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
  • Slow 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
  • 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
  • Blog
Powered by Blogger.
Caravan Sonnet

EST. MMXIII

Pages

  • the shops
  • _CARAVAN SONNET SHOPPE (TPT)
  • _Caravan Sonnet Parcel Post
  • __map letter club
  • __Mini Junk Journal Club
  • __Vintage Junior Elf Club
  • __Vintage Golden Book Club
  • _Caravan Sonnet Market (Ebay)
  • _DECEMBER CARAVAN (ETSY SHOP)
  • _AMAZON SHOP
  • map letter club
  • historical scholarship
  • _Scholarly Articles

free gift and olympic themed resources available in the caravan sonnet shoppe on teachers pay teachers

January 31, 2026

caravan sonnet shoppe - teachers pay teachers- rebecca vandemark 
New Free Resource Offer + 2026 Winter Olympics Classroom Favorites

Happy Saturday, friends. If you’ve been around the Caravan Sonnet Shoppe on Teachers Pay Teachers for a while—or if you’ve just found your way here—this post is a small thank-you and a big celebration all wrapped into one.

First,  A Thank-You Gift from the Caravan Sonnet Shoppe
Community matters deeply to me, and your reviews truly help this small, independent shop continue to grow. So I am offering a small gift- if you leave a review in the Caravan Sonnet Shoppe, you can choose one FREE resource (up to $3 in value) as my thank-you.

How it works:
1. Leave a review on any resource in the shop
2. Email me at caravansonnet@gmail.com
3. Tell me which resource you’d like
4. I’ll send it to you directly as an attachment

It’s my way of saying thank you for supporting thoughtful, real-world teaching. Truly—it means more than I can say.

Teaching Toward the 2026 Winter Olympics
With the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano & Cortina just around the corner, I’ve been building classroom resources that connect current global events with personal finance, economics, and decision-making skills—designed specifically for upper high school and college students.

These are lessons you can use immediately: practical, relevant, and grounded in the kinds of financial choices students will actually face.

2026 Winter Olympics Resources in the Shoppe
caravan sonnet shoppe - teachers pay teachers- rebecca vandemark
Personal Finance: Winter Olympic Bundle
A complete, ready-to-teach bundle including PowerPoints, activities, and guided notes—perfect for a full week of lessons tied to the Winter Games.
caravan sonnet shoppe - teachers pay teachers- rebecca vandemark
Personal Finance: Winter Olympics Cost (PPT + Activity)
Students explore the real costs of attending the Olympics—travel, lodging, tickets, and daily expenses—while practicing budgeting and financial analysis.

Olympic Resources for a $1.00

All Resources Below Are Just $1.00 Each!! These are perfect for bell ringers, sub plans, small groups, or quick real-world applications:
caravan sonnet shoppe - teachers pay teachers- rebecca vandemark
Personal Finance: Olympic Budget Activity
Students plan a realistic Olympic-themed travel budget and confront real financial trade-offs.
caravan sonnet shoppe - teachers pay teachers- rebecca vandemark
Personal Finance Activity: Currency Exchange & International Fees
A simulation of exchange rates, ATM fees, and international transaction costs students will actually encounter.
caravan sonnet shoppe - teachers pay teachers- rebecca vandemark
Personal Finance: Olympic Athlete Podcast Activity
Based on a Wall Street Journal podcast featuring former Olympic athletes—students connect income, sponsorships, and financial risk to real lives.
caravan sonnet shoppe - teachers pay teachers- rebecca vandemark
Personal Finance: Olympic Word Search
Reinforces financial literacy and Olympic vocabulary in a low-pressure, engaging format.
caravan sonnet shoppe - teachers pay teachers- rebecca vandemark
Personal Finance: Olympic Word Scramble
A quick printable option for review days or collaborative warm-ups.

As the Winter Games approach, these lessons give students space to think critically, collaborate meaningfully, and connect classroom learning to the wider world.

Thank you—for supporting small creators, and for being part of this thoughtful, creative teaching community. I hope these Winter Olympics resources bring energy, curiosity, and relevance into your classroom this season!!
read the post

off-road travel: preparing for bumps in the road

January 30, 2026

 Off-road travel is one of the best ways to experience Australia beyond its cities and major tourist hot spots. Taking you everywhere from dusty outback tracks and gravel coastal roads to remote bush trails and alpine passes, travelling off the beaten path lets you access places most tourists don’t see.

However, the thing about off-road travel is that it asks a lot of both you and your vehicle. That’s because you often encounter uneven surfaces, constant vibration, and unpredictable conditions, which can quickly turn a great trip into a stressful one if you are not prepared.

One of the best ways to prepare for off-road travel is to understand how those rough roads can affect your setup and take simple steps to reduce wear, damage, and risk. This does not necessarily mean brushing up on your extreme four-wheel-driving skills (although it wouldn’t hurt!) or buying specialised gear for every situation. Instead, it means knowing your limits, checking the basics, and driving with care.

When your vehicle and caravan are properly set up, bumps in the road become part of the experience rather than a problem. Here’s our guide on how to do that.

What Is Off-road Travel?
For those who aren’t quite sure what we mean, off-road travel refers to driving on unsealed, non-bitumen roads. This includes:
* Gravel tracks
* Dirt roads
* Corrugated outback roads
* Sandy access paths
* Uneven bush trails

These conditions place more strain on your vehicle (and caravan, if you are towing one) than everyday highway driving.

It is vital to prepare properly for an off-roading adventure because if you don’t, what would otherwise be small issues that would be easily fixed could suddenly, literally, stop you from progressing. This is especially true if they occur in remote areas.

For instance, things like loose bolts, incorrect tyre pressure, or poor weight balance can lead to breakdowns or damage. Hence, by planning ahead, you’ll enjoy a safer and more comfortable trip.

What Are Some Common Off-Road Conditions That Test Vehicles and Caravans?
Given how big the country is, you won’t be surprised to discover that Australia’s off-road conditions vary widely. As a result, each one tests vehicles and caravans in different ways. Corrugated roads, for instance, are common in regional areas. They can cause constant vibration, which over a prolonged journey could loosen fittings, cause cupboards to shake in your caravan, and strain your suspension systems.

Something else to be aware of is that ruts and washouts often appear after heavy rain. This can catch experienced road-trippers off guard, let alone first-timers. Additionally, rocky tracks can challenge tyres and underbody clearance, while loose gravel reduces traction, especially when towing.

For these reasons, travellers planning to head out on routes that include these surfaces often look into suv hire with Redspot to source the most appropriate vehicle. They, and companies like them, can help you find something with higher clearance, greater stability, and increased comfort.

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Offroad Travel
If you do hire a vehicle for your off-road travels, you’ll have the peace of mind that the rental company have ensured it is fully operational and roadworthy.

However, if you are taking your own vehicle, it is recommended to have it fully checked out by a qualified mechanic. At the very least, you should do basic checks yourself. This includes:

  • Fluids

  • Brakes

  • Heating/cooling system

  • Battery health

  • Lights

  • Tyre pressure

  • Spare Tyre

How To Set Up Your Caravan or Camper for Rough Roads
Before you set off on your off-roading adventure, you will need to set up your caravan or camper for the trip. Off-road conditions subject every part of your setup to constant movement and vibration. So, it is important to ensure everything is secure and supported. A good place to begin is to check your suspension components, wheel bearings, and mounting points. These are the parts that handle most of the stress on uneven surfaces.

Inside the caravan, all your cupboards, drawers, and appliances should be latched or padded to reduce movement while travelling. Loose items can shift quickly and cause damage over long stretches of corrugated road, which is why you would be wise to secure them.

Weight distribution is also important, as this affects how smoothly you will travel. Make sure you store your heavier gear low and balance it evenly to improve stability when towing. Other things you should do include checking the hitch, coupling, and safety chains (especially during your trip on a regular basis).

What to Pack for Offroad Travel and Remote Area Driving
Packing is always a balancing act when it comes to off-travel. On one level, you won’t want to take too much, as it will slow you down. But, on the other hand, you’ll naturally want to have as many home comforts as you can at your disposal.

A good place to start is with the essentials. This should include:
* Food
* Water
* Well-stocked first aid kit
* Basic recovery gear, such as a shovel, a tyre repair kit, and an air compressor
* Navigation tools like offline maps or a GPS unit
* Communication devices, including UHF radios or satellite messengers
* Spare parts and tools to fix minor issues as they arise

You’ll also need to take clothes appropriate to where you are visiting (be mindful to take warmer clothes if you are heading out into cooler climates). Additionally, it is a good idea to take books, a few personal items, and cameras to capture all your memories.

Here are some more tips on what to pack and other general advice for a caravanning road trip.


*contributed post*
read the post

pre-trip beauty: treatments that actually make travel easier

With tough restrictions on airline luggage allowance, a maximalist approach to packing really isn’t going to work. Alongside specially curated outfits for your trip and shoes for every occasion, there’s all the beauty tech to take with you. From electric toothbrushes to epilators, these are not the most compact of items, and let’s not forget the tangle of charging wires that come with them.

However, leaving your trusted tools behind and letting your eyebrows grow bushy and your legs stubbly may not be the look you want while travelling. So, what do you do? Rather than go for short-term solutions, book in for pre-trip beauty treatments that will last much longer. 

What’s more, these beauty treatments are not as expensive as you’d think. Just search for electrolysis cost for chin hair removal, for example, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised!
Resource: Pexels

Beauty Treatments to Book for Stress-Free Travel
When going on vacation, you don’t want to spend time in the hotel room carrying out beauty maintenance tasks when you could be lounging by the pool. Ideally, you’ll arrive ready to dive straight in. 

To prepare your skin, hair, and nails and ensure you look and feel your best on vacation, book a few select beauty treatments before your trip. Not only does this get you in vacation mode, but it also maximizes your time away. 

Frizz-free hair treatments
So, you’ve booked a hot and humid destination and are tempted to pack the curling tongs and hair straighteners. Please don’t! These grooming tools take up space in your suitcase, and using heated hair equipment is torture when you are already hot and sweaty.

Instead, book in for a keratin smoothing treatment. Unlike getting your hair professionally blow-dried smooth, the results of a keratin treatment last 3-6 months. The protein keratin is applied to the hair, strengthening and smoothing its appearance. This solution is then sealed in by applying heat. Once treated, your hair remains in perfect condition even after exposure to sun, sea, and sand.

Groomed brows and lashes 
Have you ever returned from a trip, surprised to see how unruly your brows have gotten? Often, when we are on vacation, brow maintenance goes out the window. So, it makes sense to prep your brows and lashes pre-trip.

By booking treatments such as brow lamination, microblading for sparser areas, and getting individual false lashes applied, you minimize the contents of your travel beauty kit. Additionally, you can get up in the morning and have less to do in terms of makeup application and grooming. 

Smoother skin for longer
If you have a beach vacation coming up, you may want to remove unwanted leg hair and neaten up your bikini line. Packing razors, shaving gel, and post-shave moisturiser adds weight to your luggage. Why not look for a longer-term solution to staying stubble-free?

Electrolysis and laser hair removal can target body and facial hair, inhibiting its growth and giving you a break from daily shaving. Hair grows back weaker and at a slower rate, plus it's less painful than epilation or waxing. 

Neat nails 
Removing the chipped nail polish you applied yourself and sorting out those unsightly hangnails can make a huge difference to your appearance. 

A manicure and pedicure, if you are wearing open-toed sandals, needn’t involve lengthy extensions and gemstones. A simple nude shade on short nails exudes sophistication while remaining practical.

Plump and hydrated skin
Long-haul flights can drastically dry out skin. Recirculated cabin air is notoriously dry and not humid at all. That’s why many skincare experts suggest that you moisturize well prior to boarding and take face masks with you on board, so that you arrive at your destination looking fresh. 

In the lead-up to a trip, get an intensive moisturizing facial at a beauty salon. This will properly prepare your skin for the dry cabin air. Another pro tip is to drink enough water while traveling, as it will help hydrate your skin from the inside out. 

Beauty Kit Items You Can Leave Behind
Typically, in the run-up to a trip, you’ll write a “to-pack” list. However, in this case, we’re doing the opposite, saving your suitcase space and suggesting items to leave behind. If you book pre-trip beauty treatments, there is no need for you to take the following items with you on your travels.
  • Razors, shaving gel, electric shavers, and epilators
  • Hair straighteners, curling tongs, and other heated styling tools
  • Nail polish, acetone remover, and nail clippers
  • Eyebrow pencils/ pens, mascara, lash curlers, and tweezers
  • Additionally, you can reduce your toiletries even further by decanting your favorite scents into smaller perfume atomizers or carrying fragrance samples with you. The same goes for full-sized bottles of makeup and haircare. Buy a selection of travel pots and bottles to scoop your beauty products into. 
  • By following these pre-trip tips, you’ll travel lighter, with fewer unnecessary items and fewer beauty maintenance tasks to carry out when you arrive at your destination. 

*contributed post*
read the post

meal train for moms breast cancer surgery update

January 27, 2026

 caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark
Meal Train Link

I wanted to take a brief moment to say thank you so much for all of your support and the donations that have come in so far for the Meal Train! Both mom and I are so humbled and so grateful for the support.

As we travel down to NYC later today, with pre-operative appointments tomorrow and surgery scheduled for Thursday, we are humbled and grateful for the help with meals and transportation/ stay costs. If you would still like to help please feel free to click here Meal Train as we will be keeping this up throughout the next week. You can donate, sponsor a meal, or give a gift card by clicking HERE.

Most of all we are grateful for your prayers and love and kindness. Thank you so much.
read the post

how comfort and safety support real family rest

How Comfort and Safety Support Real Family Rest
In today's modern life, rest and comfort have become a luxury. As we move through days filled with obligations and responsibilities, time for family and some alone time has drastically reduced. That's why it's important to stay connected and spare some time for your close ones.

Slower moments, like short trips and lazy Sundays, may contribute more than you thought. It all happens when you decide to slow down, at least once in a while.

Moreover, when you all gather around, deeper rest is allowed when you are feeling safe and prepared.

What Makes a Space Feel Calming
For starters, your home should be a place where you can completely turn off the outside world and chaos.

Decorating and adding your personal touch is just one of the steps. More plants, bright colors, and fewer screens will make it more welcoming. However, let's not forget that functionality and how you use your space are equally important. The layout you chose, and how practical it is, will make you calmer, as everything is in its place.

The moment you have a home you want to spend time in is the turning point to creating a safe space for you and for your family. As it is well known, stress is reduced when you step into your comfort and safety.

That's when you can fully open emotionally to others and self-reflect.

Comfort and Safety as a Shared Family Experience
Looking at other aspects, when you want to bond with your family, it's slightly different than when you look for time alone.

Although, yeah... there ARE a couple of tips on how to make it work and to enjoy it all together.

Gentle Boundaries Help Everyone Settle
Talking about boundaries, there's nothing bad or strict about them. They are just a tool for everyone to be more relaxed.

For instance, having a clear space in the corner of your living room is going to please your children more than expected.They would have a place for their toys that can easily be picked up and returned to their place. It also creates a sense of security, not only for children but also for parents, as it all comes from agreement.

Of course, we can't ignore that everyone should respect each other's spaces/demands. A great example of this is when you get home from a stressful day at the office, and then you need your 30 minutes in silence without anyone asking questions or having demands straight from the door -- we're sure you can relate.

Accessibility Creates Ease Across Generations
If you're looking to spend a bit of time with your grandparents, then planning activities can play a huge part.

This mostly has to do with the fact that you can't really expect your grandma or grandpa to play soccer with you or to go skateboarding with you for a bit. You have to plan out different (less invasive) activities, such as short walks or spending time in parks. All this supports (emotional) bonding.

When equality is met, it's easier for everyone to naturally take a step back and relax more.

Consequently, it'll lead to having more deep conversations and extended time, proving that being thoughtful for others goes hand in hand with taking care of yourself and your close ones.

Shared Areas Shape How Families Connect
There's no spending time together without shared space. Open spaces, such as yards and parks, feel more welcoming when there are more people than usual.

However, planning a trip together should also be an option. That’s because a shared space, such as staying in the same apartment, naturally leads to time cooperating and spending quality time.

When feeling comfortable and connected with your family, the next step is easing the quiet mental pressure – what if something goes wrong? One way to stay calm is by doing brief research and slightly preparing in advance.

Preparation Is Part of Feeling Safe – Especially When Traveling
In most cases, spending time in your city, home, and usual surroundings doesn't pose potential risks to catch family off guard.

On the other hand, when traveling, you should be more prepared for things going sideways.

Here's a quick scenario for you to imagine:
You're from Chicago, visiting your parents in Rockford.

Going from one of the most urban cities in the country to a slightly slower-paced town is a relief in itself. Spending time in a more relaxed neighborhood sort of invites you to spend more time outside. This has to do with the fact that (smaller) towns like that are MUCH more convenient (and safer) for children and older people.

Nevertheless, even though it's a quieter, safer town, people may be more careless due to having a more relaxed and social lifestyle, for example, you might let your guard down more often because in your mind you know that it’s safe. That’s a mistake. You can’t just let your kids go play outside unsupervised (if they’re too young).

Threats still exist. And if your guard is down, then those threats are more likely to affect you.

For example, you’ll see people walking their dogs without a leash. And even though the dog might be trained (most aren’t), they can still act unpredictably. The last thing you want on your hand while visiting here is looking for a dog bite attorney in Rockford simply because you let your kids go on outside by themselves and they decided to pet that cute dog while playing outside.

And then that dog decided that it wasn’t having it that day.

TLDR: A small bit of awareness/caution and traveling around fit well together. It’s important to rest and enjoy yourself, and not to constantly have to worry about everything.

Conclusion
At the end of the day, how you are feeling is most important.

Spending time in secure spaces and enhancing healing, as a form of rest, will deepen your connections with family and heighten your inner peace.

Living in a world full of rapid changes and threats is affecting all of us; in spite of that, taking a step back, creating a safe space for your close ones, is a crucial step for rest to come naturally.



*contributed post*
read the post

why i have been a bit more quiet

January 26, 2026

caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark
Last month I shared that like many of you, our Christmas looked very different then we could have planned or imagined, including a trip to NYC for unexpected medical reasons.

Yesterday I shared a reel where I explain a bit more about this trip and why I have been a bit more quiet with our unexpected news- Please head on over to watch, comment, and like the reel HERE!

Thank you so much for all of your love and support and prayers. If you would like to support practically you can find our Meal Train for donations and gift cards HERE. 

Thank you so much for all of your prayers for my mom this week as she has surgery on Thursday.
read the post

meal train for moms upcoming surgery

January 25, 2026

caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark
Meal Train Link

As some of you know mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer over the Christmas holidays and will have surgery on Thursday in NYC. We are humbled by your support and prayers and that we have been given a good prognosis and grateful that her care team is very optimistic. People have kindly asked how they can help during her surgery and our stay in the city and her recovery over the next couple of weeks. Surgery is scheduled for January 29th and we will travel to the city before this. Meals and help with transportation/ stay costs would be very helpful. We so appreciate those who suggested doing a full fundraiser but at this time Meal Train felt like a gentle way to help receive practical support if you feel led. You can donate, sponsor a meal, or give a gift card by clicking HERE.

Most of all we are grateful for your prayers and love and kindness. Thank you so much.
caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark
read the post

thirteen...caravan sonnet is a teenager

January 23, 2026

caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark
This beautiful space, Caravan Sonnet, turned "13 years old" today. 

It is almost impossible to believe that it was 13 Years ago today that I wrote my very first post which tenderly makes me smile- so many things have sweetly changed and some have stayed the same. You can read it HERE! 

I am sitting here absolutely speechless that we are now at 13 years...

13 years of growing, learning, and sharing...

13 years of perseverance, dedication, and hard work..

13 years of pushing through despite severe illnesses ...

but mostly 13 years of becoming and 13 years of humbly connecting with this beautiful and faithful community of love and support from all around the world.
caravan sonnet - rebecca vandemark
Since I posted the picture above and started writing on this little space in January 2013, the world of blogging (or as I affectionately call it), "bloggy world" has changed significantly. At the time in 2013 many blogs that I followed and connected with were writing to share their personal lives with readers... a way to connect outside the world that we each lived in. Everyday stories mixed with some practical tips and ideas about how to live fully abounded and it was a sweet time to join "bloggy world". In the midst of so many amazing bloggers and authors who were pouring their hearts out I felt immediately embraced into the "blogging club" and think back to precious friendships (that have sweetly continued from those days) and those early days often. 

For me personally I started this blog as a way to reach out from beyond my bedridden existence at the time (due to illness) and as a simple way to keep friends, family, and loved ones informed of what was going on with my confusing health story (which ironically was only going to get more complicated in the months and years to come). When I started writing in January 2013 I had no idea that I was dealing with Advanced Late Stage Lyme Disease, Skin Cancer, or a myriad of other complicated and serious health issues. 

At the time I started there were no other chronic illness bloggers nor were there people talking and documenting their health journey's. I often felt a bit out of place, especially in those early months of starting when I was still desperately searching for clear answers on my health. 

In a twist of irony, I didn't even really write about my health issues on the blog (except for some very general terms) until March 25th, 2013- in very brief details. At the time I did so only because there was a rumor going around that I had Cancer and wasn't sharing my diagnosis out of concern for my former students. At that time I was still a full month away from my diagnosis of Skin Cancer and was not aware of that component of my health journey.

I recently spent some time re-reading back through those first few months of the blog. I remember beyond my words that I was writing with tears behind the scenes, curled up in bed, slowly and painfully typing letter by letter a post, the extreme daily pain that I was in, the intense stomach issues that left me spending any free time away from my bed curled up on the bathroom floor, the lack of support from the medical community, the inability to walk without help, the questions, the confusion, the questions in my faith, the loss of friends and independence, the fear, the unknown, and a desperate yearning to reach out and to grab life despite all of these things. 

At the same time there was a beauty to that time period that is impossible to explain unless you have walked through a complete crisis in your life. The complete resoluteness of knowing what you believe, why you believe it, and knowing that despite all circumstantial evidence to the contrary your faith remains in tact. That you can say without hesitancy ... "and if not... he is still good". It is a coming to the end of yourself... the end of what you envision for your life to be and coming to a peace and acceptance of the ways and walls of God. 

This has been a road that I never would have asked to walk. Yes, there is a deep sadness after "losing" so many precious years to Advanced Late Stage Lyme Disease and other health issues. 

I recently have had to really examine this term again due to a very personal situation. So I am placing the word "losing" in parentheses because in the past month I have realized once again that while I used to think that I had lost my thirties (what some have called "the best years of your life") nothing is lost when it is in the hands of our all loving God. And how do you determine the "best years of your life"?? Is it a certain age or decade? Or is it the gentle confidence that your life is not defined by age, but by the loving God who knows the hairs on my head and has ordained the best years...what I am living right now.

I think back to what I wrote in 2013 about learning to be faithful in this new assignment of sickness... and what I have learned is that God has been faithful despite all of my times of unfaithfulness. 

The story... I have learned is not about me... but is once again about Him. Some have asked what this looks like for this new season- and how my health is... and I am overwhelmingly grateful for my stable health which just continues to improve day after day and year after year. Are there somethings that after nearly a decade of intense treatment followed by extreme grief and loss that I am working on? Yes. But am I Lyme free, Cancer Free, and healthy beyond what doctors said would ever be impossible (not including the fact that some of the most well known medical clinics said I would never live to see 40)? 

Tearfully yes. 

As this blog has changed and morphed into the global influencer brand, shops, and blog with more than 5.9+ million readers I often- on a daily basis- am humbled and grateful for your love and blessing and support along the way.
Caravan Sonnet Blog
 Over the course of these last thirteen years it is not just the blog that has grown and morphed- but I have grown as a woman. 

It is not only in the outward areas of writing books, running the shops- Caravan Sonnet Shoppe, The Map Letter Club, Caravan Sonnet Parcel Post, Caravan Sonnet Market, December Caravan and others, speaking to audiences around the world, and so many other things...but in the deeper aspects of life-by processing in this space through a variety of topics that include life, faith, and love, grief, and loss. 

I don't think that you can write vulnerably, deeply, and passionately in a space for thirteen years and it not change you. Being sick and fighting for my life has taught me to go beyond the surface and to understand a persons story - their history and who they are and the journey that has brought them to the place in life where our lives are intersecting.

The same is true for this place on the blog- and how I share about travel experiences -the history and the story behind a place and a building- the stories here are significant too. In many ways it feels like the blog is coming into a new season in a deep full circle way. Some people say this type of blogging has gone away but I see every single day that it is very much alive in beautiful ways if you have the courage to share vulnerably your story.

As I move forward friends into this thirteenth year here on the blog I just want to take time to say thank you again for following along, for joining this community, and for all of your love and support over these last thirteen years. 

Y'all leave me speechless with gratitude.

This community has been a huge blessing and built into my life in rich and deep ways. Thank you so much to the brands and press that have partnered with Caravan Sonnet and to the brands and press that will be partnering in the days and months and years ahead! Thank you friends- I can't wait to continue this journey with you and see what beautiful new adventures and days and blessings will meet us in this new year. 
Caravan Sonnet
THANK YOU for a beautiful 13 years...Here's to many many more...the best days and years is the one today and the ones to come!
read the post

messy to meaningful: 4 benefits of a perfectly-designed garden

 caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark

https://unsplash.com/photos/green-grass-field-with-trees-1ff_i7jO-4g 


Every single garden area has the potential to be more than just an outdoor space. If you currently live with common garden problems like patchy grass and a cluttered layout, you probably don’t even want to look out your back window. With a bit of effort and a thoughtful design, however, things could change. Here are a few benefits of improving your garden with a wonderful design. 


You’ll Have A Usable Space 

With a messy garden, you essentially have wasted space just lying there. Redesigning allows the space to serve a purpose. You’ll bring more structure to the entire environment. Everyone will be able to naturally move through the space and avoid awkward/dangerous spots. The outdoor space will become like an extra room in the room. You’ll find yourself spending lots of time outside in the summer. 


Less Maintenance And Stress Overall 

If you like working in the garden, this kind of thing won’t be an issue for you. The majority of people only want to relax, however. They have enough responsibilities to take care of, after all. Unkempt gardens tend to demand a lot more effort than you’d like. With a smarter layout, you will only need to put in a little effort to keep things ticking over. With a more manageable, low-maintenance setup, gardening becomes a lot more fun and significantly calmer. 


A Much More Appealing Property

With a pretty garden area, you will immediately add more value to your home overall. Potential buyers will see the garden and find the entire place a lot more attractive. Because your garden looks as though it has been cared for immensely, people will immediately assume the rest of the home has received the same treatment. With clean lines, defined borders, and healthy plants, you will have a lot of visual harmony. Even the simplest improvements will add plenty of polish. If you need a little help with this, it would make a lot of sense to work with landscape designers who can create a beautiful look that adds so much value. Well-planned spaces will catch the eye of many buyers.


Somewhere To Truly Relax 

Your home is a lot of things, and it should certainly be a place you can relax and be yourself. With a garden area that is nicely taken care of, you can put yourself in a blissful state very easily. With an organized space, you’re naturally encouraged to slow down. A comfortable seating area with the right layout will allow relaxation to be incredibly easy. When friends or family visit, it can be a little nerve-wracking if your home isn’t set up for guests. A nice garden space supports connection and lets everyone feel positive. They’ll be more than happy to relax and will likely want to come back. Your garden will become associated with positive memories instead of being seen as a neglected, dark, cold burden in the back. A once-pointless area can turn into something truly special for everyone. 




*contributed post*



read the post
new entries old entries
Subscribe to: Comments (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

MAP LETTER CLUB

MAP LETTER CLUB

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

  • 16 unexpected items to bring on every cruise
    Hello friends! Thanks so much for stopping by and reading today! Today I am so excited to share with y'all 16 unexpected but nec...
  • Wonderful Travel Ideas for Couples Looking for Romance
    Travel is such a great pastime, and, as a couple, this is one of the best ways of making sure you strengthen your bond and get closer as...
  • Taking Life Slow In Lancaster PA
    Do all vacations have to be about sun and fun? Sometimes you have to break away from the norm and just take a holiday slow. Traveling...

TPT: CARAVAN SONNET SHOPPE

TPT: CARAVAN SONNET SHOPPE

CARAVAN SONNET PARCEL POST

CARAVAN SONNET PARCEL POST

SHOP THE POSTS ON AMAZON

SHOP THE POSTS ON AMAZON

DECEMBER CARAVAN

DECEMBER CARAVAN

Get in touch!

Feel free to say hello!

Archive

  • ▼  2026 (74)
    • ►  February (39)
    • ▼  January (35)
      • free gift and olympic themed resources available i...
      • off-road travel: preparing for bumps in the road
      • pre-trip beauty: treatments that actually make tra...
      • meal train for moms breast cancer surgery update
      • how comfort and safety support real family rest
      • why i have been a bit more quiet
      • meal train for moms upcoming surgery
      • thirteen...caravan sonnet is a teenager
      • messy to meaningful: 4 benefits of a perfectly-des...
      • caravan sonnet- january 23
      • 6 questions you must consider before hiring an ari...
      • 21 winter wellness rituals to prevent colds and th...
      • introducing caravan sonnet market - our ebay store...
      • 16 unexpected items to bring on every cruise
      • 2026 honest review of medrein health and aesthetics
      • what your yearbook says about your teenage self
      • best tips for reserving your ideal rental
      • one week left to sign up for february
      • five no prep january, february, valentines day, an...
      • friday favorites- january 16
      • the best us residential solar firms 2026
      • the green gold: the top 10 health benefits of eati...
      • signups for february ending soon
      • an honest review of bearadise 2026
      • which type of truck bed should you choose for over...
      • 5 amazing ways to turn 'home' into a sanctuary
      • top 10 travel pins of 2025
      • becoming a full-time teacher seller: a december ch...
      • the map letter club
      • friday favorites- january 9
      • when the word isn't as safe as you thought it was
      • prayers for today
      • it started as a walk
      • soft seasons of caring for our horses
      • caravan sonnet parcel post - an introduction
  • ►  2025 (319)
    • ►  December (31)
    • ►  November (38)
    • ►  October (30)
    • ►  September (20)
    • ►  August (27)
    • ►  July (19)
    • ►  June (33)
    • ►  May (22)
    • ►  April (20)
    • ►  March (28)
    • ►  February (26)
    • ►  January (25)
  • ►  2024 (265)
    • ►  December (17)
    • ►  November (29)
    • ►  October (20)
    • ►  September (11)
    • ►  August (26)
    • ►  July (25)
    • ►  June (27)
    • ►  May (17)
    • ►  April (20)
    • ►  March (33)
    • ►  February (22)
    • ►  January (18)
  • ►  2023 (273)
    • ►  December (8)
    • ►  November (22)
    • ►  October (23)
    • ►  September (16)
    • ►  August (17)
    • ►  July (26)
    • ►  June (23)
    • ►  May (27)
    • ►  April (13)
    • ►  March (32)
    • ►  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 (279)
    • ►  December (5)
    • ►  November (22)
    • ►  October (52)
    • ►  September (24)
    • ►  August (27)
    • ►  July (28)
    • ►  June (37)
    • ►  May (15)
    • ►  April (11)
    • ►  March (25)
    • ►  February (14)
    • ►  January (19)
  • ►  2020 (302)
    • ►  December (9)
    • ►  November (21)
    • ►  October (16)
    • ►  September (18)
    • ►  August (14)
    • ►  July (12)
    • ►  June (23)
    • ►  May (22)
    • ►  April (27)
    • ►  March (52)
    • ►  February (38)
    • ►  January (50)
  • ►  2019 (249)
    • ►  December (22)
    • ►  November (28)
    • ►  October (23)
    • ►  September (12)
    • ►  August (12)
    • ►  July (19)
    • ►  June (15)
    • ►  May (23)
    • ►  April (15)
    • ►  March (28)
    • ►  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 (154)
    • ►  December (9)
    • ►  November (4)
    • ►  October (13)
    • ►  September (9)
    • ►  August (17)
    • ►  July (19)
    • ►  June (18)
    • ►  May (16)
    • ►  April (19)
    • ►  March (14)
    • ►  February (11)
    • ►  January (5)

Featured

an honest review of legacy healing center 2026
Choosing an addiction treatment provider is one of the most important decisions someone can make. Whether you’re looking for services for yo...

CARAVAN SONNET SPONSORS

CARAVAN SONNET SPONSORS
© Caravan Sonnet
Theme by SoulMuse