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Luxury travel is becoming more personal, and some of the most memorable touches now come straight from the garden. A breakfast strawberry picked minutes before it reaches your plate can feel more special than an elaborate buffet. Hotels, farm retreats and private villas are responding with edible gardens, indoor growing systems and hands-on culinary experiences. These features connect guests to a destination while giving familiar comforts a fresh sense of discovery.
The Appeal of Living Pantries
A living pantry brings ingredients closer to the kitchen through herb walls, greenhouse beds and compact fruit gardens. During a stay, you might snip mint for tea, gather greens for lunch or watch a chef select edible flowers for dessert. The experience gives each meal a clear connection to its surroundings.
Interest in luxury farm stays reflects a broader desire for slower travel and food with a visible origin. When comparing properties, look beyond vague farm-to-table claims. Ask which ingredients are grown on-site, when guests can visit the garden and how menus change with the harvest. Specific answers usually reveal how central the growing program is to the stay.
Fresh Berry Harvesting in Any Climate
Strawberries bring color and familiar sweetness to breakfast, though outdoor production depends heavily on temperature and season. Indoor hydroponic systems offer another option because plants grow in nutrient-rich water under controlled light. They also fit into small spaces and avoid many soil-related pest problems.
Travelers curious about recreating the idea at home can explore practical guidance for growing hydroponic strawberries year-round. Start with a modest setup that’s easy to monitor. Check the available light, choose a space near water and learn how often the nutrient solution needs testing. At a hotel, a small glass-fronted growing room can serve the same purpose while becoming an attractive feature guests can observe during breakfast.
Interactive Culinary Stays on the Rise
Many guests want to participate in the food story instead of hearing about it after the meal. Resorts now offer garden walks, berry picking and cooking sessions built around that day’s harvest. Coverage of luxury farm resorts shows how agricultural experiences have entered the highest end of hospitality, with some stays reaching thousands of dollars per night.
You don’t need a large budget to enjoy the trend. Search a property’s activity calendar for short, included experiences such as greenhouse tours or chef-led tastings. Families should ask about age limits and accessible paths before booking. If harvesting is offered, confirm what’s in season so expectations match what will actually be ripe during the visit.
Sustainable Tech Meets Quiet Luxury
The best growing systems blend into a property without making the space feel like a laboratory. Quiet pumps, concealed reservoirs and warm lighting can turn an indoor garden into part of the decor. Automated irrigation also gives plants measured amounts of water, while on-site production can reduce packaging and shorten the distance delicate ingredients travel.
Still, sustainability claims deserve a closer look. Ask how the system uses energy, where growing materials come from and what happens to plant waste. Thoughtful properties can explain these choices plainly.
The lasting luxury may be wonderfully simple: waking up, walking a few steps and choosing a ripe berry that will reach your breakfast plate before your coffee cools.
*contributed post*
Friends, I have been sitting with this post for a couple of days, trying to find the words to share something that feels both incredibly exciting and deeply humbling. Over the weekend, this little corner of the internet reached 10 MILLION cumulative views.
10 million.
I look back to the very first post- and smile softly. I had no idea where Caravan Sonnet would take me.
I remember exactly where I was when I saw the first 100 views, first 1000, 10,000, and 100,000 and million views. All of these things were celebrated quietly- me just humbled by the amount of people who have stopped by and taken the time to read all about Caravan Sonnet, follow the stories, and connect deeply in this space.
10 million.
Now I look those words and smile because there is a part of me that still sees the girl who started writing in January 2013, curled up in bed in so much pain, desperately sick, with so many questions about the future and absolutely no idea where this little blog would lead.
And yet, here we are. Nearly fourteen years later.
Ten million views. Countless stories. Beautiful friendships. Unexpected adventures. So many ordinary days that have become extraordinary memories. And a heart that is overflowing with gratitude.
When I started Caravan Sonnet in January 2013, the world of blogging (or as I have always affectionately called it, "bloggy world") looked very different. There was something so incredibly sweet about those early days of sharing our lives, connecting across distances, and finding friendship in places we might never have otherwise discovered. At the time, I wasn't thinking about numbers, page views, partnerships, or where this little space might go. I was simply trying to reach beyond the four walls of a bedroom.
For those of you who have been here since the beginning (and some of you truly have!), you may remember that I started writing during one of the most difficult seasons of my life. I was bedridden, incredibly ill, and desperately searching for answers to health issues that would eventually be diagnosed as Advanced Late Stage Lyme Disease, Skin Cancer, and a myriad of other complicated health concerns. In fact one of my earliest posts- I didn't even know that I was fighting Cancer when I wrote it. There was so much to come.
I recently went back and read some of those earliest posts, and I was reminded of so much that was happening behind the words. The tears. The pain. The fear. The uncertainty. The loss of independence. The countless questions. The prayers whispered in the middle of the night. The desperate longing to somehow grab hold of life even when the simplest things seemed completely impossible.
I remember slowly typing posts from bed, sometimes letter by letter, because I simply didn't have the strength to do more. And I remember the incredible gift of discovering that there were people on the other side of the screen who cared.
People who prayed. People who encouraged. People who sent notes and messages. People who shared their own stories of heartache, hope, grief, illness, faith, and joy. What began as a way to stay connected with loved ones slowly became a community that would change my life in ways I never could have imagined.
And perhaps that is one of the most beautiful things about this milestone. Behind every number is a person. Behind every visit is a story. And behind these ten million views are years of connections that have meant more to me than I could ever adequately express.
Over the years, Caravan Sonnet has grown and changed in ways that reflect the different seasons of my own life. What began as a personal blog during a health crisis slowly became a place to share stories of healing, faith, travel, history, beautiful places, cozy luxury, and the art of finding joy in the ordinary.
There have been adventures that I once could never have imagined experiencing. There have been beautiful destinations, extraordinary historical places, lovely hotels, cruises, quiet mornings, little cafés, meaningful conversations, and moments of standing somewhere new and realizing just how precious the gift of being able to explore the world truly is.
And there have been the quieter stories, too. The ones about home. About family. About grief and healing. About finding rest. About learning to live more simply and intentionally. About making our 5th-generation cabin and third-generation Adirondack cottage just 1% more restful each day. About celebrating little victories that might never make the headlines but are deeply significant in the lives we are living.
In many ways, I think that is what Caravan Sonnet has always been about.
Not simply beautiful destinations or lovely things, but the stories that make them meaningful. The history behind a building. The people who have walked through a place before us. The beauty of a quiet morning. The gift of traveling with someone you love. The courage it takes to begin again. The reminder that there is still so much goodness to discover, even after walking through incredibly difficult seasons.
I have often thought about the years that I spent so very sick and how, at the time, I grieved what I believed I was losing. My thirties. My independence. Dreams that seemed to be slipping away. A future that looked nothing like what I had imagined. And while I would never minimize the pain of those years, I have come to understand something that I could not fully see in the middle of them.
Nothing is wasted when it is placed in the hands of our all-loving God.
There is a depth of compassion that comes from suffering. A tenderness toward the stories of others. A recognition that every person we meet is carrying a history that we may know absolutely nothing about. And there is a quiet kind of joy that comes from realizing that the ordinary things we once took for granted are often the most extraordinary gifts of all. Being able to walk somewhere beautiful. To travel. To laugh with someone you love. To make a home more restful. To wake up and have another day to discover the goodness that God has placed before us.
These things are not little things at all. I wrote years ago about learning to be faithful in the assignment of sickness, and as I look back now, I realize that the greater story has always been God's faithfulness to me.
Through the questions. Through the uncertainty. Through the unexpected turns. Through the beautiful moments and the heartbreaking ones.
He has been faithful.
And this little blog has become one of the most unexpected reminders of that truth.
As I look toward the next season of Caravan Sonnet, I find myself more grateful than ever for the opportunity to keep sharing stories here. In a world that moves incredibly quickly, where so much of our lives can feel rushed, curated, or reduced to a few seconds on a screen, I still believe there is something wonderfully meaningful about sitting down and sharing a story. A real story.
One that takes time to tell. One that invites us to linger a little longer. One that reminds us that beauty is not always found in the grandest moments, but often in the quiet, ordinary ones. I know that the world of blogging has changed tremendously since 2013, and there have been countless conversations over the years about whether personal blogging still has a place in our world. But every single day, through your emails, messages, comments, and visits, I am reminded that there is still a beautiful place for thoughtful storytelling and genuine connection. And for that, I am so incredibly grateful.
To those of you who have been here since those very first posts in 2013, thank you.
To those who found Caravan Sonnet through a travel guide, a cruise review, a historical destination, a cozy home project, or a story about faith and healing, thank you.
To those who have prayed for me, encouraged me, shared your own stories, celebrated beautiful milestones, and walked alongside me through difficult seasons, thank you.
To the brands, tourism partners, hotels, destinations, and press teams who have trusted Caravan Sonnet to share meaningful stories over the years, thank you. It has been such a joy to partner together, and I am so grateful for the opportunities to discover and share beautiful places and experiences with this community. I look forward to many more years of growing and collaborating. thank you.
And to those of you who quietly visit this little space without ever leaving a comment or sending a message, please know that you are part of this story, too. I wish I could sit down with each of you over a cup of tea and tell you how much your presence here has meant.
Because ten million views is an extraordinary milestone, but the real gift has never been the number.
It has been the people. The friendships. The stories. The Connections.
The reminder that something started in a season of profound uncertainty can grow into something more beautiful than we could ever have planned. As I look ahead to the coming months and years, I am excited for the new adventures, beautiful places, meaningful stories, and quiet everyday moments that are still waiting to be discovered. There are so many things I hope to share, so many places I hope to explore, and so many stories I hope to tell.
But more than anything, I hope that Caravan Sonnet will continue to be a place that encourages you to live fully and intentionally, to discover beauty in unexpected places, to dignify the ordinary, and to remember that even in the most difficult seasons, hope is never wasted.
Thank you, friends, from the very bottom of my heart, for being part of it. Here is to the next chapter, the little adventures, the ordinary days, the extraordinary moments, and all of the beautiful stories still waiting to be written.
Love from the shores of Lake Champlain, Rebecca
traveling elegantly with level8 luggage: my beautiful new adventure checked suitcase
November 6, 2026
There is something so incredibly exciting about preparing for a new adventure, isn't there?
Whether it is packing for a beautiful European getaway, planning a special trip with loved ones, or dreaming about the next destination on my travel list, I have always loved the anticipation that comes with preparing for a journey. Over the last thirteen (almost fourteen in January) years of sharing travel adventures here on Caravan Sonnet, I have been incredibly grateful for the opportunity to explore beautiful places around the world. From sailing along the rivers of Europe to discovering charming little towns, historic destinations, and peaceful places closer to home, travel has continued to be one of my favorite ways to experience the beauty of this world.
And if there is one thing that years of traveling have taught me, it is that the luggage you choose really does matter! As many of you know, one of the things that I am passionate about is finding ways to live elegantly and dignify the ordinary. I believe that beautiful and thoughtfully designed everyday items can make even the simplest parts of life feel a little more special.
This includes the luggage we take along with us when we travel! So when LEVEL8 reached out about collaborating with Caravan Sonnet, I was absolutely delighted to learn more about their luggage collections. After exploring their website and discovering their beautiful designs, I knew that this was a company I would love to introduce to all of you.
Today, I am so excited to share my newest travel companion: the LEVEL8 Adventure Checked 28" suitcase in the absolutely beautiful celadon color!
And friends, can we just talk about how lovely this color is?!
First Impressions: A Beautiful Suitcase That Makes a Statement
One of the first things that caught my attention when exploring LEVEL8's collections was the beautiful luxury of their designs. I have always appreciated classic, understated elegance, and I love discovering pieces that feel timeless rather than overly trendy.
When it came time to select a suitcase, I was immediately drawn to the Adventure collection. And choosing the celadon color? That was such an easy decision!
If you have been following Caravan Sonnet for a while, you know how much I love soft, peaceful colors inspired by nature. Living near the beautiful shores of Lake Champlain and spending so much time in the Adirondack Mountains, I am naturally drawn to shades that remind me of the beauty found outdoors yet can translate to European City travel.
Celadon is such a lovely, muted blue-green, and I love that it feels sophisticated while still being a little different from traditional luggage colors. It quietly sets this beautiful luggage apart.
There is something so beautiful about a suitcase that feels both practical and elegant, and this one immediately caught my attention. I also appreciate the clean lines and minimalist appearance of the Adventure collection. Rather than incorporating unnecessary decorative details, the design allows the shape and color of the suitcase to speak for themselves. It is exactly the kind of understated elegance that I love!
Why I Chose the LEVEL8 Adventure Checked 28" Suitcase
As much as I love beautiful luggage, I also know that functionality is incredibly important. Over the years, I have learned that a suitcase needs to do more than look lovely sitting beside a hotel bed or waiting at an airport. It needs to be thoughtfully designed for the realities of travel.
When exploring the LEVEL8 website, I was especially interested in the Adventure collection because of its distinctive opening system and spacious design. I selected the 28" checked size because I wanted a suitcase that would be practical for longer journeys, especially some upcoming trips where I might need additional clothing, shoes, and travel essentials.
One of the things I appreciate about traveling is having the flexibility to pack for different experiences. A trip might include exploring a historic city, enjoying a beautiful dinner, spending time outdoors, or visiting several destinations with different weather conditions. Having enough room to thoughtfully organize those different pieces is something I value. And while I am continuing to learn the art of packing more intentionally, I also appreciate not feeling as though every single item needs to be squeezed into a tiny space!
The Adventure Checked suitcase seemed like a wonderful combination of generous packing capacity, elegant design, and thoughtful organization.
The Unique Front Side-Lid Opening
One of the most interesting features of the LEVEL8 Adventure collection is its front side-lid opening. If you have traveled with traditional hard-shell luggage, you know that many suitcases open into two large halves. While that design certainly works, it can also require quite a bit of floor space, especially when staying in smaller hotel rooms you may find outside the United States, on a River Cruise, or in your unique travel adventures.
The Adventure collection takes a different approach. Instead of opening into two equally sized sections, the suitcase features a front-opening design that provides access to a large main packing compartment. I think this is such an interesting concept! As someone who loves organization and appreciates thoughtful details, I can see why this feature would appeal to travelers who want to make packing and unpacking a little simpler. I especially love the idea of having a suitcase that doesn't require spreading everything across an entire hotel room just to find a particular item. When traveling, I want to spend my time enjoying the destination rather than constantly reorganizing my belongings. And this is one of the features I am particularly looking forward to experiencing during my upcoming travels.
A Spacious Interior for Longer Adventures
Another reason I selected the 28" Adventure Checked suitcase was its generous interior capacity. According to LEVEL8, this suitcase has a capacity of approximately 96 liters, which can expand to 105 liters when additional packing space is needed. For longer journeys, I think having that flexibility is incredibly helpful. I love packing clothing that can be worn in different combinations, but I also appreciate having room for a few special pieces. Perhaps a beautiful dress for dinner, a favorite sweater for a chilly evening, or an extra pair of comfortable shoes for exploring a new city. And, of course, there are always those little travel essentials that somehow seem to multiply when preparing for a trip!
The suitcase also includes an interior compression packing system designed to help keep clothing and other belongings organized. I have become increasingly interested in finding ways to simplify the packing process, and having organizational features built directly into a suitcase is something I appreciate. This design will help make preparing for longer adventures feel a little less complicated and a little more enjoyable. Because isn't that what thoughtful travel preparation should do?
Thoughtful Features That Make a Difference
One of the things that impressed me while learning about LEVEL8 was the attention given to practical details. The Adventure Checked suitcase is constructed with a German-made Makrolon® polycarbonate shell, which is designed to provide durability while maintaining the sleek appearance of hard-shell luggage. The suitcase also includes dual-spinner wheels, an adjustable telescopic handle, and a TSA-approved lock.
These may seem like relatively small details, but anyone who has spent time navigating a busy airport or moving between different travel destinations knows how important they can become. I am especially interested in the wide telescopic handle and the wheel design, as I appreciate luggage that is intended to move smoothly and comfortably.
Another detail that stood out to me was the interior lining, which LEVEL8 states is made from 100% recycled RPET polyester. I appreciate seeing thoughtful material choices incorporated into products that are designed to be used for years. LEVEL8 also offers a lifetime warranty for specified functional components of its luggage, subject to the company's warranty terms. For a product that is intended to accompany travelers on many adventures, I think it is important to consider not only the initial appearance but also the company's approach to long-term use.
Why LEVEL8 Fits My Philosophy of Intentional Travel
One of the reasons I was particularly excited about this collaboration was the philosophy behind the LEVEL8 brand. As I spent time exploring the company, I appreciated its emphasis on designing luggage that makes traveling feel less burdensome so that people can focus on the experiences and connections that matter.
That idea resonated so deeply with me.
If you have been part of the Caravan Sonnet community for any length of time, you know that I believe travel is about so much more than simply visiting a destination. It is about the people we meet, the memories we create, the beauty we discover, and the ways that different experiences shape our lives. Some of my most treasured travel memories have very little to do with elaborate itineraries or expensive experiences. Instead, they involve quiet moments along a river, meaningful conversations, beautiful historic places, and the unexpected little blessings that make a journey unforgettable. And I love the idea that thoughtfully designed travel essentials can help us spend less time worrying about the practical details and more time appreciating those moments. For me, that is what intentional travel is all about. It is not necessarily about having more things.
It is about choosing things that serve a purpose, bring beauty into everyday life, and accompany us well through different seasons and adventures. If you are looking for a beautiful checked suitcase for longer trips, I definitely think the LEVEL8 Adventure collection is worth exploring. 
I am also delighted to share that LEVEL8 has provided a special discount for the Caravan Sonnet community! If you have been considering purchasing new luggage for an upcoming adventure, holiday travel, or even a thoughtful gift for someone who loves exploring the world, this is a wonderful opportunity to discover their collections. You can use the code CARAVAN10 for 10% off your purchase at LEVEL8's official website. Please note that this discount is not valid on Amazon.
I am so grateful to LEVEL8 for this lovely collaboration and for the opportunity to share this beautiful suitcase with all of you. I hope that if you are planning an upcoming journey, this introduction to LEVEL8 gives you some helpful inspiration as you consider your own travel essentials. And wherever your next adventure takes you, I hope it is filled with beautiful memories, meaningful moments, and the opportunity to slow down and appreciate the world around you.
Here's to traveling beautifully, living intentionally, and making room for the adventures still to come!
With love from the shores of Lake Champlain, Rebecca
This post is sponsored by LEVEL8, who generously gifted me the Adventure Checked 28" suitcase and compensated me for sharing this feature. This post contains affiliate links. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help make Caravan Sonnet possible!
Image source: https://www.pexels.com/Picture a long table at the end of a vacation day. Grandpa tells the same fishing story he tells every summer. The teenagers pretend not to listen. A toddler falls asleep in someone's lap before dessert. Those are the moments families remember for decades.
Getting there takes more planning than a typical getaway, though. Three generations bring three sets of energy levels, bedtimes, budgets and ideas about fun. A trip that thrills a ten-year-old can wear out a seventy-year-old by lunch. A little forethought goes a long way, and these ideas can help everyone come home rested and closer.
Start With a Conversation, Not a Destination
Before anyone books a flight, gather the family (in person or on a video call) and talk about what each person hopes to get from the trip. Grandparents may want unhurried time with the grandkids. Parents may want a break from cooking and cleaning. Kids usually want a pool and something to climb. Ask about limits too: long flights, stairs, mobility needs and fixed vacation windows at work. Sorting this out early prevents tense surprises later.
Choose a Home Base With Room to Spread Out
Lodging can make or break a family trip. Three hotel rooms down a long hallway split the group up, and everyone ends up eating every meal at a restaurant. A shared space with a full kitchen, a living room and separate bedrooms keeps the family together while still giving each household a door to close.
Vacation homes are one route. Resort condos are another, and timeshare resorts fit this need well. Many offer two- and three-bedroom villas with kitchens and washers, plus pools, lazy rivers and kids' programs on the property. Grandparents can read on the balcony while the kids splash below, and nobody has to drive anywhere for a good afternoon.
Plenty of families already have access to this kind of stay. A grandparent who owns timeshare points can turn the reunion into a gift from the oldest generation to the youngest. In years when health, work or school calendars keep everyone home, those points don't have to expire unused. Some owners rent them through timesharerentalpros.com, which pays owners cash upfront, before the points are used.
Plan Around the Slowest Pace in the Group
Build each day around the person with the least stamina, not the most. One anchor activity per day works well for most families: a morning boat ride, a museum visit or an afternoon at the beach. Leave the rest of the day open. Toddlers need naps. Grandparents may want a quiet hour. Teens often want to sleep until ten.
Unstructured time isn't wasted time. Some of the best memories happen during a slow afternoon by the pool or a card game on the porch after dinner.
Let Smaller Groups Break Off
Togetherness doesn't mean every person does everything together. Split up for part of the day. Grandma takes the younger kids for ice cream while the parents go on a hike. The teenagers try the zip line with an uncle. Grandpa plays a round of golf with his oldest grandson.
These smaller outings give each relationship its own space. Kids often open up more with a grandparent one-on-one than they ever do around a crowded dinner table.
Share the Load and the Cost Openly
Money can get awkward fast. Decide early how the family will split lodging, groceries and activities. Some families divide everything evenly by household. Others let the grandparents cover the stay while each family pays for its own meals out and excursions. Grandparents who own a timeshare can add the yearly maintenance fees to that money conversation. In years the family stays home, learning how to rent your timeshare can win back part of that cost. No approach is wrong, but a clear plan keeps resentment from creeping in.
Chores deserve the same clarity. Assign each household one dinner night. Rotate dish duty. Even young kids can set the table or sweep sand off the balcony. When everyone pitches in, nobody spends the vacation working.
Pick Activities That Bridge the Generations
Look for things all ages can enjoy at their own level. Beaches, gentle nature trails, scenic train rides, aquariums and boat tours work for almost everyone. Cooking a regional meal together, with a stop at a local farmers market first, can become the highlight of the week.
Bring a few low-tech traditions from home too. A family puzzle on the coffee table, a nightly round of cards or a shared trip journal gives everyone a reason to gather after dinner. Ask each person to write or draw one favorite moment from the day. Years from now, that journal will mean more than any souvenir.
Capture the Moments Without Living Behind the Camera
Take the group photo early in the trip, before sunburns and tired legs set in. Then put the phones away for long stretches. Name one person each day as the family photographer so everyone else can stay present.
Ask the grandparents to share stories while the kids listen. Where did they travel when they were young? What was their first family vacation like? These conversations often become the most treasured part of the whole trip.
Making Room for Everyone
A multigenerational trip will never run like clockwork, and that's part of its charm. Someone will forget a swimsuit. A meal will run late. A grandchild will melt down at the worst possible moment.
What lasts are the long dinners, the inside jokes and the slow mornings over coffee. Plan for comfort, leave space for rest and give each generation a voice. The rest tends to fall into place, one shared table at a time.
*contributed post*
Happy Friday friends and happy first week of November!
This little Friday favorites post is going to be very simple friends... I shared a very emotional and tenderly vulnerable personal update at the beginning of last week (HERE) so today I just want to say thank you again for all of your love and support of Caravan Sonnet and myself over these years and especially this past year- there really has not been a year since my dad and grandmother died that has been so painful, tender, and yet miraculously beautiful as this one.
I also have continued to share more 1% projects around the cottage- including the refrigerator. I am not sure if anyone else can relate but this one definitely was something that needed to be done and yet there are seasons that you do what you can do. I shared more in a blog post HERE or you can watch the reel HERE!
This is such a beautiful and life-giving area to come to each day. So thank you. Thank you for coming, for reading, for your emails, for your support, and for all of your love and prayers in this space.
I hope that this first Friday of November will be a beautiful day for you friends! May your weekend and be filled with blessings beyond what you can even think or imagine.
I hope that this first Friday of November will be a beautiful day for you friends! May your weekend and 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-
making our third-generation adirondack cottage one percent more restful each day | day three: cleaning the kitchen refrigerator
November 5, 2026
There is something that I am learning more and more as we continue this journey of making our third-generation Adirondack cottage 1% more restful each day.
Sometimes the most meaningful changes are the ones that no one else will ever notice.
And sometimes, making a home more restful doesn't involve purchasing something beautiful, decorating a corner, or completing a project that looks especially lovely in pictures. Sometimes it simply involves deep cleaning out the refrigerator. *smiles*
Welcome to Day 3 of our journey of making our third-generation Adirondack cottage 1% more restful each day! You can watch the reel HERE!
If you have been following along with this little series here on Caravan Sonnet or over on Instagram, you know that my mom and I have been slowly and intentionally working on making our beloved family cottage a little bit more restful, one small project at a time. Our cottage has been part of our family for three generations, and there is something incredibly special about caring for a place that holds so much family history, love, and memories.
But as anyone who has lived in or cared for an older family home knows, there is also a lot of work involved. There are projects that are exciting and beautiful, projects that require more time and money than we have available, and then there are those simple, necessary projects that quietly make everyday life a little bit easier.
And today's project definitely fell into that last category!
Day 3: A Simple Kitchen Refrigerator Clean Out
For our third 1% project, I decided to tackle something that was incredibly ordinary but very necessary: cleaning out our kitchen refrigerator. Not exactly the most glamorous project in the world, right? *smiles* But one of the things I have been reminding myself throughout this entire journey is that creating a more restful home isn't just about what a space looks like. It is also about how a space functions. It is about those little areas of our homes that we interact with every single day and how even the smallest improvements can bring a sense of peace, order, and calm to our routines. And our kitchen refrigerator was one of those areas that needed a little attention. So instead of overlooking it in favor of something more exciting or visually beautiful, I decided that this would be our project for Day 3. A simple, necessary deep clean out. Nothing expensive. Nothing elaborate. Nothing that required an entire weekend or a complete kitchen makeover. Just taking the time to care for something we already have. And friends, there was something really lovely about that.
The Humbling Side of Making a Home More Restful
I have to laugh a little because sharing this project was also a humbling reminder of something I think we can easily forget when we look at beautiful homes and inspiring projects online.
Real life is not always picture-perfect. Sometimes there are areas of our homes that need attention. Sometimes there are projects we have been putting off. Sometimes life gets busy, difficult, overwhelming, or simply full, and the ordinary tasks of caring for our homes fall further down the priority list than we would like. And that is okay. One of the things that I have learned through this journey is that we don't have to wait until everything is perfect to begin making something better. We don't need an unlimited budget, endless energy, or an entire day set aside to make meaningful progress.
We can simply begin with what is right in front of us. For me, on Day 3, that meant the refrigerator.
And while it may seem like such a small thing, it was another step toward creating the peaceful, welcoming, and restful home that my mom and I are pouring ourselves into.
Important Lesson I Am Learning Through These 1% Projects
There is an important lesson that has been growing in my heart as I continue these little projects, and I wanted to share it in case it might encourage someone else today.
Small progress is still progress, even when it isn't beautiful or impressive.
I think sometimes we can become so focused on the big transformations that we forget the value of the small, faithful steps that happen along the way. We want to see the finished room, the completed renovation, the perfectly organized home, or the beautiful before-and-after pictures.
And there is certainly nothing wrong with dreaming about those things! I have so many dreams for our little cottage, and I am excited to continue working toward them. But I am also learning that there is something deeply meaningful about the process itself. About choosing to be faithful with what we have today. About caring for the spaces we have been given. About recognizing that a peaceful home is not created only through grand transformations, but through the quiet accumulation of small acts of care.
A drawer cleaned out. A shelf organized. A corner made a little more welcoming. A refrigerator given some much-needed attention.
None of these things may seem especially significant on their own. But together, over time, they begin to change the way a home feels. And perhaps even more importantly, they begin to change the way we approach the ordinary moments of our lives.
Instead of looking around and feeling overwhelmed by everything that still needs to be done, we can begin to see the possibility of what can be accomplished, one little step at a time.
Learning to Love the Home We Have Right Now
One of my greatest hopes for this series is that it encourages us to appreciate and care for the homes we have right now, even while we are dreaming about what they might become. I love beautiful spaces. I love thoughtful details, cozy corners, and the feeling of walking into a home that invites you to slow down and rest. But I am also learning that a restful home is not necessarily a perfect home. It doesn't have to be newly renovated. It doesn't have to be filled with expensive furniture or the latest decorating trends. And it certainly doesn't have to look like the beautiful homes we see in magazines or on social media. Sometimes a restful home is simply a home where we have taken the time to care for the little things. A home where we are slowly creating more order, more beauty, and more room to breathe.
A home where the ordinary is treated with dignity and gratitude.
For our family, this little Adirondack cottage is so much more than a renovation project. It is a place filled with generations of stories, memories, and love. And as my mom and I continue this journey together, I want to be intentional about honoring that history while also making the cottage a place of rest for the season of life we are living in now. That doesn't happen overnight. And I am learning that it doesn't need to.
One Percent More Restful
So Day 3 wasn't a dramatic transformation. It wasn't an expensive project or a beautifully styled room. It was simply cleaning out our kitchen refrigerator. And I am counting that as a wonderful little victory. Because our goal has never been to create a perfect cottage in thirty days or to complete every project as quickly as possible. Our goal is to make our home just 1% more restful each day. And some days that will mean working on something beautiful and exciting. Other days, it will mean taking care of something necessary that has been waiting for our attention.
Both matter. Both are worth celebrating. And both are part of the journey.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the projects in your own home, or perhaps by a season of life that feels like it requires more energy, time, or resources than you have available, I hope this little refrigerator clean out is an encouragement.
You don't have to do everything today. You don't have to have the perfect plan. You don't have to make enormous changes for your efforts to matter.
Just choose one small thing and begin there.
One percent at a time. And then tomorrow, if you can, begin again. I think we may be surprised by how much beauty, peace, and rest can grow from those little beginnings.
Thank you so much for following along with these projects, for your sweet comments, and for all of the encouragement you have shared as we continue working on our third-generation cottage.
It truly means so much to have you here for this journey, especially for the ordinary and humbling projects like this one! I hope that wherever you are today, you find a little encouragement to make your own home, your own corner of the world, or simply your own day just 1% more restful.
You can watch our little kitchen refrigerator clean out and follow along with this 1% project over on Instagram!
Happy Thursday friends! I hope that you have a wonderful day!
Planning a fall getaway is exciting, but deciding what to pack can be surprisingly challenging. Whether you are exploring the streets of Paris, enjoying a countryside retreat, or planning a weekend city break, you want outfits that are comfortable enough for travelling and stylish enough for different occasions. Autumn weather can also be unpredictable, with chilly mornings, mild afternoons, and cooler evenings requiring a little extra planning.
The secret to packing well is choosing clothing that works for multiple activities without taking up too much suitcase space. Instead of packing a separate outfit for every day, focus on versatile pieces, comfortable footwear, and layers that can be mixed and matched. Here are some practical ways to create a travel wardrobe that keeps you comfortable and looking put together throughout your fall getaway.
1. Consider Your Destination and Travel Plans
Before deciding what to pack, think about where you are going and what you plan to do. A city break involving museums, shopping, and restaurant visits will require different clothing from a countryside holiday filled with walks and outdoor activities.
Check the weather forecast before departure and consider the activities on your itinerary. If you expect to spend long hours sightseeing, comfortable trousers, breathable tops, and a lightweight jacket are useful choices. For dinners or evening outings, you can include a dress, tailored trousers, or a smart blazer.
Your travel arrangements also matter. If you have a long flight or train journey, choose comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily. A soft sweater, relaxed trousers, and comfortable shoes can make travelling more enjoyable without looking overly casual.
2. Build a Versatile Travel Color Palette
Choosing a coordinated color palette makes packing much easier. When most of your clothes complement one another, you can create several outfits using fewer individual pieces.
Neutral shades such as black, cream, grey, navy, and camel are practical foundations for a fall travel wardrobe. You can introduce seasonal colors like burgundy, olive green, rust, and chocolate brown to give your outfits more personality.
For example, a pair of black trousers might work with a cream sweater during the day and a tailored blouse for dinner. Similarly, a camel jacket can complement jeans, dresses, and different knitwear options.
Try selecting two or three main colors and a few complementary shades. This simple approach helps you avoid packing items that only work with one particular outfit.
3. Pack Lightweight Layers for Changing Weather
Fall weather can change throughout the day, especially when travelling between different regions. Packing layers allows you to adjust your clothing without carrying several bulky outfits.
Consider including:
* Basic tops: T-shirts, shirts, and lightweight long-sleeved tops for everyday wear.
* Knitwear: Sweaters and cardigans for cooler mornings and evenings.
* Outerwear: A versatile blazer, leather jacket, or lightweight coat.
* Scarves: Practical accessories that add warmth and give simple outfits a different look.
Choose pieces that can be comfortably worn together. A thin sweater that fits beneath your jacket, for instance, can be useful for sightseeing and evening walks. Layering also makes it easier to adjust your outfit when moving between outdoor attractions and indoor restaurants or museums.
4. Choose Outfits That Work for Different Travel Activities
When travelling, you may move between several activities in a single day. You could spend the morning exploring local attractions, enjoy lunch at a café, and visit a restaurant in the evening. Packing clothing that works across these settings saves space and makes getting dressed easier.
A few versatile options include well-fitted jeans, tailored trousers, a comfortable dress, and a smart jacket. These pieces can be styled differently depending on your plans.
When exploring French brands women's clothing, consider how jackets, sweaters, dresses, and trousers can complement one another. Zadig &Voltaire offers a range of contemporary clothing that can inspire versatile outfit combinations for different travel occasions. The idea is to pack pieces that offer multiple styling possibilities rather than choosing an entirely separate outfit for every activity.
5. Select Travel-Friendly Fabrics
The materials you pack can affect how comfortable and practical your travel wardrobe feels. Some fabrics are better suited to long journeys, while others are useful for cooler destinations or evening outings.
Cotton tops are comfortable for everyday layering, while wool and cashmere knitwear can provide warmth without requiring too many additional layers. Denim and structured trousers are useful for creating casual or polished outfits, while silk or satin pieces can be reserved for special occasions. Also consider how easily your clothes crease and how much care they require. If you are visiting multiple destinations or changing hotels frequently, choose fabrics that are relatively easy to fold, store, and wear again.
Choosing versatile clothing can also help you make better use of your wardrobe budget. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, American households spent an average of $655 on women's apparel and $208 on women's footwear in 2023. This highlights the role clothing and footwear play in household spending. For travellers, choosing well-made pieces that work across different occasions can be a practical way to get more value from each purchase.
6. Prioritise Comfortable Shoes and Useful Accessories
Exploring a new destination often involves more walking than expected. From airport terminals and train stations to shopping streets and sightseeing attractions, comfortable footwear can make a significant difference to your travel experience.
Depending on your itinerary, consider packing:
* Comfortable sneakers: For sightseeing and longer walks.
* Ankle boots: For cooler weather and evening outings.
* Loafers: For relaxed city exploring and casual dinners.
* A crossbody bag: For carrying everyday essentials while keeping your hands free.
Accessories can help you create different looks without taking up much luggage space. A scarf, belt, sunglasses, or a few simple jewellery pieces can make familiar outfits feel different. If you are travelling by air, keep frequently used essentials in an easily accessible bag so you do not have to unpack your suitcase to find them.
7. Make Room for Shopping and Unexpected Plans
One of the enjoyable parts of travelling is discovering things you did not plan for. You might come across a local boutique, visit a weekend market, or find a unique clothing piece that reminds you of your destination.
Leaving some space in your suitcase gives you room to bring home souvenirs or new purchases. It also allows flexibility if your plans change and you need an additional outfit or warmer layer.
Before leaving, review everything you have packed and remove items that do not work with the rest of your wardrobe. If a piece can only be worn once or does not suit your itinerary, it may not be worth carrying.
Conclusion
Packing for a fall getaway does not mean choosing between comfort and style. By considering your destination, planning a coordinated color palette, and selecting versatile layers, you can create outfits for different travel activities without overpacking. Comfortable footwear, practical accessories, and easy-to-maintain fabrics will also make your journey more enjoyable. Focus on pieces that work well together and suit the experiences you have planned. With a little preparation, you can travel lighter, dress confidently, and enjoy your autumn getaway without worrying about what to wear each day.
*contributed post*
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