Weekend Design & Wellness Project
This weekend, plan a dream vacation anywhere in the world. Then create a more realistic vacation or staycation including versions to your dream vacation adventures. For example, if you dream of visiting a European city, but you live on the east coast of the US, you could plan a road trip or book a 1 hour flight to Montreal, Canada. Old Montreal looks and feels like a quaint European city and is a heck of a lot closer than Europe. Another example is if you enjoy camping, but not the preparation involved then create a retreat in your own backyard. Set up tents, build a bonfire and throw up some twinkle lights for a backyard glamping trip. Whatever your dream vacation looks like, enjoy the planning process and stay present for those special moments whether alone or with loved ones.
Peace At The Lake
Lake Tahoe (Photo by: tina natalini)
Deeper than ponds, surrounded by land, trees and mountains, some are natural and others manmade. Lakes are sources for industry, agriculture, domestic water and recreation. On the recreation side, lakes provide peace and tranquility, especially for those who live far from an ocean. Being near a body of water can mend many stresses and even a broken heart. Nature keeps happening even when we wish the world could stay still until we heal. It forces us to grow with it each time water meets a shoreline and wind blows through trees. Nothing stays the same.
Today, try to visit a body of water to help release tension in the mind and body. Think of water washing over the whole body taking away any stress or sadness. Take as many deep breaths as it takes until there is a sense of calm and contentment.
Camping & Glamping Gear
SUMMER CAMPING OR GLAMPING TIME!
Whether your an avid back country explorer with wilderness training or a self described “indoor cat” that requires a few home comforts to enjoy the outdoors, there are products and locations for any style of camper. First, think about how you’d like to experience the great outdoors. Decide if you’ll be hiking, rafting or climbing on this trip to determine the appropriate gear that will be needed. Try to borrow as much as possible from friends and family as outdoor equipment can add up quickly if your camping on a budget. If other campers will be joining you, be sure to find out if they are looking for back country camping or just off the road camp sites. Once all of the details of planning, coordinating and stocking up safety supplies, you can relax and enjoy the adventure and reap the many health benefits from being in nature.
Here are some well-designed camping and glamping products:
Kelty 2 person backpack tent has 5 start reviews for durability and ease of use.
Nature Walks
Photo by: Sergei Akulich @sakulich
Forest Therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku or “forest bathing.” Forest Therapy is known to reduce stress, improve cardiovascular health, decreased anxiety, depression and fatigue among many other positive improvements.
Certified Forest Therapy Guide and mental health nurse, Sharon Lohse, created Mindful In Nature offering horticulture therapy using items found in nature to create art along with forest therapy events in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Having participated in one of Sharon’s Forest Therapy events, I have to say that it was a memorable and impactful two and half hours. Sharon shared techniques on experiencing nature in new ways, slowing down, observing details in trees and listening with “deer ears.” The event ended with a tea ceremony and delicious snacks made by Sharon. I think about this day often and how it deepened my experience and time spent in nature. Thank you Sharon for creating this healing event.
Sharon Lohse, creator of Mindful In Nature (This photo is from the Mindful In Nature website)
A-Frame Architecture
An A-frame structure consists of two similarly sized beams arranged in a 45 degree angle or less, meeting at the top creating a peak. This style of home has been surging over the past few years as vacation rentals and “glamping” spots around the world. There are many kits for sale to create your own A-frame home or retreat in sizes ranging from shed to chalet.
Photo by: Karsten Wingert @karsten116
This is not a photo of the Lokal A-Frame Cabin
If you’re interest is “peaked” (sorry) and you’d like to stay in an A-frame structure, check out the Lokal A-Frame Cabin in Maurice River, New Jersey
Chad and Courtney Ludeman, husband-and-wife team and creators of Lokal Hotels have poured their hearts into each property making Philadelphia and New Jersey more attractive travel destinations. Each location is filled with locally sourced furniture, accessories and amenities, from coffee and soap to knives and mugs. If you can’t make it to the east coast this year visit the stay lokal website to bring Lokal Hotels to your home.
The description below is directly from the Lokal Hotel site.
“For our first foray into boutique vacation homes, we chose an A-Frame cabin located on 2.5 quiet acres in South Jersey with frontage on the Maurice River. The cabin is located about 50 minutes from Philly and 20-30 minutes to many of the popular shore towns of Southern Jersey.
This cabin was built in the 60’s from California Redwood and we completely overhauled it with a Scandinavian Modern interior design. The building was also fully insulated and had all mechanicals updated for modern comfort.
The home has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and sleeps a maximum of 8 fine folks. Perfect for two families or a group of friends. There is a commercial kitchen, 2 fire pits, a huge rear deck with wood-fired hot tub and a makeshift private beach along the river.”