I am back in civilization at last! A week in the woods isn't something every single person would like doing but, I love it and I captured some pretty candid shots as to why camping is something I think everybody should do. Camping to me is very personal. I have been camping for about 12 years now and love every minute of it. My family and I go every summer to this place in northern Michigan. Sure, there are bugs, mosquitoes, birds, sand, dirt, raccoons, storms, etc. and did I mention that I camp in a tent? Ah yes, the beauty of nature my friends.
I'd like to call myself a very well experienced camper, however, I don't think the hair dryer, curling iron, Kuerig coffee maker, or electric skillet can make me an authentic camper. We just call it "Glamping".
First of all, I think a lot of people have their own definitions of camping. Whether you pitch a tent in your backyard and have a sleepover with friends or go into the mountains and you only have a flashlight and a sleeping bag with you. My version of camping isn't the only way to camp (I don't personally count trailer "camping" to be one of them due to the lack of actually being outside since you still have like a kitchen and a TV).
Many people think camping is cheap but, actually it's not. Camping with a dog and four other people means that we need a ton of stuff like sleeping bags (expensive), air mattresses (expensive), a lot of food (expensive), and the actual tents that have to fit everybody (expensive).
Camping would only be cheap if it was like you and one other person because you wouldn't need merely as much stuff as my family does. It's not like every year we buy new stuff; it took us a while to gather everything we actually needed over the years. If you are wanting to camp, make sure you understand what a financial investment it might be.
Where I camp, we have a beautiful bay area to swim, paddle board, kayak, and watch the sunsets. One of the reasons we always come back to this same place is just because of the amazing views.
While I was there, I actually managed to do some yoga on the beach. There were flyers in the little camp store and some instructor from the area was teaching in the morning on the sand. An experience I will never forget!
Another reason, besides the gorgeous views, that I camp is that I do make experiences that I will want to keep forever. We invite friends and other family members to join us camping; we go swimming, kayaking, play on the dunes, paddle board, or just enjoy the camp fire together.
The Benefits of Camping:
- You are connected with nature and get to enjoy what it has to offer
- Live off the grid (no more Snapchat folks)
- Discover new places and meet new people (or wild animals)
- The food tastes better anyway
- The smell of fresh pine and camp fire
- Quiet time
- Watching the sunrises, sunsets, and stargazing
- Spend time with pets
- Exercise
- Rekindle relationships with family and friends
Of course I brought my puppy along! My dog loves to camp and since we live in a big city, he never really gets to experience the "Great Outdoors". A lot of people bring their pet to camp and it's really not that hard. I think the hardest thing about bringing your pet is actually finding room for them in the car among all of your gear.
A lot of places have kayak and paddle board rentals which can be really nice because buying one is like $600! Fortunately, my camp site just added these amenities and people are able to rent one for like $15 an hour. You do not have to be a pro either! I have never paddle boarded before and I learned really quick (after falling a couple times).
If you are looking at places to camp, consider what types of amenities you would want! Maybe a beach store, bike rentals, kayak rentals, or just a bathhouse is your desire. Many places have websites that list what they have.
If you guys have any questions about camping and what I do, please ask! I had a wonderful week camping and got a ton of sun. If you have been camping, please share where you camp and your thoughts on it as well!
Xoxo, Nat
August is here! I can't believe that summer is making it's way and it's time for another beauty favorites. I am on vacation currently as some of you may know but, I didn't want to fully stop writing for this week. I had to share some current beauty faves (mostly eye, face, and nail products right now) that I have been using so much this past month.
Eyes
Too Faced Love Palette- I love this palette so much. It has so many great shades! The pigmentation and formula is great and there's really no chalkiness at all. The shades are metallic and shimmery but, they do have one or two matte shades. The first section of the palette has a really nice gold and bronze tone to it and I think it really compliments my eyes and skin really well. You can find a more detailed description and makeup look with it here.
Maybelline Master Prime Eye Shadow Base in Prime Plus Matte and Illuminate- These are great eye shadow bases and I just apply them with my ring finger. I really like the Illuminate shade and I love applying a gold shadow in my crease with it. They stay for pretty much all day, too! Some people said that these are clumpy but, mine go on so smooth.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Medium Brown- I totally raved about this pomade in my recent brows post I did earlier this month, here. I love taking an angled brush and defining my brows with it. It really completes any look and is super easy to use.
Maybelline The Falsies Mascara- Out of all the mascara I have tried from Maybelline, there isn't exactly one that I love more than the other! They're all so great. I love the flexible wand. It really helps to separate and give me fuller looking lashes.
Face
Covergirl Clean Matte BB Cream- I love BB creams and Covergirl makes a really great one. During the summer, dewy and full coverage foundations aren't my thing. This one is really matte and leaves my skin looking oil-free and matte all day! Plus it gives me SPF for days out in the sum! Love it.
Rimmel Natural Bronzer in Sun Shine- I was looking for a great bronzer for this summer that wasn't too expensive and this one does the trick. It's not orangey and looks great with a sun tan. I have heard a lot about this bronzer over on YouTube and other beauty blogs; it's a classic!
Nails
Wet 'n' Wild Wondergel in Pretty Peas- I stressed my new love for this polish in a recent nails post and I have to add this great polish in here! It's an amazing polish and Wet 'n' Wild has really done great with all of their new makeup. The gel is lamp-less and stress-free! Plus, it's only $5. It's great! Mint nails look so good in the summer, too. I love the look of it.
What have been some of your favorites this past month?
Xoxo, Nat
Hello friends! I promised that I would get a post or two up while I am away on vacation so this might be a bit shorter than normal.
I have been in the nail painting mood lately and usually I'm too lazy to do my nails in the summertime. I've just been obsessing over the new colors that are out in the stores right now. They all look so summery and bright! I just needed to share my favorite colors this season because they're just so pretty.
Essie has been making a whole lot of new nail polishes recently and it seems like a never ending collection. I have so many Essie nail polishes so it was pretty hard picking out the two that I really love. The shade Aruba Blue is just a classic, metallic cobalt blue that really looks great for pedicures.
I also love bright, neon orange and coral shades on the nails. They compliment a tan so well. Essie's Geranium is a great orangey-red. Essie ceases to amaze me with their shades, however, I wish they weren't as expensive as they are ($8.99). I would have every single shade if they weren't that pricey!
I have been loving OPI's nail polishes recently and their selection of colors have really impressed me. I was always a big Essie fan and never made my way by the OPI kiosk at Target or the drugstore. One day though, I did stroll past a new OPI stand and was pleasantly surprised at the pretty colors they had. The shade Cajun Shrimp is another great orange shade. It's a bit toned down from the Essie one and could look great on nails or toes!
Metallic colors are so pretty and the shade A Rose By Dawn...Broke By Noon (great name) is the perfect rose shade for spring and summer. It looks so pretty on and has a pearly finish to it.
Wet 'n' Wild has really upped their game with all of their makeup lately. I liked Wet 'n' Wild in the past but, I love it even more now! Especially their new One Step Wonder Gels. It's a hassle-free, stress-free, affordable, and lamp-less gel manicure! What more could you want?
The shade Pretty Peas is like the perfect mint shade. EVER. I love the formula of these polishes and they last a really long time (like two weeks). No need for top coat; the best lazy girl's nail polish if you ask me. The brush is really nice and paddle like. I have to get more soon.
What's your go-to summer shade?
Xoxo, Nat
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