Pages

  • Home
  • Connect
  • _About
  • _Meet Rebecca
  • _speaking request
  • _Books
  • __12 Things to Do
  • __12 Things to Pray
  • __December Caravan
  • __Praying Through Lyme Disease
  • __When Hope Restores
  • __When Light Dawns
  • __When Truth Refreshes
  • _Collaborate
  • _Press
  • _Shops
  • __Amazon
  • __Caravan Sonnet Shoppe (TPT)
  • __December Caravan
  • _caravan sonnet blog sponsors
  • _Thursday Health Thoughts
  • __Thursday Health Thoughts
  • __after the long illness series- once again
  • _Lyme Disease
  • __speaking request
  • __Notes from the Porch: The Lyme and Cancer Updates
  • __lyme books
  • __the lyme diaries
  • Restorative Travel
  • _Adventure
  • __Disney
  • __Hiking
  • __Historical Sites
  • __Lake Champlain
  • __Lodging
  • __postcards with mom
  • __Restaurant
  • __Road Trip Itineraries
  • __Travel Tips
  • __With Illness
  • _Bahamas
  • __Castaway Cay
  • __Coco Cay
  • __Nassau
  • _Canada
  • __British Columbia
  • __New Brunswick
  • __Nova Scotia
  • __Prince Edward Island
  • __Quebec
  • _Cruising
  • __Cruising Tips
  • __Disney
  • __Ocean Cruising
  • __River Cruising
  • __Royal Caribbean
  • __Viking
  • _Europe
  • __France
  • __Germany
  • __Switzerland
  • __The Netherlands
  • _United States
  • __Alaska
  • __Arizona
  • __California
  • __Florida
  • __Georgia
  • __Maine
  • __Nebraska
  • __New Hampshire
  • __New Jersey
  • __New York
  • __Pennsylvania
  • __South Carolina
  • __Tennessee
  • __Vermont
  • Blog
Powered by Blogger.
Caravan Sonnet

EST. MMXIII

Pages

  • the shops
  • _AMAZON SHOP
  • _CARAVAN SONNET SHOPPE (TPT)
  • _DECEMBER CARAVAN ETSY SHOP
  • books
  • _Chronic Grace Series
  • __12 Things to Pray
  • __12 Things to Do
  • _December Caravan
  • _Praying Through Lyme Disease
  • _Additional Lyme Disease Books
  • __When Hope Restores
  • __When Light Dawns
  • __When Truth Refreshes
  • scholarly articles and speaking
  • _Scholarly Articles

hotel de bourgtheroulde / rouen, france

October 13, 2025

caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark
Happy Monday friends! I hope that you had the most lovely weekend! Today I thought it would be fun to share a short reel about my beautiful time at the luxury castle like Hotel de Bourgtheroulde. You can watch, comment, and like it HERE!
caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark
In the heart of the beautiful Rouen Town Center, this 15th century castle like hotel awaits.

But it is more than just a magnificent hotel. It is a historic five-star hotel with five centuries of history stories of old. And much like the property that has been carefully restored over time, from the first step across the threshold, to an enchanting first evening on the terrace in the beautiful interior courtyard with live music, delicious food, and lovely company, the Hotel de Bourgtheroulde is a charming haven of rest and gateway to discovering Rouen and the beautiful surrounding region.

Thank you so much for all of the interest! I have a longer post coming, but it was fun to share a brief look into my beautiful time there! Also, thank you for just all of the views, comments, and likes. It might seem strange, but as a digital content creator all of those things are important for my job and I truly appreciate them! 

Again, you can find the IG reel HERE!

I hope you have a wonderful Monday friends! 

Caravan Sonnet | Rouen, France | Normandie | French Hotel
read the post

caravan sonnet website sponsorship opportunity

October 11, 2025

caravan sonnet - rebecca vandemark
Happy Saturday friends! I am so excited to share some exciting news that has been a deeply requested item for years... We are now offering official blog sponsorship opportunities for brands and businesses that align with our cozy, restorative, and inspiring community. As a sponsor, your company’s logo and image will be featured on a dedicated sponsorship page, highlighting your brand’s story and connection to our readers. In addition, your logo will join all of the other logos and will be permanently displayed on the blog’s homepage on the right sidebar, linked directly to your sponsorship feature for long-term visibility and engagement. This is a beautiful way to support Caravan Sonnet while sharing your brand with a loyal global audience who value authenticity, creativity, and purpose. If you’d like to collaborate or learn more about sponsorship tiers, we’d love to hear from you! Here are some additional details:
caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark
Logo Sizes Available:
Square 200 x 200
Rectangle- 200 (L) x 100 (W)

What is the Cost of Basic Sponsorship and What Forms of Payment are Accepted? 
Each logo space is "leased" for the following costs for 2025: 
$25 for 6 months
$45 for 1 year
$75 for 2 years

"Gold Tier Sponsorship" Options:
Basic Sponsorship plus the following Instagram Opportunities:

$125 for 6 months 
Includes 1 IG story + 6 months of IG story saved in Sponsorship Highlight

$200 for 1 Year 
2 IG stories (start date + 6 month mark) + 1 Year of IG story saved in Sponsorship Highlight)

$350 for 2 Years 
4 IG stories (start date, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months)+ 2 Years of IG story saved in Sponsorship Highlight)

Your monthly or yearly date will start on the day that you pay for the space. There are limited spaces and this is a first-come, first pay basis. We only accept payment via PayPal. After your sponsorship space is approved, we will send you an invoice. Invoices must be paid prior to your logo going live on the website page listing and being added to the logo pictures. Your space is not confirmed until you pay for your space. When spaces run out, we will start a waiting list. 

What are the Benefits of Sponsorship get you? 
Advertising on Caravan Sonnet offers brands a unique opportunity to connect with a highly engaged and loyal audience that values authenticity, inspiration, and purpose-driven living. With over 5.4 million readers from 100+ countries, Caravan Sonnet reaches individuals who are passionate about restorative travel, cozy lifestyle design, intergenerational living, personal growth, and meaningful creativity. Advertising here means your brand will be showcased alongside trusted, heartfelt content that readers return to week after week. Whether you’re a travel company, small business, lifestyle brand, or creative entrepreneur, partnering with Caravan Sonnet allows you to reach a thoughtfully curated audience through personalized placements, lasting visibility, and genuine storytelling that builds connection and community.

How Do I Start the Process?
Simply send an email to us at caravansonnet@gmail.com sharing which sponsorship package you would like and someone will be happy to assist you! 

We look forward to partnering together to highlight your amazing brand! 
read the post

what is in my grocery cart (october 2025 edition)

October 9, 2025

  caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark
Happy Thursday friends! Today I am excited to talk all about what is in my grocery cart! I always think it is fun to read about what others are picking up at the grocery store and so share some thoughts and ideas in the comments below of things you have purchased recently!

If you have been around the blog for a tiny bit of time, then I don't think that it is any secret around here that in the fight for my health food became something that was a key part of my treatment and continues to be something that I am very careful with to this day. Because I truly believe that food is medicine, I approach eating and food items that I purchase in this way. I have written extensively on the blog here all about the different health benefits of different foods (click HERE to find lots and lots of posts from over a decade of writing)! So here we go! 
caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark
One note that I should mention- I think that delivery services and grocery store pick ups are wonderful if that works for you and your lifestyle. There are all different seasons in life and during a particular caregiving season for me, these things were hugely helpful. At the same time though I love being able to go in and really pick out my own fruits and veggies and items - it is truly a gift after so many years being sick and not able to do that. So for me right now, I don't use those items, but I want to encourage you that if it will help you eat better and healthier- utilize those services. They can be a huge help! (And can be a great gift if you are looking for practical things to do for those who are dealing with a chronic illness or who are a caregiver of someone with a chronic illness.)
caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark
I also want to make the disclaimer that I think for me, living in a climate that has all four seasons things can change a bit depending on the season. In our area during the summer and early fall we still have a lot of farmers markets and don't find that as much during the winter and early spring (obviously!). *smiles* So during those late spring, summer and early fall months we don't shop as much at the grocery store because we are shopping locally at our favorite farms. The picture above was from our drive out to one of our favorite Amish farms that has provided so much amazing food over the last few months... it hard to say goodbye to such amazing fresh and affordable foods!
caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark
I also want to say that to save a lot of money for the late fall-early spring months because we do not have this opportunity to buy so many fresh vegetables, we spend a lot of time making a lot of side veggies and soups that we freeze then to enjoy in the future. 
caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark
Additionally, we use everything that we purchase from the store in all different ways. For example anytime we cook veggies we save all of that vegetable water to use as stock for veggie soups we make. This way we never need to purchase broth. All of the nutrients are amazing from this also! Then every few months we make a huge batch of soup that will cover multiple meals. For example a couple of weekends ago, we made a delicious yummy veggie soup that created 21 dinners for only $8.50!! This means that each of those dinners is less than 40 cents! 
caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark
So my number one encouragement is to use everything you purchase and think of ways that you can use an item before it goes bad or if it will go bad. One final example of that is because of traveling for the blog sometimes we will be gone for a few days and we might not get to finishing the spinach we purchased. Instead of letting it go bad, we simply chop it up and freeze it and then put it in a future soup. It saves us money and we truly then are getting use out of every single thing we purchase! 
caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark
Here is my shopping list from this past week: 
(As you can see most of our items are fresh produce - if you would like to read about the health benefits of some of the foods that I pick up weekly - simply click on the food name/link)
1. Spinach
2. Different greens/Microgreens (Kale, Arugula, etc.)
3. Scallions
4. Onions (Both Red Onions and Different Yellow/Sweet Onions)
5. Shallots
6. Garlic
7. Tomatoes
8. Peppers (Hot Peppers, Bell Peppers, etc.)
9. Carrots 
10. Celery
11. Potatoes
12. Basil, Parsley, etc. 
13. Blueberries
14. Black Raspberries (during the summer - we freeze them and enjoy all year)
15. Blackberries
16. Raspberries
17. Strawberries
18. Lemons and Limes
19. Apples
20. Kiwi
21. Ginger
22. Squash
23. Avocados (Tips for use of avocados can be found HERE!)
24. Turnips
25. Rutabegas
26. Corn (Fresh during the Summer/Frozen During the Year)
27. Peas (Fresh During the Summer/Frozen During the Year)
28. Bananas
29. Gluten Free Pretzels
30. Pumpkins 
31. Turkey 
32. Goat Cheese
33. Apple Cider Vinegar
34. Gluten Free Flour
35. Cranberry Juice
36. Almond Butter
37. Nut Mixture (Almonds, Walnuts, etc.)
38. Corn Tortillas
39. Dark Chocolate
40. SmartWater
41. Fish

If you are looking for foods that can boost your immune system, check out my post, 17 Foods that Boost Your Immune System (HERE)!

What about you? What is in your grocery carts?
read the post

Millie & Jones Review: Is the Family-First Furniture Brand Worth It?

October 8, 2025

Image Credit: The Artwill from Unsplash.

Parents all know how complicated it can be to buy anything for their kids. Not only do interests change, but you’ll also have to worry about whether your kids will physically outgrow whatever you buy them. This is especially true with bedroom furniture.

That’s what Millie and Jones looks to address. An online store focusing on beds for kids of all ages, the brand has gotten quite a bit of attention in recent years.

But, is the company actually worth considering buying from? There’s a big difference between what a company claims and what’s actually on offer. That’s why it’s worth digging into a Millie and Jones review to see if they actually live up to the hype.

A Quick Look: Who Are Millie & Jones?

Based in the U.K and founded by a husband-and-wife team, Millie and Jones is an online retailer specialising in beds for toddlers, kids, and teenagers. As parents themselves, the owners understand the needs of growing and large families looking for bedroom furniture.

They also understand the challenges that come with this, and the company has gone out of its way to address these as thoroughly as possible. Their refreshing approach looks to make buying kids’ and toddlers’ beds as easy and straightforward as they can.

What You’ll Find at Millie & Jones

Bedroom furniture for toddlers, kids, and teenagers is predominantly what’s on show here, but that doesn’t mean this is the only thing you can expect here. Millie and Jones takes an eco-friendly approach to business, making sure the company is as environmentally friendly as possible.

This is seen across the company’s product range, and parents can expect to find beds across a wide swathe of areas. These include:

  • Toddler beds

  • Mid sleepers and high sleepers

  • Bunk beds

  • Day beds and trundles

The company claims that each of these types of bed are designed to be as practical and stylish as possible for growing families.

Digging a Little Deeper: Comprehensive Millie & Jones Review

Now everyone’s on the same page on who Millie and Jones is, it’s worth diving a little deeper into the brand. Is it actually worth buying from, or would alternatives be better picks? Let’s get a little more into it.

The Shopping Experience

Countless parents could be hesitant to buy beds for their toddlers and kids online, which is why they might be a little hesitant with Millie and Jones; there aren’t exactly many physical stores. But, that doesn’t mean the online shopping experience is bad here.

The website is quick and easy to navigate, so potential customers shouldn’t have a problem finding what they’re looking for. The product descriptions are also in-depth and comprehensive, so you’ll know exactly what’s on offer.

This includes sizes and all other related information. There shouldn’t be any confusion about how much space any beds you’re considering will take up. With a little bit of looking around, you’ll have the perfect bed for your kids or teenagers relatively quickly.

Pros & Cons

Outside of the shopping experience, there are more than a few benefits to going with Millie and Jones. There’s a reason why so many parents keep flocking back to them, after all. Some of the more notable benefits here include:

  1. Family-run so the company understands family needs.

  2. Sustainable approach to furniture and running a business.

  3. Relatively affordable compared to some alternatives.

  4. Stylish but comfortable options to pick from.

  5. Space-saving designs for growing families.

These can all be great benefits, and they’ll be more than persuasive. But, that doesn’t mean it’s all coming up daisies. There are a few negatives to be aware of, too. These include:

  1. May have to wait for furniture to be delivered.

  2. Mainly focuses on the U.K.

While these mightn’t be too major, they’re still worth being aware of. The benefits can more than outweigh these, which is why so many people keep buying from Millie and Jones.

What Previous Customers are Focusing On

Speaking of people who’ve bought from the company before, they’ve left plenty of Millie and Jones reviews. While these focus on customers’ specific cases, there are a few common threads throughout these reviews.

Customers seem to highlight many of the same areas, making them worth mentioning. Some of the more notable of these are:

  • Stylish, Practical Designs - Every bed and accessory is designed to be as stylish as possible while still being practical for a growing child to use. While this can be a relatively tricky balancing act, Millie and Jones manages to pull it off relatively well and most toddlers and kids should benefit from it.

  • Space-Saving Genius - Speaking of practical designs, many of Millie and Jones’ beds are designed to save as much space as possible. This includes with smart storage solutions built directly into the bed itself. There’s no reason why growing or large families shouldn’t benefit from this.

  • Customer Care - The customer care at Millie and Jones has been a standout for customers. It seems as though the company offers a much more personal and hands-on approach to dealing with customers than many other online stores. It’s a great touch for an almost entirely online business.

  • Eco Credentials - More and more consumers focus on living sustainable lives, and many of them have highlighted Millie and Jones for their sustainability efforts. These are noticeably more than seen with many other options, and are a great area to focus on if you want eco-friendly furniture.

Each of these could help make Millie and Jones stand out. They could be more than enough of a reason to consider buying your kids’ or teenagers’ beds from the brand.

Summing it Up

It’s easy to see why a Millie and Jones review can be helpful. You’ll be hesitant to buy from a brand you mightn’t have heard of before, especially when it comes to anything to do with your kids.

But, the brand appears to be a high-quality one, with plenty of customers highlighting how stylish and practical their kid and teen beds are. There’s no reason why they shouldn’t be worth considering.

*contributed post*

read the post

Staying Centered as a Caregiver: 7 Mindful Practices for Inner Calm

caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark
 Caring for a loved one can be one of life’s most meaningful responsibilities, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Many caregivers put their own needs aside while tending to parents or aging family members, and over time, this can lead to stress and exhaustion. Mindfulness practices offer simple, restorative tools that help caregivers stay grounded, reduce anxiety, and maintain the inner calm needed to show up fully for those they love.

1. Start with the Breath
The breath is always available as an anchor, even in moments of overwhelm. A few rounds of slow, deep breathing can calm the nervous system and create space before responding to stressful situations. Caregivers may find it helpful to practice box breathing (inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four, hold for four) or simply notice the rise and fall of the chest. Returning attention to the breath, even for just a minute, helps restore clarity and steadiness during a busy day.

2. Ground Yourself with Gentle Movement
When caring for others, it’s easy to overlook your own body’s needs. Gentle yoga stretches or a short flow can help release tension from the shoulders, hips, and lower back, which are common areas where stress often accumulates. Even five minutes of mindful movement can refresh energy and shift perspective. Standing forward folds, seated twists, or restorative postures supported by cushions are all accessible options that require minimal space and time. By moving with awareness, caregivers not only strengthen their bodies but also cultivate a sense of grounding and balance.

3. Create Mini-Mindfulness Moments
Mindfulness doesn’t always require long periods of meditation. Short pauses throughout the day can be just as powerful in creating balance. Caregivers might try setting aside two minutes for guided breathing with a meditation app, practicing mindful handwashing, or keeping a gratitude journal nearby to jot down a few positive reflections. Simple rituals such as savoring a warm cup of tea without distractions can bring a sense of presence and ease. Research shows that mindfulness exercises can reduce stress and support emotional well-being, making them particularly valuable for individuals with limited time to themselves.

4. Establish Boundaries with Compassion
Providing care often means being available around the clock, but constant giving without pause can quickly lead to burnout. Setting gentle boundaries allows caregivers to protect their energy while still offering meaningful support. Caregivers can support themselves by scheduling short breaks, designating certain hours for self-care, or asking other family members to share responsibilities. Practicing clear and kind communication when expressing these needs helps maintain harmony with loved ones. Practicing a restorative yoga sequence can also reinforce the value of slowing down and creating space for emotional balance.

5. Lean Into Community Support
Caregiving can feel isolating, but seeking connection makes the journey lighter. Whether it’s joining a local support group, attending a yoga class, or sharing experiences with friends, being part of a community provides perspective and encouragement. Practicing mindfulness in a group setting can be especially powerful, as it reminds caregivers they are not alone in their challenges. Community support helps restore balance and creates a sense of belonging, which is essential for resilience.

6. Recognize When Stress Comes from Unsafe Environments
Much of caregiving stress stems from emotional demands, but it can deepen when worries arise about a loved one’s safety in a care setting. If signs of neglect or injury appear, the concern can feel overwhelming. In these situations, some families choose to file a nursing home injury claim as a step toward ensuring their loved one receives proper protection and care. Knowing that support is available if safety is ever compromised can ease some of the burden and bring greater peace of mind.

7. Practice Self-Compassion Daily
Caregivers often focus so much on others that they forget to extend the same kindness inward. Practicing self-compassion can be as simple as pausing to acknowledge that the work being done is meaningful, even on the most challenging days. Gentle affirmations, journaling, or taking a quiet moment to breathe with one hand over the heart can serve as reminders that personal well-being matters too. Approaching yourself with the same care you offer others builds emotional strength and enables you to sustain your role with greater balance and ease.

Conclusion
Mindfulness offers caregivers a path to steadiness, even in the midst of responsibility and uncertainty. Through small daily practices, such as mindful breathing, gentle movement, setting compassionate boundaries, and practicing self-care, it is possible to cultivate inner calm while caring for loved ones. By nurturing both body and mind, caregivers create the resilience needed to continue their role with presence, patience, and love.

*contributed post*
read the post

less than twenty minutes outside rouen sits the most beautiful and peaceful abbey in normandy's countryside / jardins de l'abbaye saint-georges de boscherville / normandie, france

October 6, 2025

caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark
Happy Monday friends! I hope that you had the most lovely weekend! Today I thought it would be fun to share a short reel about my beautiful time at Jardins de' L'Abbaye Saint-Georges de Boscherville in Normandie. You can watch, comment, and like it HERE!
caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark
Less than 20 minutes from Rouen in the Seine Valley, the beautiful and peaceful Abbey Saint-Georges was stunning to visit. Built in the 12th century, it was absolutely lovely to be warmly welcomed and spend several hours on the property. For most of tLhe time I had the church and grounds to myself which provided a much needed retreat due away from a very painful situation I am walking through. The quiet and the expanse provided a stunning backdrop. No matter where life finds you when you visit it is a delightful place you will enjoy! From the top you can enjoy the exceptional view over the gardens, the whole abbey and the Seine-Valley.

Thank you so much for all of the interest! I have a longer post coming, but it was fun to share a brief look into my beautiful time there! Also, thank you for just all of the views, comments, and likes. It might seem strange, but as a digital content creator all of those things are important for my job and I truly appreciate them! 

Again, you can find the IG reel HERE!

I hope you have a wonderful Monday friends! 

Caravan Sonnet | Normandy France | French Abbey
read the post

connect on tiktok

October 4, 2025

caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark
Happy Saturday friends... well yesterday, I finally created a TikTok account... I know I have been forever behind on this and I am excited to creatively explore in this new area and so it made the list of doing something new everyday this year and I am so excited to connect with y'all over there! So please follow along by clicking HERE! Are you on TikTok? Please leave your link below in the comments so we can all connect together! 

Happy Saturday friends! I hope it is a wonderful weekend! I can't wait to say hello over on TikTok!

read the post

friday favorites- october 3rd

October 3, 2025

            
Caravan Sonnet- Rebecca VanDeMark
Never met a pumpkin I didn't love... *smiles*

Happy Friday friends! I hope that you have had a lovely week! I am savoring the last few days at the cabin (as the weather has turned very beautiful and chilly) and I am looking forward to the weekend.

Here are some of my favorite things from this past week! First of all.... 
Caravan Sonnet- Rebecca VanDeMark
1. 4am Monday Morning Routine as a Content Creator and Adjunct Professor Before the 9 to 5 Job Instagram Reel (click HERE to watch, comment and like!)
Thank you so much for all of the likes, comments, and views on this IG reel! Y'all so many messages behind the scenes on this and they were so sweet! I love watching these types of things and it was so fun to make! 

I am looking forward to sharing more content like that and am so glad that it was so well loved. If you haven't had a chance to watch, like, share or comment on it you can do so HERE. I also really appreciate the love on that- even just a simple view and like means so much as a content creator and truly is very helpful. Thank you! Again, you can find it HERE!
Caravan Sonnet- Rebecca VanDeMark
2. 9 Free Fall Activities Personal Finance Powerpoint
If you are a Personal Finance teacher or you host some sort of financial literacy courses and are looking for a simple and yet effective powerpoint to highlight free activities in the fall for your audience, than this resource is for you! This powerpoint highlights 9 FREE and inclusive fall activities! This resource will help bring practical knowledge to your financial literacy classroom and creative engagement to your lectures during this fall season! You can find this resource HERE!

This resource is just one of the many incredible holiday resources included in the 5 STAR Personal Finance Holiday Unit Bundle available in the shop (click HERE)! Here is a complete list of all of the 21 Holidays and Resources: 

  • August: 5 STAR RATED National NonProfit Day Powerpoint
  • September: National Coffee Day Powerpoint
  • October: Free Fall Activities Powerpoint
  • November: Black Friday Powerpoint
  • November: Friendsgiving/Thanksgiving Powerpoint
  • December: Christmas Powerpoint
  • January: Ski/Snowboard Trip Budget Worksheet
  • February: Valentine's Day
  • March/April: Spring Break Trip Budget Worksheet
  • March/April: Easter Powerpoint
  • April: Solar Eclipse Powerpoint, Solar Eclipse Word Search, Solar Eclipse Word Scramble
  • April: Earth Day Powerpoint
  • Spring: Equal Pay Day: 5 STAR RATED 5 Star Rated Equal Pay Day Lesson Plans, Equal Pay Day Powerpoint, Equal Pay Day Word Search, Equal Pay Day Word Scramble, Equal Pay Day Bingo Card
  • Various Travel Budget Powerpoint and Worksheets: Creating a Travel Budget Powerpoint with Guided Notes, Road Trip Budget, Travel Budget, Cruise Trip Budget Worksheet

I am SO grateful for ALL of your support of this shop. Y'all... THANK YOU. This is something that I work so hard on behind the scenes and your support, reviews, and encouragement are HUGE. You can find the Shop HERE!
Caravan Sonnet- Rebecca VanDeMark
3. My Favorite Hallmark Movies to Curl Up With This Autumn
Y'all know that I am not a huge TV watcher ... so many years sick in bed clears away any ideas of that being fun *smiles*, but it is always cute to curl up with a good movie sometimes. This week I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite hallmark movies to curl up and watch during the fall season. It is true that Hallmark often focuses on Christmas and the Holiday movies but there are several fall themed ones that are often overlooked and are so cute and adorable. If you are looking for sweet, feel-good, (yes very cheesy) and fun autumn movies to watch this season click HERE to read...
Caravan Sonnet- Rebecca VanDeMark
4. Top 10 Must Pack Items for a New England and Canadian Cruise
This is one of my all-time most loved and read posts for fall travel and this week I was so excited to share an updated version with you! Fall weather brings out a love for a cruise to New England Canada in unique ways and these destinations always seems like the perfect way to celebrate this time of year! Cruising in the fall has been one of my favorite adventures!

When I took my first cruise to New England and Canada back in 2015, I searched for what to pack for this type of cruising climate and I struggled to find answers. There were tons of ideas for warmer weather cruising but not for "colder weather climates". So I searched to find anyone who had been on a New England cruise that could share their thoughts, talked with different cruise lines, and searched tons of travel sites for their thoughts on visiting this area of the world. The reality is that this area of the world in the summer and fall seasons yet it can bring unpredictable weather, beautiful views, and gorgeous opportunities. 

I have taken two cruises through New England and Canada. In addition to the one in 2015, in 2019 my mom and I had the amazing opportunity to sail in August through New England and Canada on Holland America and it was so delightful (you can read all about our trip HERE)! The one thing though that held true was that despite the season difference (late summer versus fall) I found that the list here still helped me pack appropriately for these two different types of trips. I hope you find it helpful also!

So if you are planning a similar cruise (or dreaming of one), here are the top 10 things that you can't leave home without y'all
 click HERE to read this post! 

A Recent Amazon Purchases...
Caravan Sonnet- Rebecca VanDeMark
This Stanley
My sister had gifted me a Stanley two summers ago, and it was time for a new one for a couple of reasons. I loved the size of this one and also the color and am excited to use this one! You can find it (on sale) on Amazon by clicking HERE!
Caravan Sonnet- Rebecca VanDeMark
THIS Heating Pad
When I was a teenager I tried to attempt a "stunt" (like I was a cheerleader- please don't ask *smiles*) while I was water skiing. Suffice it to say the stunt went horribly wrong and I took a bad fall that hurt my back. About 7 years ago I was skiing (winter this time) and I took a bad fall... between the two things- I can unfortunately end up in extreme pain if my back goes out... so one of the things that I have always been grateful for, has been the suggestion of THIS heating pad by one of my doctors about 10 years ago. I can't say enough good things about it and can't recommend it enough! If you have been around the blog the last decade then I also have to say that this was a huge help while I was extremely sick fighting Advanced Late Stage Lyme Disease and Cancer (and other things). The heating pads of this brand come in a variety of sizes (I use the medium size while my mom loves the small size). 

For after my mom's knee surgery we also purchased the knee version and this was a huge help also. (You can find that HERE). There are tons of options of sizes, but if you are looking for a new heating pad definitely try these out. It definitely is an investment, but worth every single penny. Mine have lasted for about 5 years - so they last a LONG time! I just checked and on Amazon they are having a MAJOR sale today so definitely check that out!
Caravan Sonnet- Rebecca VanDeMark
7. FLASHBACK FRIDAY
With Caravan Sonnet turning twelve years old this year I love sharing on Fridays some of the older but most popular posts on the blog! One of the things that Caravan Sonnet developed into was a a resource for those looking for cozy luxury travel around the United States and World. 

As I mentioned above, on one of those fall cruises we went to New England and Canada and had a lovely stop in Old Quebec City. You can read about our brief time there by clicking HERE! 

I am so delighted that we are heading back to Quebec City (during the Christmas season!) so this is a lovely time to remember our brief time in a city that we are excited to explore again soon! 

Interested in the Fall New England and Canadian Cruise that we took? Click on the links below: 

Holland America Canada/New England Cruise (2019):
// Zaandam Ship Review Holland America // 
//  Holland America Cruises: Answers to Your Most FAQ's // 

// Thunder Hole, Acadia National Park (Maine) //
// Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park (Maine) // Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia //
// Baddeck, Nova Scotia // Things to do in the Port of Sydney, Nova Scotia //
// Green Gables, Prince Edward Island // Red Cliffs at Cavendish Beach, Prince Edward Island//
// Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island// Old Quebec City// 
// A Walk Around the Historic Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City // Port of Montreal // 

I hope that you have a wonderful Friday friends! Thank you for making this such an incredible space to come to and connect with every single day. I am so blessed!!
read the post
new entries old entries
View mobile version
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

Meet Rebecca

Meet Rebecca
author for the hopeful and adventurous heart // cozy-luxury haven living peacefully beckoning, prompted by love and full of beauty in the everyday

JOIN THE COMMUNITY & RECEIVE A FREE E-BOOK

JOIN THE COMMUNITY & RECEIVE A FREE E-BOOK

CARAVAN SONNET SPONSORS

CARAVAN SONNET SPONSORS

Jardins de l'abbaye Saint-Georges de Boscherville

Jardins de l'abbaye Saint-Georges de Boscherville

10 BEST TRAVEL TIPS OF ALL TIME

10 BEST TRAVEL TIPS OF ALL TIME

WELL LOVED POSTS

  • 51 Scripture Verses on Health and Healing
    Happy Thursday sweet friends! I am often told by very dear and well-meaning people, " I am praying for you " or " I am pr...
  • Shop Re-Opening (and a Special Coupon!)
    I am so excited to share that the shop has re-opened after being away for treatment and surgery the last couple of weeks!! I am excited ...
  • What's Up Wednesday (June Edition)
    Happy Wednesday friends! I am excited to link up with  Mel ,  Shaeffer , and  Shay  for the "What's Up Wednesday" Link up!...
  • $250 Cash Giveaway!!
    I am so very excited to join in with some lovely ladies to offer one lucky winner $250!!Giveaway will run until midnight on July 27th (ES...
  • 10 tips for exploring your own city
    Traveling is a gift.  Traveling somewhere new is a beautiful gift that you can give to the soul.  But... traveling and exploring you...

TPT: CARAVAN SONNET SHOPPE

TPT: CARAVAN SONNET SHOPPE

SHOP THE POSTS ON AMAZON

SHOP THE POSTS ON AMAZON

DECEMBER CARAVAN

DECEMBER CARAVAN

Get in touch!

Feel free to say hello!

Archive

  • ▼  2025 (231)
    • ▼  October (9)
      • hotel de bourgtheroulde / rouen, france
      • caravan sonnet website sponsorship opportunity
      • what is in my grocery cart (october 2025 edition)
      • Millie & Jones Review: Is the Family-First Furnitu...
      • Staying Centered as a Caregiver: 7 Mindful Practic...
      • less than twenty minutes outside rouen sits the mo...
      • connect on tiktok
      • friday favorites- october 3rd
      • top ten must pack items for a new england and cana...
    • ►  September (20)
    • ►  August (27)
    • ►  July (19)
    • ►  June (33)
    • ►  May (22)
    • ►  April (20)
    • ►  March (29)
    • ►  February (27)
    • ►  January (25)
  • ►  2024 (272)
    • ►  December (19)
    • ►  November (30)
    • ►  October (21)
    • ►  September (11)
    • ►  August (26)
    • ►  July (25)
    • ►  June (27)
    • ►  May (17)
    • ►  April (21)
    • ►  March (34)
    • ►  February (23)
    • ►  January (18)
  • ►  2023 (276)
    • ►  December (8)
    • ►  November (23)
    • ►  October (23)
    • ►  September (16)
    • ►  August (17)
    • ►  July (26)
    • ►  June (24)
    • ►  May (26)
    • ►  April (14)
    • ►  March (33)
    • ►  February (38)
    • ►  January (28)
  • ►  2022 (319)
    • ►  December (32)
    • ►  November (41)
    • ►  October (27)
    • ►  September (36)
    • ►  August (32)
    • ►  July (20)
    • ►  June (18)
    • ►  May (26)
    • ►  April (23)
    • ►  March (23)
    • ►  February (28)
    • ►  January (13)
  • ►  2021 (280)
    • ►  December (6)
    • ►  November (22)
    • ►  October (52)
    • ►  September (24)
    • ►  August (27)
    • ►  July (28)
    • ►  June (37)
    • ►  May (15)
    • ►  April (11)
    • ►  March (25)
    • ►  February (14)
    • ►  January (19)
  • ►  2020 (303)
    • ►  December (9)
    • ►  November (21)
    • ►  October (16)
    • ►  September (18)
    • ►  August (14)
    • ►  July (12)
    • ►  June (23)
    • ►  May (22)
    • ►  April (28)
    • ►  March (52)
    • ►  February (38)
    • ►  January (50)
  • ►  2019 (250)
    • ►  December (22)
    • ►  November (28)
    • ►  October (23)
    • ►  September (12)
    • ►  August (12)
    • ►  July (19)
    • ►  June (15)
    • ►  May (23)
    • ►  April (15)
    • ►  March (29)
    • ►  February (28)
    • ►  January (24)
  • ►  2018 (240)
    • ►  December (27)
    • ►  November (23)
    • ►  October (31)
    • ►  September (25)
    • ►  August (26)
    • ►  July (15)
    • ►  June (19)
    • ►  May (14)
    • ►  April (18)
    • ►  March (15)
    • ►  February (15)
    • ►  January (12)
  • ►  2017 (185)
    • ►  December (8)
    • ►  November (14)
    • ►  October (10)
    • ►  September (17)
    • ►  August (21)
    • ►  July (16)
    • ►  June (16)
    • ►  May (19)
    • ►  April (18)
    • ►  March (10)
    • ►  February (16)
    • ►  January (20)
  • ►  2016 (190)
    • ►  December (23)
    • ►  November (15)
    • ►  October (24)
    • ►  September (13)
    • ►  August (25)
    • ►  July (12)
    • ►  June (15)
    • ►  May (15)
    • ►  April (12)
    • ►  March (15)
    • ►  February (10)
    • ►  January (11)
  • ►  2015 (159)
    • ►  December (9)
    • ►  November (13)
    • ►  October (9)
    • ►  September (18)
    • ►  August (22)
    • ►  July (19)
    • ►  June (9)
    • ►  May (7)
    • ►  April (10)
    • ►  March (12)
    • ►  February (15)
    • ►  January (16)
  • ►  2014 (179)
    • ►  December (6)
    • ►  November (14)
    • ►  October (26)
    • ►  September (19)
    • ►  August (12)
    • ►  July (16)
    • ►  June (15)
    • ►  May (18)
    • ►  April (15)
    • ►  March (20)
    • ►  February (8)
    • ►  January (10)
  • ►  2013 (155)
    • ►  December (9)
    • ►  November (4)
    • ►  October (13)
    • ►  September (9)
    • ►  August (17)
    • ►  July (19)
    • ►  June (18)
    • ►  May (16)
    • ►  April (20)
    • ►  March (14)
    • ►  February (11)
    • ►  January (5)

Featured

hotel de bourgtheroulde / rouen, france
Happy Monday friends! I hope that you had the most lovely weekend! Today I thought it would be fun to share a short reel about my beautiful ...
© Caravan Sonnet
Theme by SoulMuse