Teach to Travel or Travel to Teach?

Are you a traveler at heart who teaches between trips? Or are you a teacher who travels in order to enrich children’s lives with experiences of other cultures? Either way you have some major passion in your heart. I find you can neither teach nor travel without strong motivation. Which am I? It depends on the day. If I come home from a rough Monday, I teach so I can afford my travels. If it’s late July, then I’ve been traveling so I can teach the next generation of explorers.

Teach to Travel:

• Traveling on a Budgetà If you teach to travel, then you must be a professional at stretching the dollar for long periods of time. Here’s to you! I still have my college mindset when I travel which is, spend little and get a lot. The get could be a piece of artwork or an extra excursion.
• Summer Tripsà Summer is the prime travel time. This sounds great, but that can backfire on you my teacher friends. Summer, along with the holidays, is when traveling prices go way up. The good thing for you is you have a lot more flexibility with your travel dates. Flying midweek rather than on the weekends really can save you some money that can be spent better elsewhere. You also get to take longer trips and therefore get to do more traveling within a region. I have a teacher friend who takes a big trip each summer (sounds familiar…). Last summer he went to South America. He did a tour with some of his other teacher friends through Peru, Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. One of my mentor teachers took a “back to our roots” with his wife starting in Ireland, where his family was from, down the east coast of Africa to Kenya, where her family was from. To take trips like these and actually be able to experience the place you need time. You also need money, but teaching isn’t necessarily the best job for funding these excursions.
• Teachers Travel Free Programsà At a social studies conference I learned that there are ways teachers can travel domestically or internationally for free. FREE. Who doesn’t love that? Teachers have to apply and then, if accepted, write lesson plans in return. Sounds easy enough! There are a couple of different programs depending on where you want to go. Check out this link for information on programs like The Korea Society, TOP, and Fulbright. 

Travel to Teach:

Williamsburg, VA

• Freebies & Discountsà Wherever you go, take your teacher’s badge. You never know when you might benefit from it! Back in 2012 I went to Virginia and while there we visited Mount Vernon. One section of the museum was for children and near there was for teachers. Yay! Free teaching materials! I was able to get a whole folder full of materials. I do no teach about George Washington, but I was able to pass it off to the fourth grade teachers at my school. Another plus is all you can learn on your travels. Take the guided tours, grab handfuls of brochures, and take pictures! I often laminate the brochures to use as research materials or as examples for projects. I tend to want to travel more to places I actually teach about because I know I get to teach about it.
• Out of Town Conferencesà Use teaching as an excuse to travel! There are conferences all the time! Your county or school district most likely will reimburse you for the trip. Even better! I love going to the GCSS conference in Athens, GA each year. I learn how to be a better teacher and I get to visit my alma mater (Go Dawgs!). I’ve had coworkers go to sessions in Atlanta, Savannah, and even Washington, D.C. Take advantage of any free time and do some sightseeing. 
• COST Programà AKA Consortium for Overseas Student Teaching  – this is how I got to go to Ecuador. I was there for three months and completed my student teaching there in an international school. I cannot begin to explain how much this study abroad helped me grow up both as a teacher and as a young adult. I highly suggest COST to any and every education major. You get to spend a semester abroad and it sets your resume apart (in a good way!). Check out my old blog for more details on that chapter of my life. 
• Field Tripsà What better way to encourage students to travel than to actually take them somewhere? Even if you only go down the street, I promise you they will get 100 times more from that one day than sitting in a classroom merely hearing about it for a week. Think about it.

name tag, coffee, and bulldog-
all a teacher needs at the GCSS conference!

Whether you teach so you have longer vacation time to take those more extravagant trips, such as hiking sections of the John Muir Trail or spending two weeks at an all-inclusive Caribbean resort, or you travel so you can take pieces of the world home with you to share with others, both traveling and teaching are rewarding endeavors. Props to you for participating in one or both!

Tails & Trails

Hiking with Dogs

I love my fur babies. I have two, a husky and a Labrador-Weimaraner mix. So of course Hubs and I love taking our little “poops,” as I so affectionately call my pups, on walks. Those walks often include hikes at local parks. Through our experiences we have compiled a list of advice for others and their four-legged children to help the hike be an enjoyable one.

1.  consult your dog’s veterinarian beforehand

                Make sure your dog is in the proper shape, doesn’t have allergies, etc. The dog doc will probably have some useful tips for you and your pooch before you hit the trails. Just like you should consult you your own doctor before beginning a new workout regime, you need to the same for your pup.

2. check the park’s rules

Are dogs allowed? What is the maximum leash length? Are dogs only allowed on certain trails? Make sure you research some before heading out on the trail.

3. always use a leash

I know, I’m guilty of letting my lab off at times, but frankly it isn’t safe or good trail etiquette for others. We recently passed a lady who was very afraid of dogs and made a wide loop around us over a narrow rocky pass even though all the dogs, there were four at the time, were on leashes and lysing down. Another time our lab was off and found something in leaves. I first thought it was a squirrel, but called him back and he came, thankfully, because in the leaves was a snake. Upon further investigation it was merely a king snake (nonvenomous), but we were lucky! One other time we were in the woods behind out house, where we go nearly every day, and off he went after some deer. Everything again was ok, but how many times can we push our luck?

It’s also so annoying when you have your dog on a leash and other people don’t, especially on a very crowded trail. They think because their dog is friendly nothing bad could happen. That isn’t true. Dogs, no matter how cuddly and cute, are still animals and can react to situations unpredictably. You never know when your dog will chase after some wildlife, another dog, or who knows what else! For the safety of your dog and others, please use a leash.

4. make sure your dog is good on the leash

Being pulled across creeks or down rocky hills is not fun nor is it safe, too often my dogs get passed off to Hubs (sorry Hubs!). I also have big dogs, about 75 and 55 pounds, so when they throw their weight I can feel a little out of control. When I feel like that, they know it and continue to pull. Hubs is definitely the pack leader so it works out better for everyone if he has them both. If you dog pulls and ignores commands and corrections, please rethink that long hike until after you have mastered a walk around the neighborhood and your dog knows you are in charge.

5. use the right type of collar or harness & leash

Make sure your dog can’t slip out of its collar and that a harness doesn’t encourage your dog to pull. You need to consider the comfort for your dog and what helps you feel in most control. We like this leash because the handle is padded, you can wear around the waist, and there is a built in short handle for more control.

6. bring plenty of water & snacks

We got a late start one early summer morning and ended up on too long of a trail with too little water. We had to find creeks for our dogs to lie in and running water for our dogs to drink. I would much rather carry the extra weight of too much water than ever stress about my dogs overheating again. Don’t forget a bowl! And just like you, your dog is burning a lot of calories and needs a snack break.

7. if you want your dog to carry its own food & water, then train with the pack before hitting the trails

                This helps in two ways. One, less weight for you! Two, your dog goes into work mode and less out of play mode. This helps your dog’s focus. Please, please, please don’t load your dog down the first time and go a really long distance. Ease into it with an empty pack, then a little weight, and never go above 10% above your dog’s total weight. Also, make sure the weight is equally divided. The temperature should also play into account when added a pack to your pup. (See #1 before incorporating a pack) Here is what Cesar Milan says about it. 

8. pest control

Double check that your dog is up to date with its medications. (See #1) Remember to check for ticks after. When pulling out a tick you need to ensure you get the head out. Watch the spot to make sure it’s healing properly and not developing into an allergic reaction or a disease ticks can carry. Click hereif you need more help with this. A bath at the end might be a good idea as well.

9. use proper trail etiquette

Not just for you, but your dog as well. Pick up anything left behind, so bring baggies. Be considerate of others on the trail especially when passing other dogs. Dogs are still animals and can be unpredictable; just because your dog is super friendly and submissive doesn’t mean that other hikers’ dogs are (See #3). Allow faster moving groups to pass you. If someone else’s dog is barking at yours, don’t stand and watch! Keep moving.

10. make sure the trail is a good fit for your dog

Dogs can’t tell you when they are tired and they will most likely be too excited to stop. The terrain should be gentle enough for your dog’s paw pads otherwise you may want to invest in some little booties. Consider as well the weather, the length of the trail, and the trail’s gradient. Just like you, your dog will need to prepare before going on a strenuous trail.

I’m not a perfect dog mom, but I do try my best to keep my dogs safe and happy (as well as Hubs and me). I hope you find these tips helpful and useful. Do your own research first if hiking is new to you and/or your dog. Your dog will love the exercise, being outside, and the bonding time with their #1 human, YOU!

Beauty on the Go: Hygiene

Depending on where you go, your hygiene needs and routine could vary. Typically I am somewhere where I have access to shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc. Now those may be excellent quality or terrible quality, but that’s a risk I take. Ha! This post is not only about products I love, but also about some simple tips to help keep feeling fresh.

Tips to Keep Fresh:

Recently I have made the switch from antiperspirant/deodorant to only deodorant. On top of that, I also switched to an all-natural product. I may be paranoid, but I keep seeing how aluminum in deodorants can possibly lead to breast cancer. Breast cancer already runs in my family so I’d like to avoid any outside causes just in case. Anyway, I really like Jason. It feels a little sticky at first, but it works really well! I don’t stink and it doesn’t leave that gross, caked up residue that other sticks do.

Facial wipes work wonders! On my hike to Machu Picchu, I wiped down with those every evening in place of a shower. They were exfoliating wipes from Target and it made me at least feel as though that layer of dust and sweat was off of my body. Plus, they had a fresh scent like baby wipes. Honestly, after 4 days of all hiking and no showers, not much could penetrate through the grime and extinguish the stench.

*Warning- the next two topics are going to get a little personal* 

Ladies, if you are taking a trip where you cannot shower, consider packing those “flushable” (I use quotation marks because my cousin is a plumber and he advises to not flush those) bathroom wipes. I suppose they are merely an adult version of baby wipes, but it’s important to stay clean and fresh there. Do NOT use baby powder down there- that has been linked recently to ovarian cancer.

Also, consider buying dri-fit full-bottom (aka granny-panties) undies. I have some Under Armour ones and ExOfficios. I love both. Actually, I have two types of Under Armour. The first leaves no panty lines (truly!) and the others are so light and breathable. Love! ExOfficio are so incredibly comfortable and don’t ride up your butt. You can get them low rise and lacy so you still feel pretty! If you prefer something slinkier, please don’t sleep in them. Plus, with dri-fits they are easy to wash and dry so fast, you don’t need to pack as many pairs!

Looking Polished:

As far as hair goes, clean hair for me makes me feel 100x cleaner all over. Fortunately I can get away with dry shampoo. I have light hair and it can get pretty oily. Dry shampoo is hard to pull off; most of the time I opt for a hair tie and/or a hat. I do love Paul Mitchell’s Super SkinnySerum. I have color in my hair and this product helps it look silky rather than dried out and frizzy. Also along with hair, get your routine trim, color, treatment before you leave. I did not before three months in Ecuador so you can only imagine how my ends looked by the end. Blech!

Depending on how long your trip is, go ahead and get all those little beauty routines out of the way. Eyebrows, nails, waxing, bleaching- whatever it is you do to feel the best version of you. By the time my family and I got to Germany after Russia we were all in desperate need of some nail clippers. We had to buy some but it was really a pain in the booty for the five of us. Now I’m sure to always trim my nails before I leave for a few reasons. One, I don’t want the extra weight and I never know if they are ok for a carry-on. Two, having shorter nails helps when you take those impromptu hikes- less dirt under your fingernails, less chance of hang nails, and can help keep your feet comfortable in your boots.

Extra Tips:

Wear. Sunscreen. Just like the song from the ‘90s.

Take your make-up off at night

Pack clothing that’s easy to wash & quick to dry

Consider packing your own lightweight towel

Pack flip-flops if your trip involves using public showers

Hand sanitizer is a good item to have with you

Do you have any other suggestions or tips? Let me know in a comment below!

Beauty on the Go: Face & Lips

Anyone who really knows me knows that I don’t always wear make-up, but lately that has started to change. I have a few favorite pieces which are perfect for when I’m on the go. Since I am consistently running late in the morning before work, I look for the least amount of steps to save on time. I use these same multi-purpose products while traveling because, as I’ve learned, “every ounce counts,” so the lighter/less space used, the better! Plus, depending on what my vacation entails, I could be far from a shower for a few days and the last thing I'm worried about, or want to think about, is putting on make-up.

I'm not very picky when it comes to a brand; I tend to look for new things based on their promised results. Therefore, I have tried (and failed with) quite the variety of beauty products.

What I look for in beauty products:

SPF

moisturizes

hides/disguises flaws & blemishes

creates a natural-looking effect

easy & inexpensive

Below I have listed a few of my personal favorites along with their pros & cons.

Face:

1.       Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizing Lotion

a.     Pros:

                           i.     SPF 30

                          ii.      Corrects uneven skin tone 

                         iii.      Target brand is just about as good (save some $$!)

                         iv.      Hydrates skin

b.      Con:

                           i.      Not tinted

2.       L’Oreal BB Magic Cream

a.       Pros:

                            i.      Tinted

                           ii.      Corrects uneven skin tone

                          iii.      Hydrates skin

b.      Con:

                            i.      No SPF

3.       Neutrogena Dream Matte Mousse

a.       Pros:

                             i.      Great coverage

                            ii.      Love the mousse finish

                           iii.      Blends well

b.      Cons:

                             i.      Not moisturizing

                            ii.      Comes in a little glass container that’s pretty heavy

                           iii.      No SPF {Some images said there was SPF, but my container does not say it}

4.       Neutrogena naturals purifying make-up removing wipes

a.       Pros:

                             i.      Not a liquid so no hassle going through security

                            ii.      Easy & quick clean-up while hiking and/or camping

                           iii.      Easy to take a few or a lot

                           iv.      No chemicals, dyes, or parabens

b.      Con:

                             i.      Unless you are near a trash can, the weight stays the same in your bag {remember: pack out! Leave no trace!}

Lips:

   1.     Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm (I like “petal rose”)

a.       Pros:

                             i.      SPF 20

                            ii.      Moisturizes

                           iii.      Tinted (and in different shades)

b.      Con:

                              i.      Leaves my lips feeling a little dry (like a normal lipstick)

2.       Burt’s Bees

a.       Pros:

                               i.      Available as a regular balm or in various shades

                              ii.      Moisturizes

b.      Con:

                                i.      No SPF

           3.       Chapstick (I love cherry, but not because of Katy Perry!)

     a.       Pros:

                                i.      SPF

                               ii.      Super moisturizing

     b.      Cons:

                                i.      No tint

                               ii.      an active ingredient is white petrolatum {a byproduct of the oil industry à not eco-friendly} [BUT you can buy more expensive version that is not oil-based]

I’ll post more soon about eyes, hair, and body products I like to use while out and about!