Lifestyle – Page 4

Camping in Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania

Published on April 26, 2023January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

Last weekend, Patrick and I spontaneously decided to go camping in Allegheny National Forest. Camping has always been something that helps ground us and provide the perfect reset when life feels stressful. We’ve always talked about going to Allegheny and we finally made the trip happen! Here’s some photos of our quick trip to Allegheny and the camping list we always use that gives us the most comfort while camping.

Our time in Allegheny was short and sweet but it definitely has me excited to visit again in the future. We found a couple campgrounds in the area that were open already for the season, most were first come first serve, which always makes me a little anxious but luckily we were able to find a great spot. We stayed at Red Bridge Campground and we loved it! This campground felt scenic and secluded but also had plenty of amenities which is always a luxury while camping. I would highly recommend this campground, we plan to stay here again during our next visit.

Our Camp List

This is our camping list that we use when we go on quick weekend trip or a long road trip. Some of these items were investments to ensure we had the most comfort, especially for our longer trips. Most of these items aren’t necessary especially for a quick weekend trip but they definitely make us feel more at ease and comfortable which is our goal while camping or traveling on the road.

Sleep

Tent, with rain cover
Air mattress
Sheets
Blankets
Sleeping bags
Pillows

Hygiene

Travel toilet
Biodegradable waste bags
Toilet paper
Trash bags
Body wash and shampoo
Tooth brush and tooth paste

Cook

Newair refrigerator or cooler
Cooking utensils
Eating utensils
Plates
Bowls
Coffee mugs
Pots and pans
Stove top and propane
Jetboil
Cutting board
Stanley pour over stand
Containers/bags to store leftover food
Water cooler
Collapsible sink
Campsuds dish soap
Sponge to wash dishes

Comfort

Rinse kit (helpful for a quick rinse off or to assist with washing dishes)
Camp chairs
Hammock
Quick dry towels
Jackery generator (we use this to keep our refrigerator powered and other things we need to charge)
Cameras
String lights
Journals/books
Card games

Safety

Medicine kit
Lantern
Garmen inreach mini satellite gps (helpful when there’s no service!)
Quick start car battery charge

Misc.

Fire starter supply
Citronella candle
Small hatchet/shovel

Favorite Travel Photos | New Etsy Shop

Published on March 28, 2023 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

I have some exciting news to share, I recently started an Etsy shop to sell and highlight some of my travel photography! I have always been passionate about taking photos and capturing special moments on film. Through travel, that passion has only increased and continued to thrive. Travel and photography are both such big parts of my life and the reason I started this blog so I could share that passion with many others. This post shares some of the photographs I’ll be selling on my Etsy shop. These photographs are from my most cherished memories that include my travels throughout Europe, my time living in Italy and my recent travels out west USA. Feel free to click the link for my shop below to purchase a photograph to print out or simply enjoy the photographs here on the blog 🤍

Etsy Shop: skylarbdesigns.

Hiking Mount Ida, Rocky Mountains National Park

Film Photo Collection

Published on March 1, 2023 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

Over the summer, I started using the Canon AE-1 film camera. I’ve always loved the unique qualities film provides and the anticipation it brings to wait and see what the photo will look like. I experimented with different rolls of film and different settings throughout the summer to become comfortable. I took the camera with me on my road trip out west this past summer and finally, nearly 6 months later developed the film. This collection is so special to me and captured so many beautiful memories and sights throughout the summer. This will be my first film collection shared on the blog and I’m looking forward to many more!

Film Collection 01 / Summer 22′

Mount Ida, Rocky Mountains National Park

Lessons I Learned On My Road Trip

Published on February 6, 2023January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

Last summer I went on my first long road trip. From Ohio, Patrick and I drove through the flat lands of Indiana, Iowa and Nebraska to arrive in Colorado. After spending a few memorable days in Colorado, we drove into Utah and spent a week traveling around to four national parks. We spent countless hours in the car, many nights sleeping under the stars, and we were pushed out of our comfort zone on a daily basis. This road trip was memorable for so many reasons. Besides experiencing new places and seeing so much beauty the United States has to offer, I learned lessons that I’ll keep for a life time. Here’s my list of five lessons I learned while road tripping across the country.

It’s possible to live less

In a world that can be so materialistic and consumer focused, it was hard to imagine at times I would have to live with less on a two week road trip. This was one of the biggest lessons I learned throughout the trip. I couldn’t pack everything and I realized did not need to. One of the most beautiful parts of the road trip was experiencing and making do with what nature and the surroundings had to offer. It was inspiring to experience how quickly we could adapt to our new surroundings and fall into a routine while making the car our home for two weeks.

The small things become big things

With any experience that’s out of the comfort zone, the small things begin to feel like big things. For me, it was paying for a hot shower after a long day of hiking, a hot cup of coffee in the morning, shelter from rain, a flush toilet and a home cooked meal even when we thought we were too tired to make one. The things I often took for granted suddenly felt so seen throughout the trip.

Flexibility is key

Speaking as someone who enjoys having a routine and a plan, I learned most times on the trip this wasn’t always possible. I learned to make some room throughout the days of our itinerary so we could have time to rest or time to adjust for the unexpected. There were several days we experienced unexpected weather, trail closures and overall fatigue we didn’t plan for but we were able to adjust.

It’s not always about capturing the moment

Throughout the road trip we were constantly surrounded by incredible beauty. As someone who loves to capture the scenery behind the camera lens, I found myself becoming consumed with ensuring I got the picture instead of truly taking in the moment and enjoying the scenery. By the end of the trip, I caught myself enjoying the surroundings first, then getting the “perfect” shot.

The experiences I had in between the bucket list items

There were so many things on our itinerary and bucket list we wanted to be sure and see. Those sights, towns, and parks were amazing but I also remember all of the in between moments and experiences we didn’t expect. We met so many friendly and kind people in every place and park we visited. These encounters were just as much of a highlight as the sights and parks we visited.

Instagram Guide to Italy

Published on October 19, 2020January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

Italy is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever visited and had the privilege to live for an extended period of time. I’ve been to several cities and small towns within Italy and complied a list of my favorite places that are certainly instagram worthy! I’ve listed my favorite cities throughout Italy that I’ve traveled to with my favorite spots for instagram photos!

Florence

Florence will always have a special place in my heart, it was my home for a year and I made so many special memories there. Florence is definitely a photogenic city with several hidden gems and picture perfect views.

My favorite locations:

Santa Maria del Fiore, Duomo
Pizzale Michaelanglo
Ponte Vecchio
View on art rooftop
Boboli Gardens
Gucci Garden museum

Rome

My favorite locations:

The Trevi Fountain
Colosseum
Travestre neighborhood
Palatine Hill
Roman Forum

Cinque Terre

My favorite locations:

Manarola, view from Nessun Dorma
Vernazza, view from the hiking path to Monterroso
Monterroso beach
Corniglia, hike 365 steps to top of the hill for a stunning view
Riomaggiore, view from the pier

Venice

My favorite spots:

View from canals
Bridge of sighs
Saint Mark’s Basilica
View from Grand Canal
View from a gondola ride

Milan

My favorite locations:

Milan Cathedral, both outside and view from the top
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Obica rooftop
Aperol bar rooftop

Modena

My favorite spots:

Take a cheese and wine tour
Walk around the city square
Take a balsamic vinegar tour

Procida

My favorite spots:

Hike to the top of the hill for the view of the island
Walk along the pier near the rainbow colored homes

Instagram Guide: Paris, France

Published on October 17, 2020January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. Beck1 Comment

Paris, France without a doubt is the most instagramable city! There are so many stunning sites throughout the city that make the prettiest pictures. With it’s chic streets, adorable bakeries, and overall romantic feeling, Paris is the perfect place to collect some pictures for your instagram feed.

Eiffel Tower

The first image that pops into my head when I daydream about Paris is the Eiffel Tower! To me the prettiest pictures of the Eiffel Tower can be captured either early in the morning to beat the crowds, or in the evening while enjoying a picnic underneath the Eiffel.

La Maison Rose

Located in the sweet neighborhood of Montmare, La Maison Rose is a popular spot for photos because of it’s sweet exterior. I suggest actually eating here too once you collect some photos! The food is delicious and sitting outside watching other tourists walk by, is a perfect way to experience a Parisian afternoon.

Arc De Triomph

The top of the Arc has to be my favorite view of Paris. I love that the Eiffel Tower and Cahmps-Élysées are in perfect site. The walk up to the top is well worth it for this view to capture a perfect photo and take in Paris from above.

The Louvre

The Louvre is one of the most popular museums in the world is a must see while in Paris. The whole perimeter of the Louvre is worth spending an entire day visiting. After touring the inside of the museum, spend time taking some photos of the outside, the glass triangles are picture perfect.

Trocadero

One of the best views of the Eiffel Tower in Paris can be seen from Trocadero. I enjoyed sitting along the wall here and people watching. There’s also several restaurants along the Trocadero circle where you can enjoy a glass of rose and watch the Eiffel tower.

Musée de l’Orangerie

Before visiting Paris, I had always dreamed of seeing Monet’s famous waterlilies. I could have spent all afternoon walking through the rooms filled with Monet’s work. Next time I visit Paris I hope to go to Monet’s garden

30 Things to do in Quarantine

Published on April 1, 2020April 1, 2020 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

Hi everybody! Long time no post. I think we can all agree 2020 has been one of the strangest years. The only comforting part about this whole situation is that everyone is going through the same thing. We are all trying our best to social distance, stay at home, and keep up with our health during this uncertainty. Although my blog is primarily a travel blog, during this time I thought it would be fun to share things to do and ways to see the positive side of this temporary situation!

Here’s 30 things to do in quarantine:

Have facetime dates with friends and family. My family has been using zoom, the video quality is amazing and you can zoom up to 100 people!
Create and listen to a mood boosting playlist. Music has really been my saving grace during this. Here’s the playlist I made on spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7JeJosg5uRd733Wrowf1cX?si=wtLMRc2ERqS0Kp2U1CTF1Q
Spend time outside! One of the positive outcomes of this pandemic is everyone seems to be spending more time outdoors. Fresh air can do wonders when you’re stuck inside all day.
Take rides! Another solution I’ve been taking advantage of to change up my scenery.
Journal. This is a once in a lifetime event that could be interesting to read back on years from now.
Clean. Clean. Clean. This is the time to finally declutter that spot in your closet or a box of random stuff that’s collected over time, we all have something. Now’s the time to tackle it!
Catch up on some new shows. Lately I’ve been enjoying The Tiger King, The Good Place, and I hope to watch The Morning Show next.
Try out some new recipes. I’ve been baking more than usual and it’s been fun having new treats in the house.
Do a home workout. Just because the gyms are closed doesn’t mean you can’t get a nice workout in at home. I’ve been taking advantage of home workouts on Youtube. I recently finished Heather Robertson’s 12 week workout challenge, it was amazing!
Go through clothes and shoes and donate! Now more than ever people are in need of clothes and shoes.
Boost immune system. I’ve been making ginger shots and taking one a day to help my immune system. I will share the recipe on instagram soon!
Read. Now’s the time to start a new book. If you’d rather listen to a book, right now Audible is offering any book for free, worth taking advantage of!
Make a list of things you can’t wait to do once the stay at home orders aren’t in place.
Support local businesses. Local places need the most support right now and most offer curbside, delivery, or take out options. Also be sure to tip!
Have a game night. Break out the board and card games.
Swap your winter and summer clothes out. By the time this is over, the warm weather will be here.
Start a blog or another creative outlet!
Take naps. This pandemic is a reset for the world and all of us experiencing it. Take the time to rest.
Practice self care. Paint your nails, give yourself a facial, deep condition your hair, go makeup free for a week.
Keep a routine. This is probably the hardest thing to keep doing when all you can do is stay inside. But, waking up and going to bed at similar time is good to continue to feel some normalcy.
Pick a home project to do. Paint a room, organize the cabinets, clean out the basement or garage.
Watch a motivational video. Despite all the negativity circling the internet during this pandemic, there are positive things to watch as well. This will help you feel good and stay optimist about the situation.
Go through old pictures. I have so many pictures to organize and go through. It’s also fun to look back on old photos.
Have a movie binge night. Watch all eight Harry Potters!
Learn a new language.
Take creative indoor photos. Document what you’re doing in quarantine through photos.
Cook a fancy meal. A friend of mine made a thanksgiving spread just because!
Build a fort out of blankets and pillows.
Have a picnic in your backyard.
Go technology or social media free for a few days or a week.

London, England

Published on July 17, 2019January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

London, England was the very first country I traveled to over twelve years ago! Visiting again was a brand new experience for me. London is a fun city with so much to do and see. It’s a much bigger city than I remembered but with public transportation, visiting all the major sites is easy. Here’s a small list of my recommendations for what to do in London.

Eats:

Breakfast: Farm Girl Cafe

Lunch: Homeslice, Wild Food Cafe

Dinner: Redemption

Sweets: Peggy Porschen’s Cakes

Things to Do:

* Spend the morning in Notting Hill. There is so much to do in this adorable neighborhood. I loved walking the streets and finding the beautiful pastel home fronts. There’s also the Portobello Market off of Portobello road.

* Find Neal’s Yard. This is a “hidden” alley spot behind some store fronts. It has several delicious restaurants such as: Homeslice, Redemption, and Wild Food Cafe. It’s a bright colorful spot to hang out in with take out food or a drink after dinner.

* Watch the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace. This starts everyday around 10:45am. Be sure to arrive a little earlier if you want a nice view spot, the crowds are heavy!

* Visit one of England’s museums. There are a couple great museums throughout the city such as the British museum and the National Gallery. Bonus: the museums in England are free!

* Walk across Tower Bridge. This bridge is so stunning and walking across is definitely a must do while visiting London.

Tips & Tricks:

* If you’re planning to use public transportation while visiting London, I suggest getting an Oyster card. It’s good towards the tube and the buses. Purchasing the Oyster card can be done at any metro station and you have the option to fill the amount of pounds you want on the card. Once you run out, you can refill the card as well.

* Right Now the Big Ben is under construction so it’s not visible. The area around Big Ben is still nice to explore and the London Eye is visible from this area as well.

* The weather in London was unpredictable. It rained on and off constantly be sure to bring proper clothing and an umbrella!

Thankful for Traveling

Published on November 22, 2018November 22, 2018 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. I love the food that’s served, the company of my family, and the reminder to be thankful.

This year, I’m especially thankful for travel. The feelings traveling has brought me. The experiences I’ve had. The places I’ve seen. The opportunities I’ve been presented with. Traveling does so much more than I ever imagined. I have learned so much about the world, different people and cultures, but most importantly, I’ve learned so much about myself.

I’m thankful for the places I’ve been…and have yet to go. I know being in Italy is only the beginning of my adventures. To me traveling is stepping into a completely different area of comfort. Traveling takes me beyond what I’m familiar with, which encourages and challenges me all at the same time.

Traveling has shown me who I once was, who I am, and who I want to be. It’s allowed me to appreciate my home and the places and people I’ve taken for granted at times. Traveling has given me a sense of joy that will live on within my heart and mind for the rest of my life.

This year I’m thankful for travel.