Camping is one of my favorite things — the fresh air, the slower pace, the chance to unplug and spend time with family. Over the years, I’ve figured out what works for us and what doesn’t, and now I have a go-to list of things that I always bring to make our trips smoother, more comfortable, and a whole lot more fun.
These are some of my camping must-haves — the things I’ve come to rely on year after year:
🧼 Thieves Household Cleaner
This is my all-in-one cleaner for camping. I bring a small spray bottle of diluted Thieves Cleaner and use it to clean countertops, picnic tables, coolers, camper surfaces, and more. It smells great, works incredibly well, discourages bugs, and keeps things fresh and tidy.
🌿 Essential Oils
I never go camping without my oils! Here are a few I use the most:
- Digize – For tummy troubles. Whether it’s motion sickness or too many campfire snacks, this one always comes in handy.
- Peppermint & Clove – Great for cooling down and helping keep the bugs away.
- Citronella – A natural go-to for deterring insects. I use it in a spray bottle with peppermint, clove, rosemary and lemongrass to freshen the air in the tent or camper and discourage the bugs.
- Lavender – calming, soothing, great for after too much sun (dilute with a carrier oil).
My Favorite Camping Prep Tips
We’ve got a big camping trip coming up… and let’s be real: getting ready for camping often takes more energy than the trip itself! 😅 Cleaning up the camper after it’s been sitting in the yard all winter, meal prepping, digging out gear from every corner of the house, and packing all the things for everyone — it’s no small task. It takes a lot of energy and planning!
But despite all that, I love camping. My family has been camping for many, many years. Some of my favorite childhood memories are of my grandparents loading up all the grandkids and taking us camping — and that was no small feat! These days, I look forward to our annual trip all year long.
That said, I won’t sugarcoat it… camping is a lot of work!
Read more...Simple Shifts, Lasting Change
After sharing the five key areas of midlife wellness, I want to take a moment to tell you about something that became a turning point in my own journey: the 14 Day Reset.
Before the Lord led me to it, I truly believed I was doing all the right things. I was trying to eat clean, move my body, and get enough rest. But still—my energy was low, my inflammation was high, and my brain felt foggy most days. Even gentle movement felt like a chore, and I was overwhelmed by the idea of making big changes.
If you’re in a similar season—tired, frustrated, and unsure where to start—I want to offer you some hope.
Read more...When it comes to wellness, stress is one of the most underestimated enemies. It sneaks in quietly—through overpacked schedules, unrealistic expectations, grief we haven’t fully processed, or simply trying to carry too much for too long.
One of the most important things I’ve learned is this: wellness isn’t just about what we do—it's also about what we let go of.
5. Peace Over Pressure: Reducing Stress and Finding Rest
Every key area we’ve talked about so far—daily movement, nourishing nutrition, removing toxins, and taking quality supplements—works together to support your body and reduce physical stress. But even when we’re doing all the “right” things, we can still feel worn out, especially if we’re carrying stress in our hearts and minds.
That’s why I believe true wellness also requires SOUL REST.
In Matthew 11:28–30, Jesus says:
"Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Read more...Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Why Wellness Matters More Than Ever
I used to think that if I just ate “clean” enough, I wouldn’t need any other support. But the deeper I’ve gone into my wellness journey—especially now in midlife—the more I’ve realized that high-quality supplements are not a luxury. They’re a necessity.
Our bodies are constantly working to restore balance, fight inflammation, and process everything we throw at them—hormonal changes, stress, environmental toxins, lack of sleep. Supplements don’t replace healthy habits, but they do support the body’s natural processes and help us feel our best in seasons where our bodies need more.
Read more...
