Virginia Beach

One of the best advantages of working at a boarding academy is the extra-curricular stuff you get to do. Because we're much smaller than public schools, our seniors get to take a class trip to a place of their choice (that they can afford). This year, I was invited by the senior class to go with them as a sponsor to Virginia Beach. Although I didn't know all of the seniors that well, I knew a few well enough, and I love the Virginia Beach area. How could I pass it up?

Virginia Aquarium

While we mostly went to the beach and the Busch Gardens/Water Country areas, there are tons of things within an hour and a half radius to be explored. I'm a huge history buff (I guess that's why I got a degree in it), so Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown are all places I could spend days and still feel like I haven't soaked up enough information. Jamestown, of course, was the first permanent English settlement that carried John Smith to the eastern shores of the North American continent in 1607. Williamsburg was not only the first location of an English government, but also served as the capital to the Virginia colony into the late 1700s. The College of William & Mary is also located in Williamsburg, and has a beautiful campus which has graduated three US Presidents. Yorktown was one of the most important sites of the Revolutionary War, where General Cornwallis surrendered to General Washington. Duh.

Virginia Aquarium

As well, there is a US Naval Base out toward the Virginia Beach area. When traveling across the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel, you can look to your right or left and see Aircraft Carriers, Destroyers, and even the occasional fighter jet streaking across the sky. The military history along the southern coasts of Virginia is incredible.

However, we didn't see any of these things while we were there. We visited the beach frequently (we stayed in Sandbridge, renting two beach houses, which is an excellent idea), and went to the amusement parks. We also visited the aquarium. Busch Gardens is always worth a trip, for me. I'm a roller coaster junkie, and their coasters are pretty awesome. They have a new one, the Verbolten, which is the replacement of the Big Bad Wolf. It's a pretty good replacement. With most of the original coaster track still there, but repainted, there are definitely some new, thrilling additions. I would tell you, but it's definitely something you just have to experience for yourself.

Here are some tips for making a trip to amusement parks cheaper and maybe more enjoyable.

• Ask for water. At amusement parks, they are usually required to give out water cups if you ask. And it's free! There's no limit, so you can stay hydrated without paying for it.
• Look into picnicking. Check with the amusement park before you go, but some parks allow you to bring meals or to at least leave the park to go eat lunch at your car. You can get a stamp for reentry. But don't assume that all parks do this. Look into it!
• If you do buy food... look into meal plans and souvenir cups that come with free or cheaper refills. Especially if you have multiple people sharing.
• Skimp on souvenirs and in-park extras. It's really easy to look at a giant stuffed octopus and want it, but those $3 games add up quick. Also, things are so overpriced that money goes very quickly. Set a budget before you go and don't spend more than that. In fact, get cash out of an ATM and don't bring your card. Only spend what you got out.

Virginia Aquarium

Happy summer travels, folks! Vermont is the next on the list in the middle of June. Pictures will come when I get back :) Adieu Caribou! xoxo

I recently acquired some succulents. This is in part because they're basically the same thing as cacti and in part because I'm venturing out on my green thumb potential. What better plant to start out with than a cactus? (Or at least something similar to it.)

However, the first one I purchased in the beginning of March from Home Depot came in a cute little terracotta planter, and I thought "this is easy enough. Maybe spray it with water every other day and let it do its own thing." It wasn't until my mom came over one day and looked at the plant that I thought maybe I should rethink my approach. "Ashley," she said with surprise. "These plants do not look healthy! Are you sure you're watching them correctly?"

It turns out . . . I wasn't. So here are some tips and tricks to make your succulents the best they've ever been! (Well, it's trial and error, but this is what I've gathered from experience and from reading other blogs - which I'll have links to at the bottom.)

 

• Bright sunlight. If you're growing succulents indoors like myself, it's important for them to be in the brightest room in the house. From what I've read, they typically need at least 6 hours of good sunlight - a south-facing window is suggested. This is because these types of plants are used to desert environments, which get a lot of sun and also varying temperatures. If you have the opportunity to place them outside during spring and summer, that's ideal. If you notice your plants "stretching" for light, that probably means they're not getting enough sunlight.
• Well-draining soil. This is important. Make sure that your succulent is in a pot that has adequate drainage and that you're using cactus soil or something similar. It has characteristics of the soil that succulents are used to growing in. Your container should be terracotta, which is ideal. Some growers suggest non-glazed pots as they tend to retain water, but it's what works best for you and your plants.
• Watering. The amount that you need to water your succulents actually varies per season. If it's cooler (i.e. winter and late fall/early spring), your succulent will need less water. If it's late spring, summer, and early fall, your plants will need watered more. HOWEVER, it can become easy to overwater them, which you don't want to do. Some websites suggest watering once or twice a month during the winter and once a week during the summer. You should always pay attention to the dampness of your soil first and foremost. If it is bone dry, then you water it. This should happen a maximum of once a week, and your soil always needs to dry completely in between watering. You also need to pay attention to root rot, which occurs from over-watering.
• Pay attention. Most importantly, all of these things vary (trust me, I didn't like hearing that either). People have different methods for caring for their plants, but if you're doing something that isn't exactly like what people are telling you, it doesn't mean you're doing it wrong if your plants are responding positively to it. Have fun! That's the point of getting house plants, right? To nurture and see progress in the little things you're taking care of.

Here are some links that I found really helpful in learning how to care for my plants:

• DIY: How to Stop Killing Your Indoor Succulents by Erin Boyle, Gardenista
• Tips for Growing Succulents Indoors, Succulents and Sunshine
• Growing Succulents Indoors by Bayer (yeah, the aspirin people)
• How to: Care for Your Succulents by A Pair & A Spare

Enjoy your journey with succulents! If I can't be out doing something outdoors or because of something else (which is really hard when I want to be outside, but it's still cold and rainy where I am), adventure can be had by trying something new! For me, it's learning how to care for something I've kind of always want to, but never took the chance in doing.

Adieu Caribou! xoxo