Hello end of October.
This little Friday favorites post is going to be a simple friends... I shared a large update on a lot of things on Wednesday (read HERE) so today I just want to say thank you for all of your love and support of Caravan Sonnet and myself over these years. This is such a beautiful and life-giving area to come to each day. Today this is just going to be a simple wish and blessing for you...
I hope that this last day of October will be a beautiful day for you friends! May your weekend and start to November be filled with blessings beyond what you can even think or imagine.
I hope that this last day of October will be a beautiful day for you friends! May your weekend and start to November be filled with blessings beyond what you can even think or imagine.
Happy Friday friends!
"So I never lose sight of your love, Your faithfulness has steadied my steps..."
-Psalm 26:3, the passion translation-
-Psalm 26:3, the passion translation-
Booking a luxury trip is a bucket list entry for millions of people. And if you’re reading this, you’re likely to be one of them! But seeing as a luxury trip is going to be one of the most expensive things you’ve ever forked out for, it might be a while before you actually have the budget to plan one!
So start saving today. And to make sure you have a proper idea of what it’s going to cost you, we’ve put together a little reference guide for the expenses you’re likely to run into. Check that out below.
The average cost of luxury travel
Luxury travel has a massive price tag attached to it. Understanding the average cost is the first step in building your budget for the trip - and your long term savings plan.
So, where do you want to go? Luxury destinations exist all over the world, and there’s always a luxury option available when you’re planning out your itinerary. That being said, a luxury trip somewhere like Lake Como could cost you $2000+ per person for one week.
And what do you want to do when you’re there? Fancy taking a private helicopter trip? It might just cost you $1000+ per hour. Want to hire a yacht for the day from a charter company like Phoenix Yacht Management? Luxury boat hires tend to cost at least $25,000-$30,000 per week.
All in all, you’re probably thinking that your luxury travel budget needs to be bigger than you first thought! It’s something that takes a lot of people by surprise, so you’re not alone there.
But you can try to keep the cost down. A reliable way to do this is to only do one (or maybe two) luxury things on your trip.
For example, staying in a high-end, four to five star hotel for only one day, and then booking into a more reasonably priced, mid-range hotel the rest of the time. If you do that, you don’t then book the first class plane ticket, or you only book first class on one leg of the journey.
You’ll still need some emergency savings
Don’t forget that while saving for your luxury trip, you’re still going to need savings elsewhere in your life. Anything could happen between now and your ideal trip date, and you could need spare cash to deal with it.
That means your savings plan needs to account for the usual emergency fund while also letting you put money in the luxury pot. This might just extend your savings period by a few more months, or it could even double or triple the length entirely.
But it’s best to work this out now, to get a more realistic view of your savings’ future while nothing has been set in stone.
If you’ve got a luxury trip in mind, don’t underestimate the cost!
*contributed post*
It’s easy to pick up a bottle of vitamins and assume it’s the answer to feeling healthier, but it’s worth asking whether those supplements are actually doing much for your body. Many of them promise to fill nutritional gaps, boost energy, and improve well-being, but how effective they are often depends on your habits, diet, and consistency.
Supplements can play a helpful role, but they’re not magic pills that solve everything. The key is understanding what you really need, how your body absorbs nutrients, and how those choices fit into your overall lifestyle.
Source: Unsplash (CC0)
Knowing what your body actually needs
Before buying supplements, it’s helpful to understand where your diet might be falling short. Everyone’s needs are different based on factors like age, lifestyle, and diet, so what works for one person might not be right for another. A balanced diet is always the best place to start, and supplements should be seen as support rather than a shortcut.
If you’re someone who often skips meals or relies on convenience foods, your vitamin intake might be inconsistent. Speaking with a healthcare professional can help identify what nutrients you may need more of.
The role of multivitamins
Many people turn to multivitamins for simplicity, and they can be a good way to fill small nutritional gaps. A women’s daily multivitamin can help support energy levels, bone health, and immunity, especially during busy schedules where diet quality fluctuates. The key is consistency and pairing it with healthy eating habits instead of relying on it alone.
When used correctly, multivitamins can offer peace of mind that you’re getting the basics covered. However, they shouldn’t replace a varied diet filled with whole foods. Think of them as extra support that complements the nutrients you’re already getting from real meals rather than the main source.
Getting nutrients through food first
Food naturally contains a mix of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that work together in ways supplements can’t always replicate. That’s why it’s always better to start with what’s on your plate before adding extra pills or powders. Small changes like eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can make a big difference.
If your goal is to get more vitamins into your diet, focus on colorful foods. Leafy greens, berries, nuts, and legumes all bring something unique to your nutrition. Cooking at home, adding more variety, and choosing fresh ingredients can help you get what your body needs naturally.
Knowing when supplements help
There are situations where supplements can make a real difference. Certain life stages, health conditions, or dietary restrictions may lead to nutrient deficiencies that are hard to fix with food alone. In those cases, adding supplements can support your body’s needs more effectively.
The important part is being intentional. It’s better to take a few supplements that serve a clear purpose than a long list of things you don’t need. Paying attention to how your body feels over time can also help you figure out what’s working and what isn’t.
Supplements can support your health, but they work best when paired with a nutritious diet and lifestyle that already supports your body’s needs. So before filling your shelf with bottles, focus on the basics like good food, hydration, and rest.
*contributed post*
Before I start though, I first want to say again, thank you. I shared this in a post earlier this month (read HERE), but thank you. October is always slightly reflective for me for various reasons, but one is that this instagram space of mine started 10+ years ago when I was very sick and was desperately searching for beauty and hope even in the smallest moments… and while my circumstances have radically changed in miraculous ways that no one thought was possible 11 years ago, today I am reminded that the heart behind this space hasn’t really changed at all. Thank you for being here (for years for some of you) and sharing your own moments of finding beauty and hope each and every day.
If you are like me then I truly am literally in shock that it is the end of October and we are looking at November in a couple of short days! It seems that these days fall have literally flown by. If you have been like me are like me (as I shared in September ) and were welcoming fall a bit tenderly this year, I hope that this month surprised you with sweet surprises and lots of tender joy and perhaps a few reflections (read HERE). *smile* So as we finish October... here are just a few reflections...
What We're Eating this Month...
.jpeg "what is all in my grocery cart for the month of October")
So some of you know this, but I absolutely love cooking and being in the kitchen preparing nutrient dense meals for those I love. During the summer (being in the north) there are TONS of fresh veggies and berries and I literally eat them by the box full. I am not even kidding. Y'all know that salads and veggies are my absolute favorite foods...As we start to head into full fall here in the north I do miss all of that fresh goodness!
So this month it was fun to create a list of what is all in my grocery cart for the month of October (click HERE to read)!
What I'm Reminiscing About...
.jpg "the opportunity cost of the sun")
F114.
The Opportunity Cost of the Sun is in final edits and will be released in the upcoming months. I can't wait to take you into the stories of some people who changed my life forever.
What I'm Loving...
All of the beautiful trees and fall scenes.... the beauty has been truly incredible this year (you can see lots of pictures HERE). I drove down to the cabin yesterday and the leaves are still in full bloom by the lake... I sat there in wonder... it is so beautiful.
THIS reel was SO fun to make... I had been asked for a while to make one like this and just hadn't had a chance- but this was truly so fun to make and show some of my morning routine as a content creator and adjunct professor before my 9 to 5 job. You can watch it HERE!
And y'all... thank you for the time you take to even give a simple "like" to watching a reel. For a content creator every like or even simple comment and view means so so much. SO you may think it is not a big deal- BUT THANK YOU.
In addition to the above it has been a very busy season with teaching, writing, speaking, some academic proposals and also just a lot of behind the scenes personal things.
What I'm Dreading...
Honestly absolutely nothing.
What I'm Working on...
There are a lot of upcoming blog collaborations and press items that I am so excited to share- but in addition to that I am working on simplifying and cleaning out the cottage more and more. Grief over the loss of my precious dad, followed by my precious grandmother, moving cross country twice, and then some things with mom's health over the last few years put this on the back burner for us and now this is definitely a focus. In addition to that this next month mom and I have some craft shows/fairs that are very exciting so we are finalizing our Christmas collection!
.jpeg "the night before christmas / december daily junk journal")
And speaking of that- a reminder that the Etsy shop has Christmas items (click HERE)! And they are selling out fast!!
What I'm Thankful for...
.jpeg "caravan Sonnet- Rebecca VanDeMark")
Beauty and peace... and loved ones - especially my mom.
What I'm Excited About...
There are so many exciting things happening in the next couple of months and I can't wait to share more in the upcoming days and weeks!
What I'm Watching/Reading...
Lots and lots of graduate books and history courses for my classes... In addition to that though... this book...
I am working my way through this one again. I have said this almost at nauseum but there has not been a book that has impacted my faith more over the last 5 years then this book. I need to do an entire blog post on why, but for now, my tender heart will just say it has been a lifeline in the dark over the last 6 years and continues to encourage me each and everyday (I read a tiny bit every day). You can find it HERE.
This past month I watched a movie y'all that was Hallmark... but inspiring in deep ways.
Y'all. This movie... and story. Incredible. The power of forgiveness... It is based on the true events surrounding the aftermath of a the shooting at the Amish school in Pennsylvania...
Back in 2014 I wrote a book review on the book, "One Light Still Shines" from the perspective of the School Shooter's wife and how her life was changed by the forgiveness, kindness, and compassion of the Amish community- and this movie when I came across it on Prime was equally as powerful. If you are looking for something to challenge you, encourage you, and just inspire you. Both of these (the book and the movie) are worth your time.
What I'm Listening To...
The quiet and silence along with the wind against the shore in the fall. There is something incredibly powerful about the wind and waves... it reminds me of one of my favorite songs.
What I'm Doing This Weekend...
So many fun fall plans!
I hope that you have had a lovely month friends... thank you for being here and reading each day. You are truly a blessing! Happy Wednesday friends!
You've ever dreamed of hitting the open road exploring hidden gems, and waking up to a new view every day. There's never been a better time to start planning your 2026 road trip.
Whether you're mapping out your route, looking at scenic byways, or your researching RV parks for overnight stays along the way, getting an early start on your travel plans can turn a good trip into an unforgettable one. Let's take a look at 5 reasons to start planning your trip now.
You will have your pick of the best destinations. Popular road trip routes and national parks often book up months and sometimes even a year in advance. When you plan now, you can secure those prime campsites near the Grand Canyon or a coastal pull off along Highway 1. Early planning also gives you the flexibility to travel during ideal weather windows and avoid peak crowds. You'll be able to design your route around the places you've always wanted to see without worrying that everything is already full.
Easier to save money. A well planned road trip is not only more organised but often more affordable. When you start early you can compare fuel costs, lodging prices and attraction fees to create a realistic budget. Booking early often comes with discounts on car rentals, accommodations and tours. You'll also have more time to set aside funds for spontaneous stops and experiences that always pop up on the road. Think of early planning as your chance to stretch your travel dollars without sacrificing an adventure.
You can customize every detail. The beauty of a road trip lies in the freedom to choose your own path, and planning now gives you the luxury of time to research everything. You can also read traveller reviews and build your trip that truly will reflect your interests. Do you want to follow the Blues trail through the Deep South or chase waterfalls across the Pacific Northwest? With more than a year to plan, you can fine tune your itinerary so every stop feels intentional, not rushed.
You will be ready for the unexpected. A successful road trip is equal parts excitement and preparation. Early planning gives you the time you need to handle logistics that travellers often overlook. This includes vehicle maintenance, travel insurance and updated road maps. If you're travelling internationally or are crossing borders, you'll have time to renew your passports or secure special permits. If unexpected detours or weather events arise, you'll be able to have your backup plans at the ready. The more time you give yourself now, the smoother the journey will feel later on.
Anticipation is half the fun. There's something magical about the build up to a big adventure. When you plan your 2026 road trip early, you get to savour that anticipation, imagining those scenic overlooks and the RV parks along the way. This is a sense of excitement that fuels motivation and makes the entire experience richer before you've even left your driveway.
*contributed post*
Sure, everyone talks about summer like it’s the only time to hit the road, but fall deserves way more hype. Besides, it’s not like road trips are a good idea during the winter anyway. Yeah, summer is great and all, but don’t forget those gorgeous colors that autumn has to offer. Just think about it for a moment; it’s so calm in the fall. Plus, the air smells like campfires and cinnamon, the leaves look like they’ve been dipped in gold, and the roads are totally wide open. Besides, this is probably one of the best times to travel with a pet anyway, you won’t have to worry about them overheating or anything like that.
Besides, the best part of it all is the fact that fall road trips aren’t about chaos and checklists; that’s all for the summer. Instead, they’re about slowing down, soaking up the scenery, and realizing how beautiful life truly is.
No Melting in Sight
Alright, so it really just depends on where you live, but for the most part, this might not be something you’ll have to worry about (if you live in the northern part of the US or maybe even somewhere in the middle). But of course, if you live in the south or drive in the south, it might still be pretty hot.
But getting back to the point here, summer travel has its charm, sure, but it also has sunburns, crowded gas stations, and that moment you open the car door that giant heatwave just hits you. Plus, everyone is taking a vacation, so it’s just super crowded. But fall completely changes the vibe. The air feels lighter, your car doesn’t turn into an oven, and there’s no desperate search for shade every time you stop.
The Crowds are Gone
Sure, some people have no choice; they can only take vacations in the summer, kids, parents with kids, teachers, or just anyone who works at a school or university, for that matter. Oh, and some people just flat out love traveling in the summer because it’s a good weather season. But if you’ve ever tried to book a trip in July, you know the drill: packed highways, overbooked hotels, and RV campsites that fill up super fast (and again, for a lot of people, it’s the only chance to).
Now, when fall comes along, it’s like someone hit the reset button. Seriously, the crowds vanish, and everything feels a little more peaceful. While yes, it’s true some areas get crowded, like Vermont since they’re famous for fall foliage, Central Park in NYC, Salem, MA (though that’s also due to Halloween), but other than those areas, it’s not all that crowded or busy.
Like, you can actually stroll into national parks without fighting for a parking spot, wander through small towns that aren’t bursting at the seams, and grab those postcard-perfect shots without elbowing anyone out of the frame.
Fall Scenery Just Hits Differently
Like way differently it’s like being in an episode of Gilmore Girls or something like that. You’ve got gold, rust, crimson, and deep brown weaving through every stretch of highway like nature’s own light show. Every curve in the road brings something new, and even a random detour can end up being the highlight of your trip. But the landscapes have a way of looking more dramatic, be it hills, plains, mountains, you name it.
But fall isn’t about rushing from one attraction to the next; it’s about being fully present. You can stop for apple cider at a roadside market, wander through a pumpkin patch, or just park somewhere quiet and enjoy the view. You don’t really get that opportunity as much with any other season. Sure, winter is great for slowing down too, but slow down too much, you freeze, with summer you burn, and spring, well, you get rained on.
*contributed post*
While sure, there are a lot of uncomfortable and unfilitered truths when it comes to RV camping, it’s important to know that winter camping doesn’t actually need to be bad, or scary, or anything like that at all. No, really, winter camping doesn’t have to mean freezing your face off or pretending that lukewarm soup from a can is “rustic.” While yeah, sure, that’s what a lot of people know camping for, well, winter camping at least, it does help to try and make it more into a glamping-like experience instead.
As you already know, glamping is kind of magical, but of course, it’s all about doing it the right way. You basically want to feel like you’re in a romantic Christmas movie or something like that. While sure, you might be a bit cold, if you do all of these suggestions the right way, you won’t be miserable in the slightest.
Food that Feels Fancy
If you’re going to sit in the cold, the food better be worth it. So, this is not the time for sad granola bars or dry ramen. Alright, so just go ahead and picture this for just a second: a warm pot of creamy pasta, a few slices of garlicky bread wrapped in foil (just like the kind at Olive Garden), and maybe a gooey dessert you can roast over the fire (like a smores dip, for example). Doesn’t all of that just sound absolutely amazing? It sounds date night worthy, right?
And yes, a charcuterie board absolutely belongs on a camping table if you just don't want to cook, or even if your RV is lacking some of the appliances. Besides, with a charcuterie board, it’s as easy as just tossing some cheeses, meats, and crackers onto a plate with grapes and wine. Something as simple as that just really makes you feel like you have your whole life together. Plus, it’s classy, and it’ll make you forget you’re technically outdoors.
It’s About the Right Site
Alright, so once you’ve figured out how to make winter camping feel this good with all of that food, you’ll start wondering why you ever stopped when the temperatures dropped. But it’s not just the food, but it’s the right location too; it helps to look into a year-round RV campsite for your trip (not that many are open during the winter).
But it’s usually not super crowded, there’s still some fun amenities, and it helps that usually you can be a bit spontaneous too, since you don’t have to book months in advance like you do in the summer months.
Just Stay Warm Like
Well, yeah, you obviously need to. So, no one’s enjoying anything when their toes are numb, and yeah, common during winter camping. But warmth is the real luxury here, like making it totally toasty. Now, obviously, you’ll need to get a little heater, but why not get the kind that glows like a mini wood stove? With something like that, your whole setup instantly feels like a tiny cabin. Oh, and don’t forget to layer up blankets, toss a few soft throws over the seats, and bring every pair of fuzzy socks you own.
And of course, hot cocoa is non-negotiable. Not that powdered stuff in a paper packet (like Swiss Miss). Now, instead, you need to go all in with real milk, melted chocolate, and maybe a splash of cinnamon. Add whipped cream on top, sit back, and try not to grin like you’ve figured out life’s greatest secret. Because honestly, you kind of have.
*contributed post*
.jpeg)
.jpeg "the night before christmas vintage junk journal")
Happy Saturday friends! I hope that you have had a wonderful weekend so far! Today I am so excited to share with y'all an adorable new Christmas Junk Journal addition to the shop!
.jpeg "the night before christmas vintage junk journal")
This adorable The Night Before Christmas Vintage Junk Journal is now available for purchase! (You can find it HERE!)
.jpeg "the night before christmas vintage junk journal")
This beautiful Junior Elf "Vintage The Night Before Christmas” Junk Journal is a Christmas Lovers dream. With more than 50 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.
.jpeg "the night before christmas vintage junk journal")
These beautiful and unique journals are the perfect way to grab onto ordinary moments or days and remember special times in life, especially during this holiday season!
.jpeg "the night before christmas vintage junk journal")
And this specific junk journal, truly became one of my favorites as it came together.
.jpeg "the night before christmas vintage junk journal")
This Junk Journal includes EVERY page of this precious vintage book!!
.jpeg "the night before christmas vintage junk journal")
This Vintage The Night Before Christmas Junior Elf Junk Journal is securely spiral bound and allows for you to lay it flat for all of your scrapbooking and writing desires!
.jpeg "the night before christmas vintage junk journal")
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.
.jpeg "the night before christmas vintage junk journal")
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!
.jpeg "the night before christmas vintage junk journal")
Oh and did I mention the size?!? At approximately 5x7 it is the perfect fun medium size junk journal!
.jpeg "the night before christmas vintage 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 The Night Before Christmas click HERE.
.jpeg "the night before christmas vintage junk journal")
Thank you again for your support of the shop! It is truly a blessing to my mom and I who run it!
.jpeg "the night before christmas vintage junk journal")
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!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
