Some people buy a mobile home and head out on the road, but this approach can have mixed results. If you are not well-suited to life on the road, you might find yourself selling your mobile home after a few months. Conversely, you might adapt to life on the road and go on to thrive.
Key Takeaways: Van Life
Reducing your van life expectations can lead to a happier on the road
Make sure your mobile home is also your best comfort zone for a happy life
Expect the unexpected on the road, and you will adapt to life more easily
Embrace the lifestyle of van life, and you can design the perfect solo life
Reduce Expectations
Whether you embrace van life full time or it is a simple road trip vacation, it helps to reduce your expectations. When you think about it, expectations are everywhere; they are in your workplace, your relationships, and your interests, but they create stress in various ways. If you want to enjoy more freedom and less stress, make priorities out of your expectations on your road trip.
The best way to create personal expectations that align with your values and lifestyle is to make a list of them in your journal or diary app. If you can consolidate your list into a set of five or ten expectations that must be met regardless of your circumstances, you're on the road to success.
Make it Comfortable
Life on the road doesn't sound appealing to some people, especially if they value their home comforts and power showers, but for those who like a challenge and the creativity that comes with van life, a life on the road is perfect. And good news, van life can also be a comfort zone.
There's no reason your life on the road can't have all of the benefits and comforts of your life at home; in many cases, van life is simply a home from home. Although your living quarters are smaller, you have ample space to make your van comfortable; after you take care of the practicalities of living on the road, it's time to deck it out with cushions, candles, and hot drinks.
Embrace the Unknown
One of the reasons people head out on the road - full-time or part-time - is to escape from the habitual routines that characterize "normal" life. Still, the unknown can be a scary place; you might break down unexpectedly, get lost on your journey to a destination, or discover you have taken the wrong road entirely. But part of the fun of van life is embracing these unknowns.
A large part of life on the road is the attitude to the lifestyle; if you resist the unknowns, you are likely to become fearful and unhappy, but if you see the unknowns are opportunities for learning and personal growth, they suddenly become a valuable commodity that you can start to cherish.
Find Communities
Finding communities is more suited to people who are on the road full-time because there is a need for structure and foundational elements in the lifestyle; that said, the communities can be a fun and interactive way to spend some time on a road trip if you pre-plan where you are going.
Communities can be found in campsites and gatherings around the country. If you want to find and explore van life communities, the best way to find them is to join some relevant groups on social media and take part in the conversations. If van life isn’t for you, there is no harm in abandoning the project and investing in your home by using a paving company near me.
Create a Lifestyle
Van life is a lifestyle from the outset, but it's one you will have to adapt to and make your own. Some of the fundamental elements of this lifestyle are planning, creativity, remote working, and practical solutions to unexpected problems. If you can handle these things, you are well-suited.
Once you have the basics sorted out, you can start thinking about the fun stuff! Where are you going to travel to, and how do you plan to spend the seasons? Who are you going to travel with, and do you plan to join a community of like-minded people online or offline? The choice is yours.
Some Final Thoughts
Life on the road is a life of freedom and creativity, but it needs to suit your personality and aspirations, or you will soon abandon your project in favor of a conventional home. Still, if you have a head start and enjoy planning and meeting people, you can create a happy life.
A roof is one of the most essential parts of your home, protecting it from the elements and keeping your family safe and warm. Unfortunately, roofs can suffer damage over time, and it's important to be aware of the warning signs that indicate you may need to repair your roof as soon as possible. Gaining the help of an established roof company is important here because this is really not a DIY job. It’s dangerous, and the people who have the right insurances and equipment can get the job done with ease. Your roof isn't something to mess with! Taking the time to inspect your roof for signs of damage can save you from costly repairs or even a full roof replacement in the future. Keep reading to learn the five telltale signs you need to repair your roof ASAP.
Missing shingles
Missing shingles can be one of the first signs you need to repair your roof. Although you can maintain a leak-free roof with a few missing shingles, that's not a long-term solution. The missing shingles can cause water damage to the rest of your roof and the interior of your home. As the weather gets colder, missing shingles can also cause ice dams and increase your risk of roof collapse. If you notice a few missing shingles, it's best to have a roofer come out and assess the rest of the roof to determine if it needs to be replaced or repaired. Replacing shingles as soon as they are missing can prevent further damage and keep your roof in great shape for years to come.
Leaks
Leaks are a common sign that you need to repair your roof. It's essential to determine the leak's location before you make any repairs. The leak may be coming from a section of the roof that can easily be repaired or replaced. However, a leak could also indicate a larger problem, such as a rotted roof deck or broken flashing. Leaks can cause damage to the interior of your home, and a more significant problem can require a complete roof replacement. Leaks can also indicate damage to the roof from extreme weather conditions like hail or high winds. Getting any leaks addressed as soon as possible and talking to a new roof contractor about your next steps is essential.
Sagging
Sagging is another sign you need to repair your roof, especially if the sagging is in the middle of the roof. If your roof is sagging in the middle, it could indicate that the rafters or trusses that support the roof are rotted or broken. However, if the sagging is in the middle of the roof, it could also indicate that the roof has been damaged due to excessive weight, such as too many items on the roof or snow and ice buildup. This problem can be challenging to repair and requires a full roof replacement. Having your roof inspected by a roofer can help determine the cause of the sag and if it's something that can be easily fixed.
Moss and algae growth
Moss and algae growth is another sign that your roof needs some attention. Moss and algae grow easily and quickly on roofs, especially in moist conditions. While moss and algae can add a bit of aesthetic appeal to your roof, they can also cause damage and lead to leaks. To prevent damage due to growth, clean your roof regularly, especially after rainfall when conditions are moist. If you notice moss or algae growth on your roof, removing it as soon as possible is best to prevent it from growing and causing damage.
Increase drafts inside the house
The final sign you need to repair your roof is increased drafts inside your house. If your roof is old and damaged, it may not be completely airtight and watertight, allowing wind to blow through the gaps and cause drafts inside your home. If you notice an increase in drafts inside your house, your roof may be responsible. Loose shingles, cracks, and broken tiles can increase your home's drafts.
Conclusion
Several signs indicate that your roof needs attention, from missing shingles to increased drafts. Knowing these signs and keeping an eye out for them, you can catch any damage early and repair it quickly and efficiently.
*contributed post*
Your backyard, if you are lucky enough to have one, is like an extra room for your home, or at least it should be, which means it should also be just as luxurious as the interior of your home so that you can enjoy it as much as possible.
That being the case, let’s take a look at a few simple ways you can add an extra level of luxury to your backyard right now:
Install decking
If you have not already done so, then installing a trex decking system is one of the best things you can do to add luxury to your yard. It will give your garden space a solid foundation on which you can place your furniture and spend time sitting with friends and family. It also enhances the look and feel of any yard space it is in.
Bring the indoors outdoors
Where many people go wrong is using garden-specific furniture and accessories outdoors, when they should be bringing the indoors out. For example, using an indoor couch and coffee table on the decking or patio is likely to be far comfier and more luxurious than using a metal garden chair set, or throwing down a Persian rug on the decking will make for more luxury than bare boards. Bring the indoors out and luxury is guaranteed.
Grow luxurious flowers
Roses, lilies, tulips - any flowers that are synonymous with beauty and luxury, will definitely enhance your garden by making it look more expensive and more sophisticated, while also filling it with heady aromas that will make your garden seem like a dream space.
Add a water feature
A luxury garden would not be complete without some kind of water feature. If you love to swim, then installing your own pool might be a good idea, but otherwise, a koi pond or water fountain should hot the spot. Not only will it look great, but the sound of running water will help you to relax and kick back whenever you’re in the yard too.
Make a statement
The most luxurious garden spaces always have something bold and unexpected in them. This could be anything from a topiary dog to a luxurious rattan swing seat that has been made bespoke for the garden, or a bold mosaic design laid out on the patio - it doesn’t matter what it is as long as it’s bold, eye-catching and something you love.
Fit a kitchen
Garden kitchens and bars are really popular right now and they can really add luxury to your home by giving you an outdoor space where you can cook, eat and entertain in the fresh air whenever the weather is good enough.
Throw in a fire pit and make sure you have a decent dining table outdoors, and whether you’re entertaining friends or dining with family, you will be living in outdoor luxury.
As you can see, it’s really easy to add luxury to your yard by adding a few simple pieces to the space, so what are you waiting for?
Like many women who are single, I long to share my life with someone. I long to "live life together" and serve God with someone in our everyday lives. I long to share the celebrations and holidays with someone but even more so I long to share everyday life with someone. All of these things are natural and important.
If are not a Lyme patient, but know a Lymie this would be a great gift to give them! If you don't know a Lymie & would still like to help I have a list of Lyme patients who want to purchase this book but due to treatment costs can't afford to do so. If you would like to bless them anonymously please contact me or leave a comment & I will message instructions!! You can also purchase a book and donate it to your doctors office, local hospital, local library, etc.
Happy Wednesday friends! I hope that you are having a wonderful week! I am so excited to share my Tuesday travel post today and highlight the incredible experience that we had at the Shelburne Museum visiting their holiday winter lights experience!
Winter Lights is an opportunity to see Shelburne Museum all decked out in beautiful holiday lights and y'all they were definitely gorgeous. Starting the last weekend in November and going through January 1st, you can purchase tickets online for 30 minute intervals. Tickets for adults are $15, children (ages 3-17) are $10, and children 2 and under are free.
One of the things that I saw on the website was the opportunity to contact Bonnie for information regarding accessibility. I wrote her explaining about mom's knee surgery and asked for additional information on the exhibit. She explained that it was approximately a 1/2 mile walk but that there was a drive through option on Sunday evenings. The time for the drive through was exactly the same as the ticket time (30 minutes) and you had the opportunity to follow Bonnie's car, driving slowly through the exhibit. The cost for an entire car was $65. We made the reservations and proceeded to take the tour.
It honestly was simply lovely.
We both loved seeing all of the lights and the opportunity to experience this experience was delightful.
The drive was incredibly slow so it was easy to take some pictures and really take in each thing you were seeing. At different points Bonnie would stop the cars so you could see different exhibits and hear the Christmas music that was playing in that area.
