becoming a full-time teacher seller: a november check-in from my teachers pay teachers journey
December 15, 2025
For years, since I started my teachers pay teachers shop in 2021 (click HERE to go directly to the shop), I’ve quietly built quality, engaging and educational resources, uploaded them very early in the morning or very late at night, working on the weekends, attending webinars, attending in person events, refined listings, worked on the brand of the shop, and celebrated some small wins in my Teachers Pay Teachers shop. Occasionally, I’ve shared best-seller roundups (like this one), but lately I’ve felt a nudge to invite you into the journey itself—not just the highlights, but the faithful, behind-the-scenes work of becoming.
This process for me has had some starts and stops along the way due to life and a variety of seasons. In the late winter of 2025 I decided to really start investing time into the shop and it has truly been an amazing experience. There were a couple of "life things" that took place that didn't allow me to fully focus on the shop for various reasons all the time as much as I would have liked, but it is okay. That is something I have definitely learned this year. It is slow going but that is okay- this again is not about highlights but about the faithful, behind-the-scenes work of becoming and building this in a full-time income. I am sure that many people, like myself, are wanting to develop a TPT store as one of your 3-7 income streams that is recommended for a healthy "wealth" lifestyle.
If you’ve ever wondered what it actually looks like to grow a Teachers Pay Teachers store toward a full-time income—with a full-time job plus other life responsibilities- so slowly, imperfectly, and with intention—this is for you.
November by the Numbers (The Honest Version)
Overall- november felt steady and grounding. Not flashy—but deeply encouraging.
Store ranking: 17,229 (85th percentile)
New followers gained: 1 🎉
Total earnings: $79.04
Shop views: 292
Resources sold: 32 units
Reviews: 0
None of these numbers shout “overnight success.” But put together, they tell a story of forward motion and if you are working full-time like I am and balancing multiple responsibilities and trying to grow a TPT store than you completely understand how wonderful this success felt.
A Quiet Global Reach I Didn’t Expect
One of the most meaningful surprises this month was where my resources traveled.
In November, sales came from: the United States, Canada, and the Philippines. There is something profoundly humbling about realizing that lessons created in my home are finding their way into classrooms around the world. It reminded me that this work—no matter how small it feels—has reach far beyond my own screen.
November’s Top 5 Best-Selling Resources
Seasonal resources clearly carried the shop this month, reinforcing the value of timely, classroom-ready materials.
Top-selling resource:
.jpg "thanksgiving and christmast unit bundle")
My #1 product in November—proof that teachers are looking for cohesive, low-prep ways to teach financial literacy during busy seasons. This continued to be true for December which I will share next month, currently the best selling product is tied for the Personal Finance Christmas and January Holiday Unit Bundle (shop HERE) and the Holiday Scams Activity (shop HERE)!
Following close behind:
I just have to add a little note - this activity is only $1.00!!! This has quickly risen to be one of the best sellers in the shop this December!
This was interesting to me- it is definitely not a holiday option but it remains one of the most popular word searches in the shop consistently month after month! For $1.00 it is definitely a teacher favorite!
Seeing these resources resonate affirmed something important for me: practical financial literacy, especially when connected to real-life seasons and decisions, truly matters to teachers and students alike.
The Moment That Changed Everything This Month
Without a doubt the most life-chaning thing that happened in November didn't come from the dashboard nor could it really be described in words. I am still processing because the most transformative part of November was meeting with a Teachers Pay Teachers expert who reviewed my shop.
I don’t say this lightly: it was life-giving and exactly the boost and support I needed.
For the first time in a long while, I felt seen—not just as a seller, but as an educator with a long-term vision. We talked honestly about what’s working, what needs refining, and where sustainable growth could happen without burnout.
I walked away with: renewed clarity, realistic next steps and the reminder that growth doesn’t have to feel frantic to be faithful.
Whitney, thank you thank you thank you.
What November Taught Me
This month reminded me that:
* Growth is often quiet before it’s visible
* One new follower is still a real person choosing to trust your work
* Thirty-two resources sold means thirty-two classrooms served
* Momentum builds through consistency
This season isn’t about chasing viral success. It’s about building something thoughtful, sustainable, and aligned with both my life and my values.
Why I’m Sharing This Journey More Openly
I want to demystify what this road actually looks like. So many educators quietly wonder:
* Could this ever become meaningful income?
* Am I too late to start?
* What does slow, steady growth really look like?
I’m still walking this road—but I believe there’s value in walking it together.
Going forward, I’ll be sharing:
* monthly shop check-ins (numbers + reflections)
* lessons learned from coaching and experimentation
* small pivots that create long-term impact
* encouragement for teachers starting from zero—or starting again
If you’re building a TpT shop, dreaming of one, or simply curious about what’s possible beyond the classroom, I hope this space feels like an invitation—not pressure—to keep going. Leave a comment below- share your TPT shop and let's all follow along to support each other!
Happy Monday friends- here’s to small steps, faithful work, and becoming—one quality resource at a time.
christmas in the country vintage golden book junk journal // december caravan etsy shop
December 13, 2025
Happy Saturday friends! I hope that you are having a wonderful start to your weekend! Today I am so excited to share with y'all an adorable new Christmas Junk Journal addition to the shop!
This adorable Christmas in the Country Junk Journal is now available for purchase! (You can find it HERE!)
This beautiful vintage Golden Book "Christmas in the Country” Junk Journal is a Christmas Lovers dream. With more than 100 pages/tags that include quality and beautiful scrapbook paper, adorable vintage and modern embellishments and ephemera and tags, cards, ribbon (both vintage and unique modern) and pretty surprises for the owner to receive, this Junk Journal will create a treasured keepsake for a lifetime and can be used throughout the holiday season and years to come.
These beautiful and bespoke journals are the perfect way to grab onto ordinary moments or days and remember special times in life, especially during this holiday season!
I absolutely love all the tiny details like the bow above - the soft and "chunky" yarn just matches so perfectly with the theme of being out in the country!
And this specific junk journal, truly became one of my favorites as it came together.
This Junk Journal includes EVERY page of this precious vintage book!!
This beautiful vintage Golden Book "Christmas in the Country” is securely spiral bound and allows for you to lay it flat for all of your scrapbooking and writing desires!
With the ease of it laying flat- you can easily add in pictures and quick notes so that you can remember these special holiday days forever.
This adorable and classic Junk Journal would create a treasured keepsake for a lifetime and can be used throughout the holiday season (for special holiday parties or a special occasion) or as a December Daily album if you are joining in the fun of that!
Oh and did I mention the size?!? At approximately 6.6x8 (classic vintage Golden Book size) it is the perfect fun large size junk journal! No matter how you would use this junk journal it would be precious. *smiles*. To purchase this one of a kind and bespoke Vintage Christmas in the Country Junk Journal click HERE.
Thank you again for your support of the shop! It is truly a blessing to my mom and I who run it! You can find the entire Christmas collection of junk journals HERE and so many others in the shop HERE! Happy Saturday friends! I hope that you have a wonderful day!
Happy Friday friends! I hope that you have had a wonderful week! Thank you again for making this such a lovely community and space that I come to each day! I am so grateful for the Caravan Sonnet community!
Here are some of my favorite things from this past week! First of all....
I receive so many emails each week from y'all looking to encourage and support friends with chronic illnesses and I hope that this post, 17 Ways to Help a Friend with a Chronic Illness During the Holidays will be helpful! I am so grateful for your heart for those walking that journey! You can find it HERE!
We are adding the final pieces to our Christmas Journals and Junk Journals collection and I wanted to say thank you again for all of your support - on Etsy and then through personal orders! Our first Christmas drop sold out so fast this year (off of Etsy) so if you are still looking for the perfect unique gift or for a bespoke heirloom memory piece for yourself, head to the shop and go HERE for the collection! I am sure you have seen this a lot all over social media, but a purchase from a shop like ours or any small business owner is truly life-changing. There is so much work, time, and care that goes into creating piecs that it is not just a sale for a shop owner it is truly a beautiful answer as you truly support families in every way.
One Junk Journal I shared about this week was the This adorable vintage Christmas in the Country is now available for purchase! (You can find it HERE!)
As we look to a new year ahead of us, if you are looking for Thursday Health Thoughts, Simple and Nutritious recipes and encouragement for chronic illness or health issues, check out this page HERE! Every week I share new thoughts and tips and I hope that they are an encouragement to you in your health journey! I have been sharing these tips on so many different subjects since 2013 that it is amazing to think that we are looking at starting year 13 of sharing!!
One of the most read and all time favorite post for people is the one entitled "The Benefits of Laughing".
.jpg "importance of laughter on your health")
There are also lots of posts related to the holidays including...
If you are looking for holiday specific books that I have written you can find them here...
*****5 Star Rated*****
This is the first and only Lyme Specific Advent and Christmas Devotional for Lyme Warriors. Here is a brief description of the book from the press release:
"When Light Dawns" is the first and only Lyme Patient specific book for the Advent & Christmas season. This book features daily reflections that will inspire & give hope to Lyme Warriors. Containing a daily reflection & song for each day of the Christmas Season (from the last week of November through the first week of January) "When Light Dawns" can be used as a simple encouragement to the weary heart or as a guided devotional study. However it is used, "When Light Dawns" will provide encouragement & give new meaning to the popular phrase, "Holiday preparations" this season.
You can find it where books are sold and on Amazon HERE!
Book 2 in the Chronic Grace Series
This is the first and only Chronic Illness Specific book related to the idea of what to pray, what to do, and what to say (releasing in 2025) for Chronic Illness patients. Here is a brief description of the book from the press release:
This book is written for those with a heart and desire to practically meet someone struggling through the confusing and difficult road of a chronic health condition this holiday season. Often those who long to walk the journey of a chronic health condition with their loved ones ask from a sincere place, "How can I really help this holiday?" but feel at a loss of where to start. This book is filled with unique and one-of-a-kind ideas for this holiday season that will be a wonderful "jumping off point" for you to be reaching out to those whom you love that struggle with chronic health issues and their loved ones.
You can find it on Amazon HERE!
4. THANK YOU
Thank you so much for your incredible support of Caravan Sonnet Shoppe this past year! I have so many plans and things I am doing behind the scenes as I work on this shop and your support means so much to me! If you are a teacher, tutor, homeschool mama or dad, or looking for personal finance, history, and government resources for students you can find the shop HERE!
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! We are excited to participate in some different Christmas events that we enjoy and one of the ones that we enjoyed so much and was a blog reader favorite was our winter sleigh ride in 2023! You can read more about it HERE!
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!!
Today we're diving into something practical that can completely transform your next adventure: renting a car for travel. Whether you're planning an epic road trip across New Zealand, exploring the coastlines of California, or venturing through the Canadian Maritimes, understanding car rentals can save you money, stress, and unlock incredible freedom on your journey.
Over the years of traveling with chronic illness and navigating countless road trips, renting cars has become second nature. There's something magical about picking up keys at an airport and knowing the open road awaits. But those first few rentals? Let me tell you, there were some learning curves! From unexpected fees to vehicle choices that didn't quite work out, experience has taught valuable lessons worth sharing.
Here are seven essential tips that will help you navigate car rentals with confidence and joy.
Research Vehicle Options Before Booking
Not all rental cars suit every adventure. Choosing the right vehicle makes all the difference between a stressful trip and a comfortable journey.
For city exploration, compact cars offer easy parking and better fuel economy. These nimble vehicles slip into tight spaces and navigate narrow streets effortlessly. Solo travelers or couples find them perfect for urban adventures.
Planning mountain drives or visiting national parks? SUVs and four-wheel drives provide better handling on varied terrain. Extra cargo space accommodates luggage, outdoor gear, and spontaneous roadside picnic supplies.
Families benefit from larger vehicles with ample seating and storage. Nothing dampens vacation spirits faster than cramped quarters and luggage tetris at every stop.
Consider fuel efficiency too. Long distances mean frequent fill-ups add up quickly. Hybrid vs petrol car hire options can significantly reduce fuel costs while benefiting the environment—something worth celebrating when exploring beautiful landscapes we want to preserve for future generations.
Understand Insurance Coverage Thoroughly
Insurance feels overwhelming, but taking time to understand coverage protects both peace of mind and wallet.
Most rental companies offer several insurance tiers. Basic coverage typically comes included but requires paying a damage excess if something goes wrong. Upgraded options eliminate or reduce excess amounts.
Before purchasing additional insurance, check existing coverage. Personal auto insurance sometimes extends to rentals. Credit cards occasionally provide rental car insurance benefits when booking through them.
Ask specific questions:
* What does basic coverage include?
* What is the excess amount?
* Are windscreen and tire damage covered?
* Does coverage extend to gravel roads or specific terrains?
* Are additional drivers covered?
Understanding these details prevents surprises. Nothing ruins a trip faster than unexpected charges appearing after returning home.
Book Early for Better Rates and Selection
Last-minute bookings limit choices and often cost more. Planning ahead opens doors to better vehicles, lower prices, and special promotions.
Rental companies release vehicles months in advance. Early birds secure preferred models at competitive rates. Waiting until days before departure means settling for whatever remains available—often at premium prices during peak seasons.
Flexibility helps too. Weekday pickups sometimes offer better rates than weekend bookings. Airport locations versus city centers may differ in pricing. Comparing options takes minimal effort but yields maximum savings.
Watch for promotional periods. Many companies run seasonal specials, membership discounts, or package deals combining accommodations with rentals. Sign up for newsletters to catch these opportunities.
Remember that booking early doesn't mean losing flexibility. Most companies allow free cancellations or modifications within certain timeframes. Check cancellation policies when booking, then adjust plans as needed without penalty.
Inspect the Vehicle Carefully at Pickup
Those few minutes inspecting your rental car before driving away? Absolutely essential. Document everything to protect yourself from false damage claims.
Walk completely around the vehicle, checking for:
* Scratches, dents, or paint chips
* Windscreen cracks or chips
* Tire condition and tread depth
* Interior cleanliness and damage
* Fuel level
Take photos or videos of any existing damage from multiple angles. Include timestamps if possible. Most rental staff appreciate thorough inspections—they want accurate records too.
Test essential functions before leaving:
* Lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals)
* Windscreen wipers and washer fluid
* Air conditioning and heating
* Radio and phone connectivity
* Trunk and door locks
Sounds tedious? Perhaps. But discovering a missing jack or empty washer fluid reservoir while stranded on a remote highway makes those extra minutes worthwhile.
Report any concerns immediately. Better to delay pickup slightly than deal with complications later.
Plan for Fuel Costs and Policies
Fuel policies vary between companies, significantly impacting total costs. Understanding options helps choose wisely.
Full-to-full remains most economical. Receive the car with a full tank, return it full. Straightforward and fair. Just locate a petrol station near the return location to top up before dropping off.
Pre-purchase fuel means paying upfront for a full tank, returning the car empty. Sounds convenient but rarely works out cheaper. Using every last drop proves nearly impossible, essentially gifting unused fuel to the company.
Fuel service charge allows returning the car at any fuel level, with the company charging for refueling plus a service fee. This convenience option costs significantly more per litre than pumping yourself.
Calculate estimated fuel needs based on planned mileage. Apps and websites help estimate costs for specific routes. Factor this into your overall budget—fuel often represents a substantial portion of road trip expenses.
Consider joining petrol loyalty programs. Many countries offer rewards cards providing per-litre discounts. Small savings accumulate quickly over long distances.
Know Your Route and Rental Restrictions
Understanding where you can (and cannot) drive prevents violations and unexpected charges.
Some rental agreements restrict certain roads or areas:
* Gravel or unpaved roads
* Border crossings between countries
* Ferry crossings
* Remote regions
Violating these restrictions can void insurance coverage. Imagine having an accident on a prohibited road and discovering insurance won't cover damages. Not the adventure memory anyone wants!
Research your planned route thoroughly. Map out major stops and verify rental terms permit your itinerary. If crossing borders or taking ferries is essential, confirm permission and any associated fees beforehand.
Download offline maps before departing. Remote areas often lack reliable cell service. Nothing creates stress quite like losing navigation in unfamiliar territory.
Plan rest stops every two to three hours on long drives. Fatigue contributes to accidents far more than most realize. Breaks benefit both safety and enjoyment—those spontaneous stops often create the best memories.
Return the Car on Time and in Good Condition
Final impressions matter. Returning rental cars properly ensures smooth conclusions to wonderful adventures.
Late returns trigger expensive hourly or daily charges. Build buffer time into schedules, especially when catching flights. Traffic, unexpected detours, or simply underestimating driving time happens. Better to arrive early than pay late fees.
Return the car in similar condition to pickup:
* Clean out all belongings (check under seats and in pockets)
* Remove rubbish
* Return fuel to required level
* Note return mileage
Quick interior tidying shows respect and prevents cleaning fees. Nobody expects professional detailing, but removing obvious mess takes minutes and demonstrates consideration.
Document the return with photos, just as you did at pickup. Capture mileage, fuel level, and overall vehicle condition. Keep these until charges finalize and no disputes arise.
Request a receipt confirming return. This protects against claims you never returned the vehicle or returned it late. Simple documentation prevents complicated headaches.
Final Thoughts
Renting cars opens incredible opportunities for exploration and freedom. With preparation and knowledge, the process becomes simple rather than stressful.
These seven tips—researching vehicles, understanding insurance, booking early, inspecting thoroughly, planning fuel strategies, knowing route restrictions, and returning properly—create foundations for successful car rental experiences.
Every road trip teaches something new. Perhaps you'll discover a stunning viewpoint not on any map, or a charming cafe in a town you never planned to visit. Maybe you'll simply enjoy uninterrupted conversations with loved ones while scenery rolls past the windows.
Those moments of freedom and discovery make travel magical. Cars simply provide the means to chase those experiences.
As we navigate whatever season of life we're in—whether robust health or managing challenges—may we continue seeking beauty, creating memories, and embracing adventures that fill our hearts with joy and gratitude.
Planning your next journey? Spend time researching, ask questions, and trust that preparation leads to peace. Then buckle up and enjoy every mile of the adventure ahead.
Safe travels, sweet friends! May your roads be smooth, your companions delightful, and your memories abundant. Come back and share your stories—we'd love to hear about your adventures!
For more inspiration on planning memorable trips, explore our tips for fun caravanning road trips and discover how to make every journey extraordinary. Looking to stretch your travel budget further? Check out these helpful tips for long road trips that apply whether renting or driving your own vehicle.
*contributed post*
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