Tag Archives: hiking

Fall Craft Morning

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Fall Craft Morning

Hello!! I work as an Independent Provider for people with special needs and it is the best job ever! This past Friday, I spent a fantastic morning getting crafty with one of my clients and we had a blast. Even better, part of our supplies for the projects we completed came from going on a fall hike. We gathered leaves to do some crayon stenciling and also purchased small pumpkins to paint. These crafts were simple to make but so much fun and will be a great way to spend a chilly fall afternoon with nothing to do:

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My neck of the woods boasts so many different Metro Parks that it’s impossible to keep track of them all. I have been looking forward to fall hikes with my client since the summertime and the trail we went on was glorious with all of the leaves changing colors. It also was a unique twist to turn it into a scavenger hunt of sorts while we scoured the ground for perfect leaves to stencil.

After the hike was done and our hoodie pockets were filled with leaves, we bought pumpkins and headed home to get our craft on. The leaf stenciling was a huge hit and, although the directions are self explanatory, here they are:

  1. Acquire leaves
  2. Place the leaf vein side up underneath a piece of paper
  3. Rub over the leaf gently with the side of a crayon
  4. Rinse and repeat

While our leaf craft was very successful, the piece de resistance was definitely painting the pumpkins! I have never carved a pumpkin before and, honestly, don’t trust myself enough to lol so painting a pumpkin is my compromise. This is a craft that I have done with many a client and it’s an ideal way to get into the fall spirit without the messiness of pumpkin carving. I opted for a pumpkin with the lifewithlilred initials and my client painted a super colorful pumpkin that turned out amazing. Now, I have to figure out some more crafts for next week! 😀

Not only is fall my favorite season but it is also my favorite time of year to spend with the people I serve. Enjoying the beautiful nature, cooler temps, and all of the activities and crafts that come with autumn never makes for a dull moment! ❤

Have you made any fall crafts? How did they turn out? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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The Essentials You Need For A Hiking Adventure

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The Essentials You Need For A Hiking Adventure

Heading out for a hike in any weather is something that is not only a great form of exercise, but it’s also super fun for the whole family! If you are an outdoorsy person and you love being surrounded by nature, there is nothing better than heading out for some fresh air. Preparing for a hike is not as simple as hopping in your car and finding a destination, you also need to think about your own safety and health while out in the wild.

Here are some of the essential things that you should bring along with you the next time you go for a hike:

An off road car:

The first thing you need to have on hand if you like hiking is a car that can withstand many terrains such as a Land Rover. Consider changing your car to one more suitable for being out in the countryside because a regular rear wheel drive just won’t cut it up steep inclines. Invest in a car that has plenty of space, all of the mod cons, and is able to keep you secure and safe out in the country.

Plenty of water:

It is more important than anything that you bring a lot of water along with you for a hike. Dehydration can make you delirious and it isn’t worth going without a drink of H2O when out and about. Make sure to pack a big bottle of water or consider buying a backpack with a water pouch built in that can be filled and drunk from during the hike. One useful gadget to consider is a water filter which you can buy online that will filter water from rivers and streams to make it safe for you to drink.

High sugar snacks:

When you head out for a hike, it is important to keep your energy levels up so packing some high sugar and protein snacks is a must. And no, this isn’t to say a big slice of chocolate brownie is a great hiking snack! When we mean high sugar, we mean HIGH sugar – there is a snack called a Kendal Mint Cake which is essentially a full block of minty sugar, and this can be nibbled on throughout a long hike to help keep those sugar levels up.

A cag in a bag:

As unfashionable as a cag in a bag may be, it is one of the most useful things for you to bring along with you on your hike. A cagoule will protect you from the rain but will not provide a thick layer that may overheat you while walking. If you love to be out and about, a cagoule is the ideal type of coat and one you should consider.

Great walking boots:

The last thing to invest in as a hiker is some great quality walking boots. Your boots should be sturdy, comfortable, and weatherproof. Always make sure you have enough space within the boots to layer with thick socks too.

Hiking is an amazing all seasons activity that allows you to exercise and explore in nature. However, it is important to consider your safety so always have a first aid kit handy and use the tips above so that you can fully enjoy your adventure!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

4 Advantages Of Hiking With Your Dog

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4 Advantages Of Hiking With Your Dog

Hiking does not have to just be a human pursuit; it can be undertaken with a dog too! Why not combine your exercise with theirs? It will be time-saving, your dog will love it, and will save you money on paying to keep them fit in other ways that will keep you inside rather than enjoying the outdoors. So, let us consider the advantages of Hiking with dogs:

Cure for Dog Boredom:

Hiking is a good way to cure dog boredom. If they are not kept occupied, then dogs have been known to develop some rather destructive habits around the home. Owners must keep dogs both physically and mentally stimulated to avoid things being chewed and destroyed. Longer walks, such as hikes, are likely to be the solution that you have been looking for to this problem.

Extra Exercise for Both:

We could all benefit from more exercise than a couple of dog walks a day. Although all exercise is good for us, these are hardly going to keep us at peak fitness levels. So, why not make the walks longer and consider going on a hike with your dog? It will be both stimulating and healthy.

Dogs make excellent hiking or trail partners when it comes to exploring new places, and there are many breeds of dogs that are the perfect choice when it comes to extended exercise. These include Alaskan Malamute, Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog, German Shorthaired Pointer, Portuguese Water Dog, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Siberian Husky, Vizsla, and the Weimaraner.

Don’t worry if your breed of dog is not on this list because they should still love hiking. You can take them on longer runs to test out their endurance levels, while always being aware that you have to get home again and some breeds are likely to be too heavy to carry!

Boost a Dog’s Enthusiasm for the Outdoors:

Although the majority of dogs will enjoy the outdoors and their walks, there will be dogs that would seem to prefer to stay inside and sleep, even on a nice day. This will require some motivation on your part as most dog owners seek out a dog to take it on walks as much as for the company it provides.

Dogs may fear a walk if they have come across another dog that has been nasty to them or one that they simply do not like. So, if you can take them out in the car to their walk, then this may provide a more enjoyable experience and hopefully wean them back into walking as they did on the streets before they were spooked. Making a walk as enjoyable as possible will boost their enthusiasm. A hiking trail with lots of new sights and scents should do the trick.

Minimal Expense:

It costs nothing to walk and involves minimal expense commuting to a nearby spot to hike. We can rule out the cost of gym membership and, at the same time, exercise ourselves and our dog for virtually nothing in comparison. We might buy some hiking equipment to enhance, protect, and provide for a better hiking experience for us and our dog, but this can be used time and time again. Every time we enjoy hiking together, we can make use of our purchases of hiking accessories.

In terms of the hiking equipment you might need to purchase for your dog, you should consider a harness to provide more comfort and support when you are walking your dog on a lead. A collapsible bowl will be inexpensive yet take up less space in your rucksack. Most importantly, make sure that your dog has an ID tag in case they should stray from you.

Just like us, dogs can get bored! This can be rectified by exploring hiking trails in your area together for a fun new way to exercise.

It’s A Walk In The Park

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It’s A Walk In The Park

Hello! A super nice thing about October other than all Halloween everything is that Johnny has every Friday off. I, on the other hand, always have Fridays off so it has been really fun having an extra day to spend with him on our weekends. Although we are always okay with staying at home with our video games and streaming services, we decided to have a little field trip this past Friday.

Johnny and I loaded into his mini van and went for a drive through the Cuyahoga Valley. We admired the changing leaves while enjoying the pleasant temperatures of an autumn day, all set to the tunes of Dire Straits which Johnny deemed appropriate driving music. Sadly, he passed on my offer to play some Cardi B but that’s neither here nor there.

Regardless of what our soundtrack was, it was exciting to be doing something with my boyfriend other than sitting in the apartment. He had just gotten his hair done and looked SO fine and driving around and talking and laughing had me falling in love all over again. :*)

We stopped off at one of the hiking trails before heading home and took an excursion around Indigo Lake. We explored train tracks and Johnny proved to be an excellent stone skipper. I proved to be… Anyways, it was a hoot. To be out in the public of nature together was refreshing for both of us because we don’t venture out often now, as safety is our primary concern.

Johnny and I were both kitted out in our fall Sunday’s Best but, as always, it was back in our comfy clothes as soon as we returned home. We settled in for an evening of weird comedies like Tim & Eric’s Bedtime Stories and The Mighty Boosh and it was a great day. ❤

If you’re feeling cooped up from being at home a lot now, don’t discount the benefits of spending some time outdoors. I think you’ll be glad you did. 🙂

How do you safely go out right now? Where is your favorite place to go hiking? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Fun Activities To Do With Your Kids This Summer

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Fun Activities To Do With Your Kids This Summer

If you are looking for things to do with your kids this summer, then you have come to the right place. Down below, you are going to find a short list of ideas that you can use to fill the time while your little ones are off from school. They don’t have to be anything elaborate as you will see when you keep reading, but just something different and fun to do as a family. Take a look:

Take Them Climbing:

The first thing that we are going to suggest is that you take them climbing. There is going to be some sort of mountain within a few hours drive from you, and this is the perfect thing to do on a sunny day. Just make sure that you are taking a lot of food and drinks with you to avoid anyone feeling weak or tired on your journey. Not only is this something fun that you can do as a family, but it is also great for exercise and getting everyone out and about. Staying indoors can be fun, but every now and then you need something to get you moving and get your blood pumping!

Or, if climbing isn’t really something you want to do, you can find a nice nature trail to follow. There are lots of these dotted around, and you will find some amazing views when you embark on one of these journeys.

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So cool!

Learn An Instrument:

The next thing that we are going to suggest is that you take up an instrument. This can be fun to do with your children no matter what instrument you choose to do. This could be piano, guitar, or even something as peculiar as the ukulele! If this is something that you want to consider, you can find the Top 12 Easy Ukulele Songs with 4 Chords (C, G, Am, F) online to look at! By doing this, you don’t even have to hire a teacher to help you learn. Instead, you can teach yourselves at home and make it into a fun experience for those days where you just don’t want to leave the comfort of your own home.

Create Something Beautiful:

Finally, have you thought about doing something creative with them? This can be anything from painting with them in the garden to building somewhere for them to play. Obviously, you don’t want them handling sharp tools, that’s for you to do, but they can help with passing you stuff, assembling, and decorating when it’s finished. Projects like this are great because they take up a few days at least, and they make sure everyone has a task to do.

You can also think about getting them to help you out with the gardening and creating a beautiful outdoor space. This might not sound like the most fun idea, but it is something that everyone can be involved in and looks amazing when completed.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now have a few good ideas for activities that you can do with your kids this summer!

 

NC Photography

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NC Photography

Howdy and welcome to the weekend! Thank you all so much for letting me dish about my family vacation to Hendersonville, North Carolina this past week. It has been so nice to relive such wonderful memories, even though they just happened, and I am already itching to travel off to somewhere new! Ah yes, the travel bug is strong since I took two trips this month but, for now, all I can do is reminisce with some final photos from vacation taken by my father who planned the entire trip! Take a look:

 

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For as long as I can remember, my dad has always found joy in planning family vacations. From Florida and Vermont to New Hampshire and North Carolina, my dad loves conducting research and will spend at least a year planning for a big summer or fall trip. It is simply the best and we are so thankful that he spends such extensive time making sure that our vacation is perfect. And, it really is a win win, because my dad enjoys it so much and we just get to sit back and experience the spoils. This year’s vacation was one of the best that we have had in a long time and I am so appreciative to my dad and family for making it all possible!

Where was your last family vaca? Where is your dream travel destination? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Triple Falls Hike

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Triple Falls Hike

Hello! During my family vacation to Hendersonville, North Carolina we enjoyed several of the amazing hiking trails in the vicinity. In fact, one of the trails that we went to was so amazing that some of The Hunger Games was filmed there! Walking the trail to get to the Triple Falls was intense, as there were a lot of hills to go up and down. But, seeing the majestic waterfalls once we reached our final destination made the infinite inclines well worth it (And, my gloots are thanking me!). Take a look at some of the pics that I snapped and let’s discuss:

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I’m not gonna lie, I was definitely pretending to be Katniss during the entire hike and it was exhilarating to unleash my inner badass. We only hiked the Triple Falls trail, but throughout the walk, there were places where you could break away that would take you to other waterfalls. In my opinion, nothing could compare to the three spectacular falls flowing into each other. Hearing the rushing water, being enveloped by the mist, and feeling the gentle spray of the water was such a delight to all of the senses. And, although we were all sore by the time we got back to the car, I think that we would all do the hike again in a heartbeat!

What is your favorite adventure movie? What is your favorite trail to hike in the fall? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

NC Scenery

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NC Scenery

Hi everyone and happy weekend! For the past week, my family enjoyed a vacation in Hendersonville, North Carolina. A fun time was had by all and it was so nice to share in the beautiful scenery of the mountains with amazing company. On one of our excursions, we hiked at a trail called Catawba Falls and were treated to a glorious view of several smaller waterfalls flowing into each other at the top. We were also the recipients of some wildly muddy shoes and jeans compliments of Hurricane Michael! Take a look:

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A moderate hike on a good day, this trail was actually fairly difficult when we were there, because of the intense rain that North Carolina got the week before. So, the mostly upward trail was really muddy, which led to some slipping, sliding, and very dirty shoes! There is nothing better than being amongst nature and hearing the flowing water from the falls joining you with every step, though, and the mud and gunk was just a small price to pay for that.

After our hike, a cold treat was definitely in order and we stopped for a shaved ice at Pelican’s before heading back to our cabin. Try not to drool at all this deliciousness:

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With over one hundred flavors to choose from at Pelican’s, the possibilities were literally endless. And, unfortunately for me, every flavor sounded fantastic! So, I just had to pick one and go with it and went for French Vanilla Cola because after the hike, I wanted nothing more than an ice cold Diet Coke. The shaved ice was a fine substitute, but ordering a large size was a total mistake because of the classic case of “eyes being bigger than your stomach”. If you’re in the area and stop by Pelican’s, just know that you will be more than okay with the kiddie size! 😀

Where was the location of your last family vacation? What is your favorite hiking trail in your neck of the woods? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

My October Wish List

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My October Wish List

Hi everyone and happy Tuesday! The glorious month of October is among us, which means I get to enjoy all of my favorite things. As I lover of all things horror, I get to finally get down with my spooky self and drag my boyfriend along for the ride! Because, all of the fall things wouldn’t be complete without a special someone or bestie to revel in the fright with. Here are a few things that I hope to do this month and, so help me god if I don’t, because we’re gonna have some issues!

  1. HAUNTED HOUSES!!!!!!!!!! All of the haunted houses. So many haunted houses. I LOVE HAUNTED HOUSES. The thrill, the scares, the anticipation! I spent two Octobers in my teenage years working at a haunted house and it was SO. MUCH. FUN. Ohio actually offers some pretty good haunts, if you’re willing to venture a little ways to get to them. So, road trip and spookfest, anyone?
  2. SCARY MOVIES!!!!!!!!! All of the scary movies. So many scary movies. I LOVE SCARY MOVIES! Of course, I am eagerly anticipating the theater release of the new Halloween movie but, October is also a time to revisit old favorites. The original Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Saw, The Strangers, Ils, Hush, and all things Stephen King for starters, please.
  3. PUMPKINPALOOZA! So, I’ve never carved a pumpkin before and, frankly, I don’t think it’s the best idea. (Sarah + a carving knife sounds like a pretty bad equation!) But, my boyfriend wants to, so it’s the least I can do! Regardless of if I can carve a pumpkin adequately enough, it will still be fun to complete a traditional Halloween craft together.
  4. Pumpkin Spice, Please: I know, so basic. But, I always have to get at least one Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks this month. Don’t worry, though, I’ll be back to all iced coffee everything in no time!
  5. Take A Hike: I also want to get in lots of hikes in some of Ohio’s many wonderful Metro Parks. There is nothing better than being amongst all of the trees changing color and crunching through fallen leaves on the ground during a blustery fall day. It’s so much fun that it doesn’t even feel like exercising. 😀

What is on your October Wish List? What is your favorite thing about this month? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Flowers & Frogs

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Flowers & Frogs

Howdy! The weather in Ohio has been absolutely perfect for hiking and just hanging out in the great outdoors. It is the type of weather where you have the windows open, eat food from the grill, and have bouquets of spring flowers on the table, like these lovely pink and yellow tulips:

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So, the above is the flowers part of this post, because who doesn’t love to see a lovely bouquet sitting on the kitchen table? But, what about the frogs?! Well, since the weather has been awesome, I’ve been able to go on a fair share of hikes this week. They were all great, but my favorite was the one I went on on Sunday at the Nature Realm in good ol’ Fairlawn, Ohio.

The Nature Realm rules. They have paved walking trails and actual hiking trails, along with the most lovely flower and herb garden, ponds full of fish and turtles, and an indoor center where you can watch Ohio wildlife from a window and see cool reptiles in their enclosures. While exploring the flower and herb garden, I was lucky enough to spot two little froggies hanging out among the lily pads in a pond. It was a fun game trying to spot the frogs camouflaged in all of the green, and here they are:

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Ahhhh! They are so cute I can’t even stand it! 😀

Spring time always teaches me about appreciating the little things – freshly cut flowers from the store, playing I Spy with frogs in a pond, and going for a walk with a light jacket on. It almost makes the drawn out winter worth it! 😉

Who else has been enjoying hikes now that the sun is out? What type of wildlife do you have in your area? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah