The dog days of summer are here and so is your August horoscope! looking at the month overall, August is a great balance. It has a lot of down time, but also sheer excitement as the end of the month approaches. This summer has been different than you may have expected, but August brings together all those feelings and puts them to rest. This does not mean we can forget all the happenings of the summer, rather continue to work towards the new goals we have set for ourselves.

Let’s take a closer look at each sign

Aries

It is time to get back to your inner roots and bring out your childlike whimsicality. Showcase to the world how amazing life can be. You have always been a leader and it is time for you to lead others through your own passions and desires. The past few months have been a time of change for you. You are reconnecting with your old self while finding new parts of you. The more sure you are of yourself, the more opportunities you will see come your way. Embrace every part of you and find that amazing memories will be created throughout this process.

Gemini

You have been feeling a little overworked recently. However, keep that good head up on your shoulders. This hard work is shaping you into the person you are destined to be. Remember, nothing good comes easy and embrace how level-headed you can be during such stressful times. Remember to take into account the way you perceive yourself is not how others perceive you. Noticing this will allow you to be more aware of your surroundings and present in the moment.

Pisces

People may tell you that you over-commit yourself however as someone who has a good work ethic, you believe this hard work will get you far; and it will. Remember to always be intentional with your work and how you go out into the world. As someone who is bountiful with resources, assure yourself that you will not let others take more than you can give. Your selflessness is divine but it can wreak mayhem on your higher-self, intuition and well-being. Preserve yourself so you can go forth with the commitments you feel passionate about and want to continue.

Sagittarius

For a while, you have found yourself in a rut. You are seeking to know who you truly are and heal your past trauma. This has been difficult and has taken a toll on you emotionally. However, this month the beauty in healing will present itself to you. Remember, this hard work does not go unnoticed and will only benefit you further. When you are approached at a crossroads, take the road less traveled. This will advance your spiritual journey. However, do not forget to enjoy the process that leads to your destination. It is important to be understanding and forgiving to yourself, especially during these times.

Scorpio

This month it is all about you! You are the star of the show and shine light to others with your radiance. Continue to appreciate abundance blessings but do not let this cloud your intuition. It can be easy to avoid spiritual growth when your materialistic needs are met but avoid this at all costs. Learning to grow past your boundaries when you are not forced to can help you develop a sense of balance in your life.

Cancer

How lucky are you to be surrounded by such amazing friends and family members. Appreciate all the support you have around you and use it to your advantage when you are in need. This month, you will have a better sense of who you are as a person and your morals. You will appreciate why you are the way you are, and how it affects those around you in a positive light. Lean towards your desire to understand the world philosophically and watch your truth unravel before your eyes.

Libra

Transformation is upon you. This next month is about to present some of the hardest challenges of your life. Remember to go through these with ease and grace as there is light at the end of the tunnel. By the end, you will have grown into the person you have always wanted to be. However, it will take a lot of your time and energy to get there so prepare yourself accordingly. Taking up a hobby and fulfilling your passions will give you an outlet during these tumultuous times and can expedite your growth process.

Leo

This month, continue to push your boundaries and put yourself out there. You may not have always been comfortable in the spotlight, but continuing to do so will gain great positive attention for yourself. You may struggle with growing your network because you are not focused on the most important thing, being yourself. Allow yourself to break through your personal boundaries and be in the spotlight for longer. Only then will you notice positive energies and opportunities flocking your way.

Capricorn

People often tell you that you are a old soul because you have an understanding of divine. Remember to use your inner wisdom to guide yourself when necessary. This month presents opportunities for wealth to come your way. However, remember your own health and happiness is wealthier than any material item. Check in with yourself and assure yourself you are okay before taking on more than you can chew. Not every opportunity that presents itself is meant for you to take. Be conscious and rely on your own intuition through all doubt.

Aquarius

Making a joke out of your own feelings Is harmful to your own self. You have always used your quirky humor as a way to distract others from your own struggles. However, it is time to recognize this is harming yourself more than helping. If you continue to do this rather than open up about your struggles, you are going to dig a deeper hole for yourself. Your support units know how hard it is for you to open up and they will appreciate you doing this. In fact, your support system will become stronger and you will begin to feel better within yourself.

Taurus

For a while now, you have been struggling with your own identity. Wondering who you are as a person, how you perceive yourself, and how others perceive you has been constant in your mind. It is time to recognize you have grown and use that to your advantage to remove toxic energy in your life. Worrying about your own reputation has turned you into the person you are today, but it is a worry you do not longer need to have. If you continue to place yourself in toxic environments, you will continue to see negative results in your life. It is important to recognize you have the power to change this and only then will you be happy.

Virgo

The past few months have opened up your creative side, which has changed your outlook on nature and the world around you. Continue to be a light and airy individual and use this creative to express yourself like never before. It is not necessary that you need recognition for your works because your projects are for your own use of expression and healing. Take this artistic outlook and apply it to the kaleidoscope of life to perceive situations in a more balanced way.

Happy August

New York state is known for some of the most beautiful and scenic hiking trails. From slow paced walks to high-intensity adventures, you can find an unlimited amount of outdoor activities to participate in in NY state. Here are some of the best hiking spots we have found in New York.

Let’s get some fresh air!

Cascade Mountain, Adirondack Mountains

As many know, the Adirondacks contains several mountains, 46 high peaks to be exact. Cascade Mountain is one of the many that are a part of this range. Located in Essex county Adirondack Park, the mountain is about 4,098 feet tall. At the bottom of this mountain you can find a brook and a series of waterfalls that cascade into the small stream of water. The entirety of the hike can take about 4 hours, 2 hours to the top and 2 hours back down. The views are incredible from the summit as you can see a handful of the mountains surrounding you with beautiful greenery and wildlife. This hike is considered to be the easiest out of all 46 mountains and you can bring your dogs on this trail!

The Watkins Glen State Park Gorge Trail.

In the town of Watkins Glen, Schuyler county in the region of Finger Lakes, you can find the enchanting rainbow bridge and falls. This 1.5 mile long trail features 19 waterfalls! Though the distance is not too far, there are about 800 stairs in this trail that make it quite the leg workout. It takes about one hour each way and can be considered an easy-intermediate hike. If you would like to see the scenery but can not walk up hundreds of stairs, buses are available at the bottom of the premises and can take you to the top!

The Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail.

The quaint city of Ithaca is home to some of the most beautiful waterfall landscapes in the entire region. Buttermilk falls is a state park features two trails that circle together to create a 1.5 mile hike. The entirety of the trail takes about one and a half hours and reaches around 600 feet. This is a great hike to venture on if you are a beginner! Another great feature to this hike is that at the base of the waterfall, you can swim and relax in the outdoor scenery. It is definitely worth the drive or plane ride!

Appalachian trail

The long trail crosses through 14 states, and totals around 2,200 miles. In the state of New York, It expands from the Hudson River to Mount Washington State Forest, totaling about 96 miles. This trail is really only recommended for experienced hikers due to its terrain and abundance of wildlife. Some of this wildlife includes black bears, white-tailed deer, eastern cottontails, porcupines, eastern grey squirrels, red squirrel, eastern chipmunk, white-footed mouse, timber rattlesnakes and more.

Side-note: For fans of true-crime, you may find it interesting to look into the crimes and conspiracies associated with the Appalachian trail.

Which adventure will you embark on?

Whether it is a new at home project or a fun craft to do as a family, DIY kits really help form creative ideas into memorable pieces. Etsy is known for its arts and crafts environment and has a handful of amazing DIY kits to help get you started. We have found some of Etsys best DIY kits for you to try out!

Let’s get to crafting

Beginner Embroidery Kits

Embroidery can be relaxing, creative and entertaining to do in your free time! Plus, knowing how to embroider can open up a world of possibilities. You can have an endless amount of unique and one of kind pieces! The possibilities are truly endless however, many people say getting started is very hard. Not anymore!! Etsy user ZAZARITA has beautiful beginner embroidery DIY kits to get you started on your creative journey. These sets are completely customizable with full instructions and tools necessary. Depending on the style and fabric of your choice, kits start at $8 and go to $80. You can choose from 40 different styles! This is a great hobby if you need help de-stressing at night, if you are relaxing on the beach or if you just have extra time on your hands!

Low-MaintenanceTerrarium/Moss Art Kits

Terrariums and Moss art is great for the individual who wants to begin their at-home gardening journey. These kits are super low maintenance and easy to grow! They are great for households of all types but especially those in a city or area that has a lack of greenery. Bringing nature into your home can bring a sense of calamity to your life and to your home environment. Plus, these kits allow you to make completely customizable wall art. Picture above is a Moss box by NaturelyBox on Etsy. With three different sizes to choose from, it is easy to place this piece in an area of your home. These kits range from $30 to $50. Having plants in the house has never been easier!

Easy Macrame Kits

Macrame is an art from that dates back to the 13th century. The art of knot-tying can be seen in fashion, interior design, crafting and more. Different knots and patterns can create designs throughout the threads. Macrame is a very soothing hobby to have and a super fun DIY kit to check out! This particular one happens to make a hanging rainbow and is made by MotleyBliss on Etsy. There are three sizes to choose from, ranging from $22 to $33. Though there are directions, the color threads you use and order of knot-tying is completely up to you! By the end of the experience you will have learned a new hobby and will have a beautiful new wall decoration!

Delicious Bubble Tea Kit

Everyone has been obsessing over delicious boba tea for awhile now, but it just got even better! Introducing a DIY at-home bubble tea kit! This box has everything you need to make delicious brown sugar flavored bubble tea right from the comfort of your own home. This product is made by Kitsbyfoodcraft, is $36 and comes with the choice of having paper straws or stainless straws in the box. Save this for a rainy day or become a boba tea master!

Which kit will you try first?