigger audience – especially in men ages 18 to 34. Women’s beach volleyball was introduced during the Atlanta games and today, it’s one of the most popular tickets.

The Olympics are epic events that highlight the world’s best athletes. Uniforms should serve as practical clothing to enhance their performances, not serve as seductive ensembles to attract male attention and improve ratings.

CupCase wants to know what you think. Weigh in!

Breast cancer myths and rumors are endless and recently the rumor that sleeping in a bra can cause breast cancer has been circulating. Ever since the husband and wife team Singer and Grismaijer reported that bras cause cancer in the 1990s, breast health experts have been working to dispel this claim.

Well, you can breathe a sigh of relief because based on cancer research it looks like wearing your makeup to bed is more dangerous than sleeping in a bra. The American Cancer Society confirms “we do not know of any epidemiologic studies published in scientific journals that suggest bras directly contribute to breast cancer.” That includes bras with underwire, bras that don’t fit, or wearing a bra for too many hours a day. Wearing a bra has no link to cancer.

The Maurer Foundation understands that the myths can be rattling so it explains the theory and why it makes no sense. It was reported that underwire can cause pressure to the chest area causing toxins in the lymph system to be blocked. While this sounds like it makes sense, the cause of breast cancer has no link to the lymph system. Instead, breast cancer is believed to be blamed on gene mutations that lead to cells dividing suddenly and rapidly. The actual cause of the mutation is not known.

Need more reasons to doubt the claim that bras cause cancer? How about this: Men get breast cancer too. Also, breast cancer is older than bras! It is reported that breast tumors were detected as early as 1600 BC, but modern day bras weren’t sold until the mid-1930s.

The conversation reminds us of the signs of breast cancer and the obvious links to the disease.

Get a mammography every year after 40 years old, or younger depending on your family history. Look for the following when doing a breast exam:

• changes to breast shape or size
• breast dimpling, rash or other skin changes
• unusual or persistent breast pain
• nipple sores or discharge
• swelling or discomfit in armpit

Women’s risk factors include:

• personal and family history
• inheritance of mutations in the genes BRCA2, BRCA1 and CHEK2,
• exposure to female hormones (natural and administered)
• poor diet and inadequate exercise
• excessive alcohol consumption

So ladies, eat, sleep, jog, meditate, shower, whatever you want – all while wearing your bra! There is no evidence that your bra is bad for your health. Knowing that, maybe it’s time to order a few more CupCases for packing bras and bra protection! (Especially while the Charming Cheetah and Spot on Leopard are on sale through summer!)

Ladies, if you haven’t purchased a CupCase yet, you have no more excuses. This summer the Spot on Leopard and Charming Cheetah styles are on SALE! We all love a good sale!

For $19.95, you can have your choice of these animal prints. Can’t decide? Just order both! Each CupCase is regularly priced at $24.95, but through the end of summer (Sept. 21), we’re offering a $5 discount on the animal prints. Since they’re on sale, it makes it even easier to buy one for your sis, your mom and your friends. After all, Christmas will be here before you know it! Getting married? A CupCase is the perfect gift for each of your bridesmaids, too. What girl wouldn’t love to travel with such a stylish travel accessory?

The feedback keeps coming and we can’t stop smiling. CupCase gets lots of praise for its design and size and clever way to pack bras. Designed to protect your bra when traveling, CupCase is genius enough to serve additional purposes. Girls love stashing their panties, tights, jewelry, scrunchies – even their money in a CupCase. It easily transfers from your suitcase to the hotel bathroom counter or a drawer so you can keep your intimates organized and protected and travel with bras without worry.

This sale only lasts through September 21, so order now before we sell out! Show off your wild side and order a Spot on Leopard and a Charming Cheetah CupCase. Which is your favorite?

Pregnancy is one of the most exciting times in a woman’s life. To prepare for the arrival of your newborn, there’s an endless amount of to-dos and to-don’ts to learn. One of the last to-dos before the baby is born is to pack a bag for the hospital.

We attended a baby shower recently and the poor mom-to-be hadn’t even thought about her hospital bag. To help this gal out, we thought we’d make a checklist for her and other pregnant ladies out there who have yet to pack their bag.

We love The Bump for all things baby, and it has some of the following suggestions for packing the hospital bag:

1.) Paperwork like insurance information, hospital registration forms and birth plan.

2.) Nightgowns, robe, slippers and a few pair of socks for walking the hall when in labor – or walking anywhere in the hospital. Who knows what those floors have seen.

3.) Lip balm, hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash (or a few of those handy facial wipes), makeup (got to look good for all those pictures!), shampoo, conditioner, lotion, hair dryer, contacts, eyeglasses and a headband or hair ties.

4.) Journal or notepad and pen.

5.) Cell phone, charger and a list of phone numbers and email addresses for spreading the new baby news.

6.) Camera, film, extra memory card, battery or charger.

7.) Clothes and shoes for wearing home. And don’t even kid yourself; pack maternity clothes, not pre-pregnancy clothes.

8.) Breast pump and nursing pads.

9.) Nursing bra. Breasts go through so many changes when pregnant and nursing. It’s important that the nursing bra provide proper support, fits in the cups and around the ribs, and is comfortable for you and the baby who will be trying to latch on. It’s a good idea to get fitted by an expert to avoid buying bras that don’t fit or aren’t practical when trying to nurse. It can’t hurt and might save you lots of time and money – two things new moms are often short on! Some hospitals have a lactation center and will fit as well as sell nursing bras there.

10.) CupCase Your Bras – Honey, if you’ve just shelled out a lot of cash on those expensive nursing bras, you might as well make sure they arrive at the hospital in style, as well as safe and sound! The CupCase will hold at least a couple of your nursing bras and protect them from getting crushed or snagged in your hospital bag. There will probably be a little room left over for your hair ties and jewelry!

Feel free to share this checklist with any pregnant ladies you know! And if you’re heading to any baby showers this summer, a CupCase makes a great gift, wink-wink. J

As far back as the third century, Roman women bandaged themselves in fabric to restrict breast movement. Then there was the corset until World War I set us free because the 28,000 tons of metal used to make these devices were needed for war ships (see, something good can come out of a bad situation). By the 1930s, the bra had actual cup sizes, then hook-eye closures and finally, the Wonder bra.

What’s next? Well, here are a few bras CupCase is pretty sure you don’t have in your lingerie chest … yet!

The Joey Bra is more than a carrying case for “the girls.” Dragging around a purse can be inconvenient when at the gym, at a party or dancing the night away. Problem solved. Simply tuck your lip gloss, cell phone, car key, and maybe even an extra pair of dancing shoes, in the side pocket built in under your arm. This is genius for those of us that want to leave our purse at home and need somewhere to carry these important items. At $29.99 the Joey bra comes in small, medium and large.

Summer weather is hot and to cool off there’s nothing like a glass of ice cold lemonade, a dip in the pool or the “Super Cool Bra”. Triumph, a Japanese company that is acutely aware of its country’s need to conserve power when the temperature rises, has designed this bra that includes two gel icepacks. The icepacks, which the makers claim stay soft and comfortable when frozen, are tucked into each cup to keep you cool. The design is less than typical as each cup looks like a fish bowl. But wouldn’t you rather wear a bra that looks like a fishbowl and stay super cool, than … Well, nevermind. Don’t answer that.

Caught in a national disaster? You’d better hope you’re wearing the fire engine red Emergency bra. At the first sign of contaminated air, take off your Emergency bra, separate the cups and put one over your face using the back strap to hold it in place. For $29.95 you get one cup, and your unprepared friend can have the other.  Elena Bodnar did have a legitimate motive in mind when designing this bra. “You have to be prepared all the time, at any place, at any moment, and practically every woman wears a bra,” Bodnar explains.

CupCase wants to know. Would you consider wearing any of these (dare we say “crazy”) bras? Let us know!

When was the last time you went to the doctor for a health screening? Six months? One year? Three years or more? Girl, it’s time to make that appointment!

National Women’s Health Week is coming up May 13-19, a weeklong health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health. During this week, the 10^th annual National Women’s Checkup Day will be May 14, a day dedicated to encouraging women to visit their health care professionals to receive or schedule checkups, and to promote regular checkups as vital to the early detection of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, mental health illnesses, sexually transmitted infections and other conditions.

What kind of screenings should you get? Here is a general guideline, but please check with your healthcare provider!

During this week, in addition to scheduling your screenings, organizers also want you to focus on:

• Getting active.
• Eating healthy.
• Paying attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress.
• Avoiding unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and not wearing a seatbelt or bicycle helmet.

A lot of events are going on around the country during National Women’s Health Week, including plenty of free screenings and fun get-togethers. Click here to find events close to your city or town.

We’re taking the pledge to schedule our health screenings this month. Will you??