my travel essentials

Hey everyone!

In honor of (already) planning some trips for next year because it’s never too early for that, I decided to sit down and think about some of my absolute travel essentials that I need on the go! Whether it’s one day away from home or a whole week, these are the things I can not live without!!

Now, ya girl loves to travel. But the thing is I haven’t been to many places at all actually- 7 states and Washington DC. So I’m not a complete expert on this but I did live out of a suitcase at camp for 2 months so maybe  that sorta counts?!

My essentials: 

I love getting new cute duffle bags and tote bags! If you talk to my dad, he says he never wants to see another bag in the house… whoops, I may have too many!! But recently I have became obsessed with the reusable bags from TJMaxx/Marshall’s/Home Goods they are a big size and have a long handle— and the best thing ever is that they are only 99 cents in the checkout line at these stores. I swear I must have taken at least 5 to camp when I lived there! I would take them when I walked to a different building to shower during my Time Off (they are made out of a high quality waterproof material). I put my clothes I was going to change into, my shower caddy, which is another one of my essentials, my phone and charger, can’t forget snacks and honestly anything else I needed for my TO in this bag. These bags are also perfect to give as gifts, wrap things up and put them inside and it’s like another reusable gift! They come in many colors and designs— They’re perfect!

My shower caddy is another essential I love. I bought a pack of 2 on Amazon. They are circle shower caddies that have dividers inside, a handle and collapse for easy storage. Inside, I had shampoo, conditioner, body wash, washcloth, a brush and sometimes even my phone while playing music! It was a big help to hang on the hooks inside the shower when there was no other room to put anything!

Talking about showering again… lol

When I go anywhere, I usually pack travel sized shampoo, conditioner and body wash containers. You can buy the products in the travel/trial sized section at a store or fill up empty bottles yourself. The refillable travel bottles can come in a set or by themselves. Sometimes it is easier and cheaper to buy the empty bottles and fill them up with product! These are cheap reusable small bottles instead of having to bring the full sized item. I love saving money and even though, this is a small tip it might save you a few dollars!

Ohh girl, dry shampoo is probably the essential I need the most on these trips. My hair gets greasy very easily and I don’t always have time to wash my hair every night while I’m away. I usually throw in some dry shampoo, put my hair in messy bun or two quick braids and a thick headband (also a must have for me)and I’m on my way! Find a dry shampoo that you love and thank me later because it is especially helpful when you are traveling!

Another essential that I have and will never stop purchasing are “OXY deep pore cleaning facial pads”. These things are a life saver and get so much dirt and gross-ness out of your skin. I have used these to take my makeup off if I don’t have anything else to use, I use them in the morning when I wake up, if I feel like my skin needs to get cleaned up in the middle of the day, and at night before I go to bed. I use these at home and on the go. They come in a small container and do not dry out quickly. They help reduce acne and prevent future breakouts. I highly suggest these OXY facial pads!

If you are going on a road trip, I suggest being as comfortable as possible. Bring a pillow & blanket for the ride! I also suggest wearing leggings or sweatpants that have pockets in them so you can keep what you need on you at all times, even when you get out of the vehicle.

If you are going to be gone for a long period of time or just know you will have to change quite often while traveling, a portable mesh hamper will help tremendously. I never knew I would need one until I took it to camp this summer. I got mine for free from PINK during a promotion they had going. But, they are pretty cheap on Amazon. It also had another purpose for me on the way there, I put blankets and my pillow in it instead of leaving it empty.

Also, obviously headphones are a great thing to pack as well. There have been many times where I have forgotten to bring mine and it is just not fun! I bought the ones I currently own off of Amazon for less than $8. They are rose gold which is my favorite and have magnets on the end of each earbud so they can connect together. This is a simple but easy way to stay entertained and not bored while traveling!

Something else I have been trying to get into is books. More like novels or auto-biographies people write & I’m interested in. I don’t read much so when I do, I have to love it! I am currently reading a book from an amazing lady who has a great podcast! I challenge you to find a book you like and check it out— even if it takes months to read like me!

Also, if you are going somewhere like a camp or even somewhere where you know you won’t have a nightstand or dresser (this kind of serves as both) you can bring a 3 drawer  organizer. I wouldn’t bring this everywhere, only when you really really need it, but I was basically living out of this thing this summer. I bought mine for $13 and it was the brand “Sterilite”. They are easy to find at Walmart, Target, Kroger… any store that sells storage items. I put extra shoes, folders, a first aide kit, and anything else I needed as a counselor in it. On top, I put my phone when it was charging as I was sleeping, my glasses, chapstick… it was a catch-all for me and I’m so glad I had it! 

Another huge essential for me is the “EasyAcc Power Bank” found on Amazon. This power bank is unlike any I have ever used. It can charge up to 4 phones at once, has a flashlight, and has amazing battery life. For example, last summer my friends and I went tent camping for a weekend and it kept my iPhone 6s charged throughout the whole weekend and still had battery left over. And I am always on my phone, playing music or taking pictures. My family and I bring this on road trips, I bring this on the 9 hour bus ride to DC and back or anywhere we know we won’t have access to an outlet but still want to have our phones charged. It’s probably one of the best purchases I have made!

If you are going somewhere like tent camping or to camp, a twin-sized foam mattress pad is a must! This is also something I don’t bring everywhere but very helpful when I needed it. I bought mine for less than $20 off Amazon (Can you tell I where I like to get things cheap?) When I was sleeping in the tent last summer, instead of sleeping directly on the hard ground, I put a fuzzy blanket down first, my mattress pad and then my sleeping bag. It was great! Also when I was at camp, I usually put 2 mattresses down and my mattress pad and sheets on top of that. It makes it much more comfortable to sleep at night and feels like your own bed!

As always, snacks are also a huge thing. If you know you are staying in a hotel without free breakfast, bring a box of granola bars or another one of your favorite quick breakfast foods. This is something I always do so I don't have to worry about spending extra money and so I can leave the hotel quicker. I also bring snacks honestly anywhere! To go along with the snacks, bring a Swell bottle (or honestly a knock off, I have 3 different kinds of stainless steel bottles that aren’t the Swell brand but the exact same) and fill them up with ice water. It will last a long time and something you will definitely love if you brought it!  

When I go to DC, I know that the bus is going to stop at certain roadside stops. Most of them have a Subway restaurant, Panera, Starbucks or something similar to any of these where you can get it to-go… 

I have a Kroger card (or anywhere you might have a rewards card to) and I like to buy gift cards to those places. I do this so I can get gas points on my Kroger card. I know I’m going to eat at these places so might as well by the gift cards before and get gas points out of them! 

If you couldn’t tell already, I’m an over-packer which can sometimes be a nightmare but I like to be prepared! These are some of my absolute travel essentials I always bring with me.

Hope you enjoyed & Safe Travels to you:)

 

Making a message out of your mess

If anyone reading this knows me, you know my life is a complete mess at the moment. You know that I commute to college everyday about 40 minutes each way- I basically live out of my car while doing so, you know my shirt usually has a stain on it from eating on the go (some days I actually eat every meal in my car) and you know my hair doesn’t always stay in place. You know I don’t live near anything at all so basically I have to drive quite a distance to get somewhere and I put way too many miles on my 1996 Buick - which is two years older than me - while doing that. 

But you (or people close enough to me) also know it’s not just what I look like or how clean my car is but it’s also my mind is a total mess as well. It’s going in every possible direction at all times of the day and night.  I have a job, I babysit, I go to school. 

I also have places that I love and want to be at 24/7. Home, Camp, The Lake… to name just a few. I try to keep up a social life with my friends, and I really do try to go to church as much as I can. Fall is an extremely busy time! 

But I can’t be everywhere at once. I am only one person, I can only do so much. This is the biggest lesson I have been learning in the past 2&1/2 months since I’ve been home from camp… I can’t be everywhere. As much as I want to and as much as I try, I can’t do all the things at once. I have extremely bad “FOMO” and have taken off many weekends at work because of it. See, at camp I could walk to the waterfront, walk to the dining hall, walk to the health office, walk to pretty much anywhere on camp. And now I can’t do that at home. 

EDIT: I think I have "FOMO" which stands for the fear of missing out, so bad because I never had a close friend group growing up. It took me almost 16 years to find my forever friends but I write about that in many different parts on my blog. 
I never had friends that I could hang out with and just be kids with when I was little. 
I missed out on a lot, up until I was a teenager, because my class was very rude to me. I can remember many afternoons when I would come home just crying my eyes out because the other students would say mean things to me, I can remember many days when I heard about birthday parties and hang outs that I was never invited to. I think this is the reason why I have "FOMO" because I was constantly surrounded by several different situations like this over the first 16 years of my life.
Now I know The Crew knows a bit about this but they don't, actually no one but my immediate family, knows the extent of this. It definitely negatively impacted my life. 

The world is so big and there are lots and lots of things to do out there- that I want to experience. I’m much more of a experience person than a person who wants gifts (I love getting/giving gifts, don’t get me wrong) but take me on an adventure. Let’s post some cool pictures to Instagram. (we can thank the social media major in me for that) Let’s tell stories and make memories in every moment. I don’t want to be stuck in a building all day. I can not possibly wait until I can work from literally anywhere in the world. 

So yeah, being busy is hard. But also doing everything alone is also really freaking hard too. Everything I do, I am by myself. I drive to campus by myself, I go to babysitting by myself, I go to church events by myself.

Ever since I got home from camp, I have felt nothing but lonely. I came home to my loving family & friends like usual, but it’s not like living with 70+ other staff, doing the same thing as you, 24/7. But I really am trying to embrace this hectic time of my life. I rely on random encouraging messages from friends, hour long conversations with my aunt on the phone or seeing one of our regular customers at work. I hate being alone most of the time because absolutely love people. (I think that’s the ENFP in me) I totally am a people person so mostly whenever I am this busy, it’s because I know a lot of people and never want to miss out on things happening with them!

Out of my mess, I want people to learn that it’s okay to be busy and it’s okay to get home at the end of the night and not be able to keep your eyes open. You’re blessed to be living this life where you can know and love all sorts of people and where you can know and love all sorts of places in this world… It’s okay for you to try and do “all the things” but it’s also okay to fail at that. No one can do it all, take it easy on yourself. 

Don’t stress out too much, it’ll be alright.

to summer 2018…

to summer 2018:

From April 25 to August 26th, this summer was one I will never forget. Honestly, I know that sounds cliche but believe me. I won’t forget it. 

I got to spend time at the lake… Went to Shipshewana three times- love that place!

I spent time with the best friends around- The Crew. (But you all know them already!) I spent time with my family and went on an evening trip to the beach. I got to spend time with the little girls I babysit, they are the cutest! I got an IPhone X & have been loving all the features!

I found out my friends are having a baby! I took a wonderful trip to Cedar Point with Chris and Pip. We had a great friendship reunion and I got to hang out with my friend Amanda. I heard CJ perform live in concert a bunch, he’s doing amazing at it! I got to go to dinner with my aunt a few times, always super fun. I turned 20 this summer & finally got the courage to try a Starbucks coffee drink and now it’s my favorite thing!! (I don’t drink coffee so this is a big thing for me— my typical order is either a Strawberry Açaí Refresher with lemonade and no ice or the new Ultra Carmel Frappuccino!!) The neighbor kids, Anna and I got into an intense paintball fight together in the backyard. We got extremely dirty!! I got 8&1/2 inches cut off my hair-- and because of that I had to say goodbye to my usual side braid but it's okay it's just hair... it'll grow back!

Also somehow I fit work in there?!

And the crazy thing is…

Most of this is all before I left for summer camp!

I was working at camp from June 10-August 10! (I made a blog post about that, of course as well!!)

I had an absolute incredible, busy, jammed packed summer but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I was glad to be surrounded by my friends (no matter if they were brand new to me or old friends I've had) and my family who are always there to help me out. Life is so extremely busy and always has many different things going on but coming home after camp to people who I love the most is something I will forever cherish. 

No matter how hard and long the days were, I loved this summer and would probably do it over if I could!

my summer as a camp counselor

If you didn’t know, I have been a camp counselor for the past 2 months! I have experienced more than I ever thought possible. Even though there were some bumps in the road, I had a great time this summer. Here are some random posts that I wrote while I was there—

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Dear Kresge Lodge,

Thank you for being my home during my first year at summer camp. And what an amazing 2 months it has been. Full of growth and learning, experiencing new things and bonding with both campers and my fellow counselors. Kresge, I want to thank you for loving me so well. Thank you for comforting me during my sad moments and celebrating with me after my great days. Thank you for a warm bed and making me smile each night I close my eyes. Thank you for always having a light to guide me home after my late night TOs. Thank you for teaching me the meaning of responsibility and time management (but also sleeping in for as long as I possibly could).
Thank you for always having a cozy corner that I can call my own for the week.

Kresge provided a safe place that gave me joy that I, in turn, shared with my campers and it gave me the opportunity to make a difference in so many lives.. It was hard leaving it for the last time knowing I wasn’t going to move back in a few days later. I’m going to miss you, Kresge!

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If you didn’t already know, this is my first time at summer camp. But it’s not my first time at camp, actually it was 9 years ago in April. So just as much as the campers learned for their first time at camp, they weren’t alone- I was learning all the time too.

So, Even after years of staying here at camp and over 13 visits, 6 weeks at summer camp is barely enough time to appreciate all Storer has to offer and learn all the amazing traditions that take place here. I really wish I could have done so much more while I was there. 
I couldn’t think of anything else to say but Thank you. 

I will miss calling these beautiful 1,280 acres my home. Thank you for changing my life, Storer from the second I stepped onto property for the first time, 9 years ago. You mean the world to me and I’m so proud that I grew up as ‘the girl who never stopped talking about camp’. From the chants and songs, to the evening program traditions and meeting people from across the world and every little thing in between, I appreciate you very much Storer. 

This summer I learned honestly more than I thought I would. One of the things I learned was it’s healthy to put everything behind for a bit and just go. I learned that sometimes you just need to get out, get out of your comfort zone, out of your city, out of the constant memories you cry over and try something new- something you’ll never forget and I promise that I will never forget my time at camp this summer. 

I also learned that new friends, fresh air and sunshine can keep us going no matter what even when things get tough. (And a quick call home can solve just about anything if those don’t work!) And I swear that is the best medicine in the whole world.

Sometimes you prepare for camp for 7 months and get there and have no clue what you’re getting into. You’re immediately living 24/7 with these people that you just met and it’s actual insanity but super fun. We like to call it ‘organized chaos’.

It was amazing to go back to camp where I recently have spend a lot of my time. I saw myself in my little 7, 8 and 9 year olds for the week- they were there with their sweaty faces and greasy hair and always so much enthusiasm and dance parties and giggles. 

I also saw myself in my fellow counselors with no makeup on, exhausted eyes, no voice but wouldn’t be anywhere else faces. 

I also wouldn’t want to spend my 19th Birthday last year and my 20th birthday this year, anywhere else!

As I pulled out of the gates for the last time and ended my first summer camp season, I just want to say that you're a treasure, camp, and I want you to know that. When I closed my eyes on my very last night maybe ever staying there, I knew I made a great decision to spend my summer with you. 

The staff really turned into family and were always there when I needed someone.

There were points during the week when I didn’t have signal to load my social media and I felt so unconnected from the real world- which is so unlike me. There were some nights when I just laughed harder than I ever had before, some nights when I sat back and enjoyed the people and scenery around me, some nights I watched crazy work outs and makeshift soccer games inside, some nights when I never wanted to leave.

Also the camp bubble is so extreme; immediately you have hardly any phone signal, you live out of a suitcase on a bunk bed for 2 months, you don’t know what’s going on in the outside world, you’re practically working 24 hours a day, and time passes so much differently there. There were moments when I felt so trapped there, I love camp always have but staying for 6 days in a row and not being able to leave property was extremely hard for me. I am a very adventurous person and I couldn’t even go see the city I was living near for the summer. Sometimes you prepare for camp for 7 months and get a month into it and your whole cabin gets a lice scare and you have to go home for 5 days and you cry so hard because you don’t want to leave in the middle of the session (or ever) and when you get home, all of your stuff has to be in garbage bags outside and your mom has to dig through your hair. it’s a weird experience. (thankfully I didn’t have it!)  At most points during camp this summer, I felt like I couldn’t breathe and had to keep reminding myself to. There were moments when I got yelled at and didn’t think I could take another step. But I did, I got up and kept walking.

But I am very glad I made it through this summer and it feels great to be home! 

But honestly, How can you not fall in love with the evening sun shining down on you and the gentle breeze blowing through your hair. If every moment could be like this, I’d love it. On the very last night, myself and a group of staff members took a pontoon ride and tied up together out on the lake. We watched THE most beautiful sunset I’ve ever seen in my entire life. And I promise I’m not just saying it. The whole sky was shades of pink and orange and it was reflecting off the water. We were all amazed. I’m so glad I got to experience that on our last night all together!

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You know that you’re only making a very small amount of money, but haters gonna hate, you’ve got the best job in the world. People on the outside just don’t understand what it means to spend your summer in the magic that is camp. They don’t understand that you can in fact survive on animal crackers, tomatoes and cranberry juice and that crazy tan lines and greasy hair can be sort of cool. And they’ll never experience the absolute pride of losing your voice after yelling your cabin’s country name during an all camp olympics game, or will they have a story as to why your hands were stained purple for days. People on the outside just don’t get it. But it’s okay. Because you get it, and really, that’s all that matters.

I hope the moments that we had will turn into stories that we will be proud to tell for the rest of our lives. I have no idea what will happen in my future, Storer, but this summer, these people and these experiences are some I will never forget. 

So thank you for letting me linger a little longer (even as an adult) and until we meet again, just know you’ll always be in my heart.

goodbye teenage years-

Woah, not to be cliche at all but where has the time gone? I don’t know if this is normal whatsoever but I loved being a teenager. 

Each year I experienced countless memories and lessons and endless love and laughter. I have met more people than I could have ever imagined and made some of my best friends along the way. I have no idea how I could put into words how much I have accomplished, been through and done in the past 6 years. 

I, like most teenagers, would say growth was the word I most achieved as a teenager. I have matured and grown into the person I want to be and who I was created to be. My teenage years have not always been sunshine and rainbows but I’m slowly learning life sometimes throws some crazy storms at you. 

here are just a few small highlights over this period of my life: 

At 13, I was finishing my 8th grade year and I was confirmed in the Catholic Church.

At 14, I just started high school and my Busi unfortunately passed away. 

At 15, I became best friends with The Crew and became more involved in church. This was a huge step in my teenage years that I will never ever regret! I am so happy this happened!

At 16, I got my temps and started to learn how to drive. I also went to my first prom as a junior. Unfortunately, I got chicken pox this year and had to stay home from school for a week. Junior year wasn’t my favorite because one of my best friends at the time, just decided not to be friends with me anymore. It was the first time I was that close to someone and it changed me forever. On a brighter side, I got to attend Buckeye Girls State that summer and become Junge City Council President!

At 17, I got my license, a car and graduated from high school. I also started at my first job in 2016. 

At 18, I got my second job, which is where I still am now. Also, I started college and commuting 35 minutes to get there. Another big event during this year was in January of 2017, I went to Washington DC for my 2nd time. 18 was a hard year, learning a lot and experiencing things I never have before.

At 19, I took another trip to DC in January for The March for Life. I went to Cedar Point twice. Another huge thing that happened to me was, I started working at camp for 2 months- a dream I’ve had for so long. (blog post coming soon!) 

The only thing I have for 20 so far is I celebrated it at camp and got to climb the newest climbing tower!

Being a teenager has taught me numerous things including: how to be responsible for myself and others, learn time management and how to appreciate life and the people around me. I hung out with The Crew so much, made countless memories with my family and drove to the lake more than I can count. 

So, Goodbye Teenage Years! 

You were such a huge adventure and I can’t wait to see what my 20’s bring me!

special weekend

Wow, this weekend was one for the books!

It started out with lunch with Dad on Friday and a trip to Walmart. And then I worked another fun PJ Masks event at work! But the best part of Friday was of course, getting to see The Crew and spend the weekend with them! Friday evening we worked on a project, played games, sung songs and laughed like always! 

Saturday was an extremely special day for so so many reasons. We woke up and went to a prayer vigil in Toledo for a change of heart in Promedica’s decision making board for signing the agreement with Capital Care, the only abortion facility left in Toledo. They lead worship songs, many faiths and people from all walks of life gave speeches. I got to show my friend Amanda, from Michigan around downtown- we had a picnic lunch in front of the art museum, walked around there and watched a glass blowing demonstration in the glass pavilion. (Check out my facebook posts for more pictures) We then headed back to the house for a cookout with everyone, some games of backyard volleyball and then took off to watch our good friend CJ perform at a restaurant in Maumee- he’s awesome! Also last year on this day we were getting ready for Christy & Kev’s wedding- that was an amazing day (Happy 1st anniversary guys, love you both!) & 4 years ago today I started hanging out with The Crew for the first time… what better way to celebrate than a whole weekend together

This morning we woke up, went to mass and ate brunch all together and then played cards. We all had the greatest time together and I’m so thankful to know and be loved by these people!! 

Thanks for a fun weekend Crew!

here’s to sophomore year

here’s to sophomore year

two years of college down. that is unreal.

I can’t believe that I am already done with my second year of college.

last school year was really tough for me. and I’m honestly not going to lie, so was this year but in a lot of different ways. But, I believe now that I am in a lot better place within myself. 

In November, I got accepted as a camp counselor. Since then, I have been preparing in several ways for this June. I have been purchasing things I think I will need while at summer camp, slowly preparing physically and mentally and learning more and more everyday about different aspects and important details that I may need to know while there. 

During my first semester of sophomore year, I was still in a gray-ish place within myself. It wasn’t until second semester-which was January of this year-when I finally got the peace I needed for oh so long. I was very glad that actually happened. 

In February, I had to make a very difficult decision and decide that I couldn’t be apart of something anymore that I had loved for a while. I seem to keep having to do this lately, unfortunately. After a month of constantly thinking about what I should do, I personally believe that I did not make an angry decision. I had talked to everyone important in my life and was asking for their opinions. I also prayed so hard about it and talked to God about it while I was deciding. During that process, I found a quote on Facebook that said something like: 'Stop looking at the line, just figure out which way you are going to jump.’ I had to just do what God was calling me to do. Even though I was pretty upset that I had to do it, I learned to heal and move on from it- knowing then and now that I had made the right decision for the better. 

During the first weekend of March (on Spring Break), The Crew & I took a weekend trip down to Cincinnati for my first time- I loved it! We even got to drive through Kentucky and checked that state off of my list of where I’ve been! We went to a day retreat on Sunday and learned more about knowing God’s will. We had beautiful weather, couldn't have asked for a better trip with my best friends. I hope we can take trips like that until we are old and gray.

April was a stressful month for me because I was finishing about 20 or so papers and final projects combined for my classes. It was very overwhelming because all I was seeing was black and white- Times New Roman size 12 font. I know that I like write but not academically- so, that was no fun.  I finally finished on the last Wednesday of the month and now I am officially on summer break!

I will be leaving for summer camp in about 5 weeks, it is sure coming up quick.

This school year, I learned that you are not your past and that you can and will recover from whatever you were/are going through.

I have also learned a huge amount about change and that it can come so fast. I have been learning and will continue to learn that… even though everyone won’t always be in the area anymore, including myself, that doesn’t mean that they won’t be back. I have been learning to trust myself and my God and I am so thankful to have friends who we can change and grow with and still be as close as ever. Even though we are growing apart, our friendship will grow even closer. 

I’ve thankfully learned to trust the magic of new beginnings and let go of the past ones that didn’t seem to work out. 

Ultimately, I’ve learned to work on being happy again and as always to continue strengthening my relationship with our wonderful God!