Tag Archives: vaca

Nov3

3 Tips To Prepare For Your First Glamping Trip

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3 Tips To Prepare For Your First Glamping Trip

Some people detest the idea of camping. They worry about the work it will take to pitch a tent, the bug that will crawl into their sleeping bag, and having to sleep on the hard ground. It’s understandable to see why camping can have its downsides. Why would you sleep in a cold tent in the rain when you can be in a soft warm bed at home? Camping also tends to make people feel drained. It really is difficult to have a peaceful sleep in a tent.

Thankfully, glamping is around and it’s bringing new meaning to being in the great outdoors. So what exactly is “glamping”? It’s short for “Glamorous Camping”. This means that it’s a luxurious way to be within nature, but with all of the frills that a hotel offers. No pitching tents, mosquitos, or outdoor toilets, just simple luxury. These are some helpful tips for preparing for a glamping trip:

Look into your options:

Glamping is highly recognized today and many national parks offer glamping accommodations. Glamping comes in an array of forms such as trailers, cabins, tents, and tree houses. Many accommodation sites will even reuse vehicles such as train carts or old jets and flip them into a luxurious paradise for campers. For example, if you enter a search for “glamping maremma” you can see an old caravan converted into a glamping site by the Pereti glamping resort. They also offer yurts and a charming witch house too! Camping comfortably has never been more accessible.

Just keep in mind what you’re wanting, your price range, and what activities you’re expecting to do. You’ll want to make sure that the place is going to be comfortable and that you can have a good night’s sleep. Not sleeping enough is going to affect your health and it’s also going to make you enjoy your trip far less.

Know what to pack:

Each glamping accommodation is going to offer different amenities. You can expect there to be a bed and pillows. You can most likely expect there to be running water and toilet paper, as well. Of course, glamping calls for all of the extras to make your experience even better and more relaxing. Look into Camping Stuff that will not be found at a traditional campground, are a must have, and will keep you comfortable. And be sure to read through your glamp-ground listing, reach out, and ask questions about it. If your glamping trip is going to entail that you do a lot of hiking and other activities within nature, then you’re far better off purchasing some gear from EcoGearFX to help you survive the trip.

Look into what activities you’d like to do:

Some glamping resorts will provide activities for their guests. This can include tours, rides, workshops, and crafting. More and more glamping accommodations are offering things such as hot tubs, spas, saunas, and playgrounds to ensure that guests enjoy their stay.

You should also look into what is offered around the area. This can include seeing if there are hiking trails close by or any nice towns that are close. Sometimes even a short drive away there could be something fun for you and your party to do. You just want to make sure that if you’re having to drive during your glamping trip, that you’re not going too far. Just ask around about what is offered.

If you like to enjoy Mother Nature from afar, then a glamping trip could be the perfect thing for your next getaway – no tent required!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Oct18

Finding Bigfoot

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Finding Bigfoot

Hello! One of the souvenirs that Johnny and I brought home from the Poconos was a Grow Your Own Bigfoot. It was a goofy buy but Johnny apparently couldn’t pass it up lol. When we returned home, we began the process of growing our Bigfoot friend in a measuring cup full of water. It definitely took longer than the instructions said for Bigfoot to expand to its full size but it was worth the wait! Check it out:

For six days, Johnny and I checked in on our progress constantly to see how our Bigfoot was doing. And, trust and believe, we used the word “crowning” more than I would care to admit. We both wanted to see the end result ASAP so it was quite a painstaking process. So, I made the executive decision to remove Bigfoot from his stump once it was cracked completely because we couldn’t wait any longer.

After Bigfoot was freed from the stump, we left it in the water for another day or so. Now, I am pleased to say that we have a happy, healthy Bigfoot in our apartment! Although this was a silly purchase, it was a lot of fun and brought us back to our youth because we both used to enjoy the “Grow Your Own” products. Our Bigfoot will also make a fine addition to our Spooky Shelf! 😀

When in the Poconos, it is an obvious must to buy a Grow Your Own Bigfoot in Jim Thorpe. I guess it’s time to call in a documentary crew since the real deal is currently chilling in our apartment! 😉

Do you believe in Bigfoot? Where do you think he is located? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct13

Vacation Souvenirs

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Vacation Souvenirs

Hello!! My family vacation in the Poconos was the absolute best and I am definitely ready for another one lol. It is so hard to go back to work after all of the fun, family time, amazing food, and relaxation! No vacation is complete without plenty of souvenirs and Johnny and I got several to enjoy in our kitchen and on our knick knack shelf. Check it out:

The favorite vacation purchase for me and Johnny is, easily, our Frankenstein and Skeleton Man plushies from the small store at Heckman Orchards. They are SO cute and we love snuggling up with them while we watch ten episodes of Criminal Minds in a row. 😀

The earrings (Which I’m obsessed with!) and the Grow Your Own Bigfoot were bought at a couple of shops in Jim Thorpe. The rest of our souvenirs came from Country Junction, which is the world’s largest general store. And, let me tell you, if you are ever in the area you just have to check it out.

Country Junction was a mishmash of a billion different things and it was like being in a carnival fun house. The actual general store was HUGE and it was the size of at least three Walmarts all put together. There was a section for everything from children’s toys to grilling supplies, pet care, and old fashioned candy. In almost every corner, there were gigantic statues that could move and talk including scenes from the Wizard Of Oz and a Jurassic Park-esque velociraptor. Oh, and did I mention that there was a full arcade with bumper cars too?! 😮

The madness wasn’t limited to the inside, no siree bob. Outdoors, there was a petting zoo, hay rides, playgrounds, and a small carnival complete with old school rides, fun houses, and food vendors. It was absolutely nuts lol. I so wish that I took pictures of this madness but the weather was rainy and Johnny and I were carrying all of our shopping bags by the time we caught up with the rest of the family.

Our purchases were pretty heavy because we bought a ton! I did some early Christmas shopping, got prezzies for my niece, nephew, and sister, as well as lots of treats for me and Johnny. I am particularly fond of the items that I bought by Our Own Candle Company. The Hot Chocolate candle smells delicious and I can’t wait to use the bar soap – the Peach scent is to die for!

If you have the time, definitely check out Country Junction online because you will be just as blown away/dumbfounded as I think everyone is that steps foot on the property!

Do you have anything like Country Junction in your area? What is your favorite one stop shop? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct12

The Old Jail Tour Pt. 2

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The Old Jail Tour Pt. 2

Hello everyone and welcome to the second part of my experience at a tour of The Old Jail in Jim Thorpe, PA! To kick things off, check out some pictures and then we will discuss more:

To start our tour of The Old Jail, we watched a fifteen or so minute video which taught us about the plight of the Irish people during the Potato Famine and how they got to America. Despite being out of the country, Irish people still had a rough time because no one wanted to hire them for work. Other than the coal mines, that is. And it was a dangerous job, indeed.

Cue, the Molly Maguires. The Molly Maguires were a secret society who basically tried to improve everything about the coal mining industry for its workers. As mentioned in yesterday’s post, The Old Jail was where four accused Molly Maguires were hung at the gallows after multiple violent conflicts. After learning this, the tour of the jail itself began.

The tour of The Old Jail was really cool because after our guide gave us some history, we were allowed to move about freely to explore more. We began on the first floor, which is where the gallows were as well as some other unique features. If you look at the ninth picture down, the pictures on the floor were from magazine cutouts that one of the prisoners stuck to the ground with sugar water.

Of course, the most famous feature of The Old Jail is the hand print of one of the Molly Maguires. Before his hanging, he dirtied his hand and placed it on the wall of his cell declaring that it was the hand print of an innocent man. His hand print was attempted to be removed via scrubbing, chiseling, and painting but it still remains, clear as day, to this day. (To preserve the print, we were not allowed to take pictures of it.)

Once we were done on the first floor, we descended down the stairs into the dungeons where people in solitary confinement were kept. Back in the day, those in solitary were in shackles and in the pitch black twenty-four hours a day with nothing but a bucket and a sleeping mat in their cell. All of this is crazy uncomfortable, but add the three coal burning stoves that are located in the dungeons and it was pure misery.

After we saw the dungeons, the tour was pretty much over and we were able to poke around for a bit more before exiting the building. I don’t think any of us could shake the creeped out feeling the entire drive back to our lodging. Speaking of creeped out…

Later that evening, I began the process of going through the pictures that I took and emailing them to myself. I got to the halfway point where I was sending pictures of the dungeons and, all of a sudden, my phone screen went completely frozen and white. I closed out of my email and tried again but it was the same thing every time.

Finally, I decided to restart my phone and it worked perfectly. Was it nothing? Maybe. Or was it the fact that I had just spent time in a haunted location and was working on pictures where people were kept in solitary confinement? Maybe. I know how I feel about it but I’ll let you make your own conclusions!

The tour of The Old Jail was one of the neatest outings both Johnny and I have ever been on. We can’t wait to explore more places like it! 😀

Are there any haunted locations in your area? What are you afraid of? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct11

The Old Jail Tour Pt. 1

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The Old Jail Tour Pt. 1

Hi! Hands down, mine and Johnny’s favorite part of the vacation in the Poconos was the tour we did of The Old Jail in Jim Thorpe. We had both never done anything like it and have always wanted to as we love all things horror and the macabre. Our time spent in the jail also inspired us to have a “Ghoul Tour” when we go on a trip to visit more jails, asylums, and other haunted locations.

I took so many pictures in The Old Jail that this post will be broken up into two parts. Today, we are going to look at some shots taken prior to our tour. Then, tune in tomorrow to explore the dungeon, jail cells, and much more! Let’s get to it:

Our tour of The Old Jail was absolutely wonderful and you could feel the haunted history of it before you even entered the building. The jail stuck out like an ominous sore thumb amongst the quaint town of Jim Thorpe and we couldn’t wait for our adventure to begin. We were eager to learn and check out everything that the jail had to offer, including the recreated gallows where four accused Molly Maguires were hung and, yes, the hand print. 😮

Tomorrow, we are going to delve deeper into the history of The Old Jail, the story of the hand print, lots more pictures, and my own weird experience when trying to email the pics I took to myself. You don’t want to miss it!

Have you ever visited a haunted location? Which jails or asylums have you visited before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct10

Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen

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Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen

Hello!!! The day after mine and Johnny’s wedding, we were incredibly hungover and spent the entire day in bed watching Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives a la Guy Fieri. We freaking love him so when we learned that he had a restaurant in the Poconos we just had to go! Check it out:

Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen was located in the Mount Airy Casino so Johnny and I decided to have lunch and try our luck at a few slot machines afterwards. While we didn’t win big during our gambling experience, lunch was a raging success!

Johnny ordered a bacon cheeseburger with mac n’ cheese on it and I went with the Trash Can Nachos. When I read the name of my selection I assumed it just meant that these nachos had everything on them but assume makes an ass out of U and Me.

Our meals came out surprisingly fast and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing when my nachos came out in a literal trash can lol! Our waitress advised us to take a video of her shaking the can onto my plate and it was the craziest thing we have ever seen!

Our lunch from Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen was so delicious and insanely filling! I was also tickled that the restaurant had plenty of vegetarian options including being able to get fried cauliflower in place of chicken wings. That was a nice touch that I had never seen offered before.

Although we didn’t walk away from the casino with full wallets, we did leave very full of carbs which is just as good. I highly recommend this restaurant if you ever get the chance to go. I LOVE YOU, GUY FIERI!!!

Who is your favorite celebrity? What is your favorite restaurant? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct9

All Aboard!

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All Aboard!

Hi! During our family vacation to the Poconos, we took a charming ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. The ride was a perfect length at forty-five minutes and we got to see some amazing sights including an old train tunnel carved into a mountain, the beautiful changing leaves, and a waterfall. We all enjoyed ourselves so much! Check it out:

Our experience on the train ride was wonderful and we almost had an entire cart just for us which was awesome. There was also a super cool employee on our cart who filled us in on all kinds of fun facts about everything we were seeing. She also let Johnny and I know about the paranormal activity that takes place in the area which we were extremely interested in.

The train ride was a perfect excuse to break out my new Stella Luce snake print jacket because it was a bit chilly out. Wherever we go, Johnny and I love getting all dolled up and strutting our stuff and the train trip was no exception. All aboard the fashion express – CHOO CHOO! 😀

What is your preferred form of transportation? What is fall like 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

Aug18

Planning The Most Amazing Road Trip

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Planning The Most Amazing Road Trip

Gaining the chance to plan an amazing road trip is an opportunity that should not be missed. Road trips offer an experience like no other kind of travel or vacation. Figuring out how to organize a memorable road trip doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might expect, as there are several simple tips and tricks that you can make the most of to ensure you and your passengers can enjoy the adventure of a lifetime. So, if you’re interested in finding out more, then read on to uncover some of the most important planning recommendations that you can utilize today to plan the best road trip ever:

Choose The Right Vehicle:

Choosing the right vehicle should be your first priority when heading out on a road trip. If you want to experience ultimate comfort throughout your trip, then you’ll likely prefer a camper of some kind, since these are well equipped with living quarters, hygiene facilities, and more. For those who are aiming to camp outdoors and need space for equipment, a 4×4 SUV truck is going to be the best bet – you’ll have enough storage space to pack up everything you need, whilst having the off road capabilities to travel to hard-to-reach spots.

If you want to live life on the wild side and experience your road trip in a totally different manner, finding a local KTM dealers garage will give you the chance to ride on the back of a top quality motorcycle. Obviously you’ll be exposed to the elements on a motorbike and this could be a blessing or a curse depending on the weather! Traveling the open road on a motorcycle is a dream for many and if it’s one of yours, why not go for it? Start by taking lessons, getting your permit from Permit Bike (or a similar company in your local area), and plan your trip. As soon as you feel the breeze rushing by, you will know you made the right choice!

If you’re opting for using your own car, make sure you get any major repairs taken care of with time to spare. Don’t forget to get your oil changed and tires rotated too! You can get your car looking brand new again with Car Detailing Brisbane so you can ride in style during your trip. Whatever vehicle you are using, you will want the proper accessories as well for comfort and convenience. Neck pillows, device chargers, speakers, and a backup form of GPS are an absolute must. You might also want to use a phone holder for car so you can chat away with loved ones hands free during your long drive.

Pick Your Destination:

Going on a road trip allows you and your friends to make a ton of memories and create an unforgettable experience. It doesn’t necessarily matter where you go, it’s what you make of the entire adventure. However, if you really want to turn your road trip into a success, you may want to choose Europe as your destination. Not only are there so many beautiful sights to see, but you will also discover so many incredible group tours to Europe. From visiting Big Ben in London, to The Eiffel Tower in Paris, you can plan your ultimate road trip around your planned sightseeing tours.

No matter where you go on your trip, you will surely end up at countless of cool locations and maybe some fancy ones too. How great would it be to get out of the car for the day and go to a gorgeous restaurant or a Broadway show? You will certainly want to look the part and the same goes for your car. A mobile car detailing in San Diego (or wherever your road trip takes you) can refresh your ride so you can pull up to your event in style.

Pack Your Bags Properly:

Throwing in a couple of pairs of underwear and some trail mix to see you through until the end of your road trip is one of the worst mistakes that you can make. Start off by packing your clothing, considering all situations such as exploration, swimming, sleeping, and even dramatic weather changes – you don’t want to find yourself stuck in a surprise heatwave with nothing but jumpers and sweatpants to wear.

Next, think about what food you can pack inside your vehicle because you need to have enough food to last your entire trip with a couple of days backed up for safety. Find foods with a long shelf life that don’t need to be stored in a fridge or freezer and be sure to bring some cooking equipment with you even if it’s just a saucepan to hold over an open fire! Don’t forget to bring some form of first aid kit to tend to any wounds or illnesses that you might encounter during your road trip. Something as simple as a migraine could halt your journey if you don’t have immediate access to pain relief.

Summer is not over yet and now is the perfect time to head out on an adventure with your family or friends!

Featured Image By: Pexels

May13

4 Clothing Items Every Packing List Needs

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4 Clothing Items Every Packing List Needs

Everybody enjoys a good trip. However, selecting the ideal clothing items to take on your vaca without filling up several suitcases can be a daunting task. Although the pieces of clothing you pack for a trip are determined by the location and the season in which you travel, there are a few must-haves that you should include in your suitcase every time you are packing for a getaway:

Tops:

It is essential to include a couple of casual shirts for effortless outfits, despite your destination. Personalized t shirts work well with both skirts and pants, and they are unlikely to take up a lot of space in your suitcase.

Another travel must-have is a lightweight sweater. They are versatile because they can work well from day to night, ensuring that you are warm enough in cold conditions and comfortable when the weather gets hot. Make sure that you also throw in a couple of versatile blouses that you can wear on a special occasion during the trip, such as late-night rooftop drinks or an evening out.

Shoes:

The shoes you bring while traveling can determine your ability to explore the location of your trip. It is, therefore, essential to select wisely while packing. Carry a pair of chic sneakers when you travel to a destination where you are likely to walk a lot. Sporty sandals are a great alternative if you are exploring a warm area. Although they are currently not the trendiest item, they look good with anything from dresses, jeans or midi skirts, and are ridiculously comfortable.

If you plan on having a few dinners or brunches during your trip, it is advisable to carry a pair of walkable and comfortable block heels to pair with your sundress or some low wedges. Consider selecting the shoes in nude for additional versatility.

Bottoms:

Jeans can always work well as the ideal bottoms wherever you go. Carry a lightweight stretchy piece for optimal comfort and versatility. Remember that you might be sitting and walking a lot as you travel, and non-stretch jeans might make your experience more tiring and less enjoyable.

A great alternative to jeans is a chic midi skirt which you can wear with sneakers during the day or sandals, boots, or heels at night. It is also easy to layer to make it suitable for all seasons. Select a neutral color that can work well with various colors and prints of tops.

Another excellent option for bottoms is leggings, especially if your trip involves a lot of activity. Pack ones with a sleek look and comfortable material. Black leggings can allow for more versatility, and they are great to wear when you are traveling by air.

Some Comfortable Underwear:

While some lace panties or thongs may be the everyday preference that makes you feel confident and sexy, it is advisable to opt for cotton underwear as you travel. Cotton is a soft and highly absorbent material that can easily absorb sweat in warm conditions and keep you warm enough when it is cold. Carry enough pieces to sustain you throughout the trip so you don’t run out!

Packing for a trip can be exciting yet daunting. Include the above essential clothing items before you throw in some of your wardrobe favorites for the trip!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar12

Projects To Work On As A Family

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Projects To Work On As A Family

A project that you work on as a family is a wonderful bonding experience that encourages team work and improving communication skills. Projects can bring siblings closer together and help teach new things to your children. In this post, we are going to look at a few projects both big and small that will create lasting memories with your loved ones. Let’s get started:

Make Something Grow:

Now is the perfect time to start thinking about a family gardening project. It will get you out into the sunshine after a long winter indoors and you will get to enjoy the fruits (and veggies!) of your labor all spring and summer long. If you can’t all agree on what should get planted or not, each family member could be assigned with their own plot of the garden to grow what they would like.

Build A Home:

One of the ultimate family projects would have to be building a home. It is not only an exciting project but will be a great exercise in learning how to compromise when planning out each room because everyone is going to have an opinion. Have family meetings to determine the “must haves” and “nice to haves”. You can also look for inspiration together. Browse on Pinterest, binge watch HGTV, or even enter a search for “home builder in cincinnati” (or your local area) to see completed projects. You never know where you will find exactly what you are looking for!

When you have a solid idea of what you want your build to turn out like as well as your budget, consult with Toronto home builders or the experts in your area to turn your dream home into a reality.

Plan A Trip:

When it’s safer to travel again, a vacation or weekend getaway will be like the light at the end of the tunnel of this pandemic for your family. Once you agree on a location, things like restaurants and activities will have to be determined. Have each of your family members plan their ideal vacation day and do your best to make it happen. With ample time to plan, you can book your airport transportation in advance as well as find the best restaurants, activities, and local hot spots to make it the best trip ever.

Art Projects:

You don’t have to be good at art to have fun doing it and a family paint or craft night will help get you in touch with your creative sides. Paint along with Bob Ross or look for inspiration for canvas art on Pinterest. Or, maybe you could all learn a skill together like macrame, woodworking, or pottery. Creating some artwork as a family could even turn into a home decorating project next!

Learn A New Language:

Learning a different language is so beneficial and it’s a cool project to work on as a family because you will always have someone to practice with. Sign up for some classes at the library or your local community center. You can also practice on Duolingo together. Foreign film movie nights and trying to cook some of the food that is traditional to the language you are learning is a must too.

The COVID-19 pandemic is not over yet and the ideas above will give you something exciting and meaningful to do together as a family. Have fun!