Guide to Camping

Now that the school year is coming to a close, only one thing is on everyone’s mind…vacation! If you already blew through your tax refund, no worries! Today I am going to talk to you about camping. I am relatively new to the camping world, so I got some advice from my friends to bring you money saving tips and tricks.

I will never forget my first camping experience, Brownie camping weekend. I was miserable and on the phone begging to come home. 14 years later, I have opened my mind to the outdoors.

The past two years I visited the 1000 Islands. Located along the border of Northern New York State and Southeastern Ontario, Canada, it’s a beautiful vacation destination. Fresh out of college I cannot quite afford a vacation house to rent, so this year I am packing up and going camping! Here’s how…

Visit the site: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/52/details.aspx

Here you are able to book your reservation for a campsite. I choose Wellesley Island State Park. You can stay in a cabin or you can reserve a campsite. The campsites go for around $24 a night. The cabins are pricier at $73.50 a night. I booked a reservation for 3 nights at the beginning of May and only spent a total of $98. Try renting a house for that price!

On the site is an interactive map; you are able to select your exact spot. We chose a spot right on the water. Because I booked so early in May, I had many options but also a few downfalls. In early May the water is freezing! The days can range from mid 40s-high 60’s with a high chance of rain.

During the day you can:

• Rent kayaks
• Go boating
• Take a scenic hike
• Go fishing
• Take a bike ride
• Go for a motorcycle ride
• Take a day trip into Canada on a ferry
• Relax by the water (my favorite)

There are so many things to do; I am crossing my fingers for a beautiful weekend!

I am letting my boyfriend do the packing, like I said I am new to camping and would definitely leave essential items out.

Here is Colin’s must have list:

• Tent
• Sleeping bags
• Air mattress (optional)
• Charcoal grill for cooking- There is one provided at the campsite!
• Cooler
• Water, burgers, hot dogs
• Hammock
• Bug Net
• Utility knife
• Flash lights
• Rain gear
• Bug Spray
• SUN SCREEN!!!!! (OK I wrote this one…)

This camping trip is a celebration of graduation and I am looking forward to it! It will defiantly beat Girl Scout camp.  State parks are beautiful and we must treat them with respect for future generations to enjoy. Consider making a donation to a New York state park here: https://nht.wufoo.com/forms/thank-you-for-your-support/?utm_source=RA%2520Facility%2520Page&utm_medium=Banner&utm_campaign=Donation%2520

**The NHT is a 501 (c) (3) charitable trust created to receive and administer gifts in support of parks, land, and water conservation and historic preservation in New York State. Your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Or keep up on your safety here: https://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com/ny/state/campgrounds/r/campgroundDirectoryList.do?contractCode=NY

Happy Camping!!

Vacation Vibes:

Skin Glowing Foods

Spring is finally here and with the changing season our skin can still be stuck in winter mode. Today I am going to share with you a few skin “glowing” foods, and the best part is how affordable they are! Pick up these items on your next grocery trip and let’s start glowing.

Carrots-The ultimate glow food! Carrots have Vitamin A, an essential vitamin that protects our skin from damage. In addition to vitamin A, just one cup of carrots contains: Biotin, vitamin K, fiber, molybdenum, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese. vitamin B3, vitamin B1, pantothenic acid, copper, phosphorus, folate, vitamin B, vitamin E…Wow!!

Grace Tip: Try adding a cup of carrots into your day. Whenever I go to the grocery store I pick up a $0.99 bag of carrots and eat them throughout the week. You can snack on them, add them to smoothies, and of course, make a facemask!!

This mask will help with hyperpigmentation, a condition that causes skin discoloration. This carrot mask will help you regenerate new skin cells for fresh and glowing skin.

You need:

• One large carrot or a handful of baby carrots.
• Coconut Oil or Olive Oil (about a tablespoon)
• Honey (optional)

1. Peel your carrot and chop into small pieces.
2. Boil the carrots in water until you are able to mash them with a fork easily.
3. Drain the water, and begin mashing the carrots. Add the oil and honey for smoothness.
4. Apply the mixture onto your face and wait 10 minutes.
5. Rinse with warm water.

Grace Tip: make sure the carrots have cooled before you put them on your face!!

Lemon- Lemons are full of vitamin C. In the morning try drinking hot water with lemon. This will help to boost your immune system. When you drink lemon water on an empty stomach you will better absorb vitamins throughout your day. Some other benefits include:

 

• Reduced appetite
  • Contains fiber which helps you to feel fuller longer
  • Reduces your calorie intake
  • Boosts metabolism

• Aids in digestion
  • Loosens toxins in the digestive tract
  • Helps with heartburn and bloating
  • Relieves constipation

• Blemish-free glowing skin!
  • The antioxidants protect your skin cells from sun damage
  • Reduces wrinkles
  • Reduces dark spots

 

Spinach- Low in fat and cholesterol, spinach contains the vitamins: niacin, zinc, protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, E and K, thiamin, vitamin B6, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and manganese.

• Spinach can minimize acne
• Prevent premature aging of the skin
• Help protect our skin from sun damage
• Aid in the regrowth of skin cells
• Dry skin relief

 

Grace Tip: You can add spinach into your diet by putting it in your smoothies, omelets, replacing regular lettuce with spinach, or mixing it into tuna salad-my favorite!

These are just a few of my favorite foods for glowing skin. In the last week, I have increased my intake of vitamin C and vitamin A in an effort to get ready for the upcoming summer season! I put lemons into my water, eat berries, and put a baggie of carrots into my lunch every day. Small steps make a huge difference! If you have any suggestions for skin glowing foods, feel free to leave a comment. 🙂

Happy Spring and wear your sunscreen!!