Happy Monday friends! Today I am so excited to share with you some cute new additions to the shop! These adorable 3 letter word buntings are now available in the shop in the baby and kids bunting section (which can be found HERE). Each of these fun and colorful vintage buntings measures approximately 8 inches long. I have shared a few of the options below (with links) but there are lots more in the shop!
Bug Bunting
Bee Bunting
Jet Bunting
Boy Bunting
Cub Bunting
Happy Monday friends! I hope that you have a wonderful beginning of your week!
Today in Vermont there was a march and rally held to support the nurses at the University of Vermont. I chose to walk in support of the amazing care that I have been given and for the way that I have been taken care over the years of being a patient. But more than that to say in a small way that the time and work that these nurses do is invaluable and is making a difference. Below is an article that I wrote earlier this year... I share to it to encourage you to thank the nurses in your life for all that they do. These listed below (and the hundreds of others across this journey) have truly changed my life.
How do you say thank you to
those whom meet you in the worst season of your life? The seasons when you are
at your weakest and sickest? The seasons of life where you are to feeble to
stand, and sometimes even whispering costs you all of the energy you have for
the day? The season that someone shows up to champion the way through a maze
that seems to have no end with their words and their consistent actions?
When I first entered the
clinic in 2016, it was only a few days before my 36th birthday. I
wanted to be anywhere but there. I was coming from the ER where a serious blood
clot had been discovered. Unfamiliar with blood clots and extremely sick, I
walked in shaking like a leaf. I wasn’t a rookie with health issues, but for me
this was truly one of the scariest times of my journey. I was unfamiliar with
the world I entered and grieving another step in my health walk. A blood clot
in my opinion (at the time) was one of the worst things that could have
happened.
As I walked into the clinic
on the 2nd floor of the hospital I stood in line, waiting to check
in, and nervously looking around at those in the waiting room. As my eyes
scanned the room I was met with compassionate glances, knowing looks from those
who had walked not only a similar journey of mine, and other ones that had
stories I could only imagine. I was soon to discover that the hematology and oncology
clinic would be a constant source of surprise in ways I couldn’t begin to
envision.
My registration with the
ladies at the check-in reception area was one of the easiest and kindest
check-in experiences of my life. Noticing that I was not feeling well I was
asked if they could get anything for me and when I whispered no, I was given a
gentle squeeze on my arm and promptly handed some tissues and a cup of water.
My hand shook as I tried to sip the water and I tried to calm myself. The first
thing that was said to me that day was not asking if I was a new patient, but a
kind word of sympathy that I had had to come to the clinic at all.
Now I joke with Laurie,
Maureen, and Susan, sharing that they are the first line of defense of love. I
don’t know how they do it, but I stand amazed every single week as they know
each patients stories. They always have a question for me about my life and
seem to remember the tiniest detail. If it is a rough day they seem to almost
be able to sense that and take a few extra moments of their precious time
offering a word of encouragement. I have been to literally hundreds of doctors’
offices, and yet none have ever set the stage of time in a clinic as well as
those ladies do. This isn’t just about checking in one more patient for them,
this is about compassionately and carefully assessing how they can meet the
patients needs in any practical way from the start.
After check in I moved to
the waiting room where my right leg nervously bounced up and down as I waited
for my name to be called. When it was, I was greeted with a kind smile, and
after a quick routine question verifying my name and birthday, I was kindly led
down the hallway to the doctors’ room. On the way there the Medical Assistant,
Mila, sweetly talked about the day, explained about the clinic briefly, and in
the room encouraged me that things would be okay. As a scared young woman, I
grabbed onto her words like they were a lifeline.
From that day I have
realized that this is the motto that the Medical Assistants (MAs) and Nurses
live by- they will do everything in their power here on earth to make things
okay. As a young kiddo recently said to me,
“are you sick too? If you are, it’s okay, this is the place you come to get
better”. From the words of a young one- things are summed up perfectly.
This is the place that you come to get better.
Life has happened within
these cream-colored hallways. The hallways are no longer frightening but have
become as many of us patients call it, a sanctuary. The good and bad test
results that have come back, the scary news of an unexpected surgery last year,
the hope that is offered, and the gentle reminder to live. Throughout my time here
I have seen again and again the ways that I am not just one more patient or one
more number in a machine. While this may happen at other hospitals the opposite
has happened here. My story has become known, my life pre-diagnosis has been
heard (one countless story of teaching after another to the point that some of
the nurses have now even asked about former students by name), and my beginning
and fragile steps of starting to transition out of the clinic has been
celebrated.
In a profession that has an
extremely high turnover rate the clinic has seemed to accomplish the absolute
impossible with a close-knit staff that calls themselves (and their patients) a
family. As I walk these halls twice a week (sometimes more) I have never
witnessed a rude or short word being spoken. I have witnessed a mixture of
emotions from patients, but each of the staff has remained calm. Even in what I
would consider to be trying times there is compassion offered and grace
extended. It doesn’t matter what is going on in their personal lives (of which
many times I forget that they must also have) as they have a single minded
focus to compassionately meet us in what could be the darkest part of our
story. They make the choice to show up to work and know how to have the unique
ability to rejoice with one patient who is going into remission and weep with
those who are receiving other news. The highs and lows may be extreme but the
attitude and the consistency of the MAs and Nurses never wavers. In a practical
and completely unpretentious way the MAs and the Nurses help to rewrite that
into one of hope.
And so it is in these
hallways I have discovered a beautiful secret to what makes this place a unique
light in our stories. It is in the kindness and caring of individuals who view
their normal work week job as so much more. Like the patients, many have come
to the clinic through a variety of circumstances but unlike the way I cringed
coming in- they have fearlessly chosen to be there. They have worked tirelessly
to come up with ideas and concepts of how to have the best flow so that
patients receive the best care. They will stay to the last patient is finished,
long past a required work hour. They are organized, on top of everything, and
exude such a professional confidence that as a patient you can relax because
you know that you are well taken care of.
Where some would assume that
only the worst stories happen here, I have learned that life is lived within
these hallways. It has happened in the encouraging conversations that have
taken place as “Courtney” (my nickname for my port) is accessed with Toni,
Anne, Louise, Stephanie, and Patti, in the laughter with Stephanie, and the unbelievable
and unrivaled sweetness of Olivia, Kelly and Julia. It has happened in the
hallways where talks of life have taken place with Sue and Jacob, the jokes
with Ryan, Kevin and JT, the hugs and waves and support that come from Sherry
and Mila, the confident professionalism from Lorrie, in the gentleness of
vitals being taken and weight being assessed, to the infusion nurses professional
encouragement to patients in the infusion bay, and to all of the heroes (even
those not named) that we as patients interact with day by day.
The clinic here at UVM has
accomplished in my mind the impossible. It combines an ability to have amazing
medical care along with an intimately created bond between patients and staff
that is a key element in the healing process.
And so I return to my
beginning question that I have often considered, “I wish I had a million dollars or more so I could think of a tangible
and appropriate way to say thank you to those who have done so much for me. How
do you thank the people who have changed your life?” I still don’t know
that answer. Any feeble attempt wouldn’t be able to adequately describe my
gratitude. What I do know is that I am a different person than I was before
here. A better person, one who has been inspired by my heroes.
These MAs and Nurses and the
ladies in check-in and check-out areas have spent their lives in service to
others. Many worked in numerous medical fields before coming to the clinic.
Some have walked their own battles with Cancer in their families and others
have their own wells of personal stories. In the service to us as patients they
have selflessly put their own feelings and opinions aside, in the understanding
that who is before them is most important. In this clinic their patients
victories are their victories and the defeats and tears are their own.
Look beside them and you
will find their co-workers. Look behind them and you will see thousands of
patients whose lives they have touched and changed.
While some may never know
the names of those I have mentioned and those unnamed ones in the clinic, I
believe that is for a simple reason. A great MA or Nurse or clinic staff member
may have little external history to record. This is for the simple reason that
their lives have spilled over into others. They are the pillars of the hospital
and are more essential than any drug or treatment that could be given. Their
sacrifices will help us live beyond what we thought we could. For it is in this
hematology and oncology clinic that they have created a world beyond sickness.
A world where we keep trying
past what we believe is humanly possible. A world that encourages us to hold
onto what is true and important in life. A world where we are inspired to grab
onto courage no matter what the day or future may hold. A world where the
fighting happens deep within and most of all a world where we believe the
impossible can happen.
And most of all my heroes have helped me create a world
where daylight will always follow the dark.
1. Pre-Order their Book or Purchase their Book on the Day it Comes Out... or whenever! *smiles*
This might be silly to even suggest but the reality is that many author's closest contacts won't think to purchase the book. This might be because they have heard almost every word and version of the book before it has even gone to print (*smiles*) but the reality is that for whatever reason many close family members and friends won't actually purchase a copy. Take the time to complete this simple step and this will be a huge support to your friend!
This might be silly to even suggest but the reality is that many author's closest contacts won't think to purchase the book. This might be because they have heard almost every word and version of the book before it has even gone to print (*smiles*) but the reality is that for whatever reason many close family members and friends won't actually purchase a copy. Take the time to complete this simple step and this will be a huge support to your friend!
Many times authors have chosen to use amazon ads for authors (which is highly effective) and by pre-ordering you help others take note of the book.
Consider pre-ordering the book or at least mark your calendar to purchase the book the day it comes out. Both of these types of things help to generate traffic to the book and help the ranking of a book which in turn helps generate more traffic. Of course - it NEVER hurts to purchase a book at anytime! *smiles* Want to go an extra mile? Purchase a copy for someone outside your family and send it to them!
2. Write a Review
Just purchasing the book and reading it is a wonderful gift to your friend but what would help them even more is if you would take the time to write a review of the book (Amazon, BN.com, and Goodreads)! It can be all the same review- and it doesn't have to be long at all! Most new (and seasoned) authors (even those who are using a traditional publishing house) do not have a huge marketing campaign budget for their books. Due to this they are doing all of the marketing themselves with a little help from their publishing company.
Your words and testimony about their book will speak volumes to many people who aren't familiar with your friends' work! One of the largest pieces of help for me in selling my book, "Praying through Lyme Disease" has been the generous and gracious reviews that I have gotten. I have received several emails from people saying that the whole reason they purchased the book was because of the reviews! So take the time to write a review! I can guarantee that your friend has a goal of at least 20 reviews per book so pass the word to your friends and ask them to write reviews for your friend also! It will only take you a few minutes but will be of lasting help to your friend! A review also helps with ranking so write reviews!!
3. Reserve a copy at the library.
I learned this tip just a little bit ago but it is a great one! If all copies are reserved from a library before the book is released, the system notes the popularity of the title and marks the book as "order more".
4. Request the Book in Local Bookstores
Taking the time to say to a local (or national bookstore branch): "I am looking for __________ and can't find it. Do you have a copy of ______________?" is priceless. If enough people request a title, bookstores note this and there is a good chance they may order a few to have on the shelves! (At home? You can even call your local bookstores to request this and help your friend!)
Is the book already carried by your local bookstore? Still take the time to speak with a bookstore customer service clerk about the book. The hope and goal here is that if several people do this the employee starts to take notice of the title and is more apt to pick it up, read it, recommend it, or even place it creatively in the bookstore.
Consider pre-ordering the book or at least mark your calendar to purchase the book the day it comes out. Both of these types of things help to generate traffic to the book and help the ranking of a book which in turn helps generate more traffic. Of course - it NEVER hurts to purchase a book at anytime! *smiles* Want to go an extra mile? Purchase a copy for someone outside your family and send it to them!
2. Write a Review
Just purchasing the book and reading it is a wonderful gift to your friend but what would help them even more is if you would take the time to write a review of the book (Amazon, BN.com, and Goodreads)! It can be all the same review- and it doesn't have to be long at all! Most new (and seasoned) authors (even those who are using a traditional publishing house) do not have a huge marketing campaign budget for their books. Due to this they are doing all of the marketing themselves with a little help from their publishing company.
Your words and testimony about their book will speak volumes to many people who aren't familiar with your friends' work! One of the largest pieces of help for me in selling my book, "Praying through Lyme Disease" has been the generous and gracious reviews that I have gotten. I have received several emails from people saying that the whole reason they purchased the book was because of the reviews! So take the time to write a review! I can guarantee that your friend has a goal of at least 20 reviews per book so pass the word to your friends and ask them to write reviews for your friend also! It will only take you a few minutes but will be of lasting help to your friend! A review also helps with ranking so write reviews!!
3. Reserve a copy at the library.
I learned this tip just a little bit ago but it is a great one! If all copies are reserved from a library before the book is released, the system notes the popularity of the title and marks the book as "order more".
4. Request the Book in Local Bookstores
Taking the time to say to a local (or national bookstore branch): "I am looking for __________ and can't find it. Do you have a copy of ______________?" is priceless. If enough people request a title, bookstores note this and there is a good chance they may order a few to have on the shelves! (At home? You can even call your local bookstores to request this and help your friend!)
Is the book already carried by your local bookstore? Still take the time to speak with a bookstore customer service clerk about the book. The hope and goal here is that if several people do this the employee starts to take notice of the title and is more apt to pick it up, read it, recommend it, or even place it creatively in the bookstore.
5. Think Outside the Box and Share Connections
Chances are, you know someone who could use the book that your friend has published even if it doesn't directly relate to you. Purchase the book and send your friend a copy! Think outside the box and think of the people in your life that you know that you could connect your author friend or their book with.
One dear friend just purchased a couple of Praying through Lyme Disease books and told me that she donated it to her community center and her church in honor of Lyme Disease awareness month. I literally had tears. It was the best gift and I felt so honored in this month that is dedicated to my disease.
Chances are, you know someone who could use the book that your friend has published even if it doesn't directly relate to you. Purchase the book and send your friend a copy! Think outside the box and think of the people in your life that you know that you could connect your author friend or their book with.
One dear friend just purchased a couple of Praying through Lyme Disease books and told me that she donated it to her community center and her church in honor of Lyme Disease awareness month. I literally had tears. It was the best gift and I felt so honored in this month that is dedicated to my disease.
6. Share Their Business Card
Most authors, including myself, have a business card that we hope will help us spread the word about our books. If you don't feel comfortable passing on the book to a variety of places perhaps you would feel comfortable with passing out your friends business card? Contact them and ask them for a bunch of business cards that you can have on hand to help spread the word about their projects! Live in a different city, state, or country then your friend? EVEN BETTER!! You will be helping them with marketing even more!!
Most authors, including myself, have a business card that we hope will help us spread the word about our books. If you don't feel comfortable passing on the book to a variety of places perhaps you would feel comfortable with passing out your friends business card? Contact them and ask them for a bunch of business cards that you can have on hand to help spread the word about their projects! Live in a different city, state, or country then your friend? EVEN BETTER!! You will be helping them with marketing even more!!
7. Talk About Their Book on Social Media
Share, share, and share some more about your friends projects on various social media forums. It will be such a blessing to them!! Ask your friend if they have a hashtag for their specific books and use that in your social media comments. Volunteer to "social media love" your friends work! They will be so grateful!
Want to go the extra mile? Take a picture with your friends book! People love seeing friends they know with their own copy of the book.
Share, share, and share some more about your friends projects on various social media forums. It will be such a blessing to them!! Ask your friend if they have a hashtag for their specific books and use that in your social media comments. Volunteer to "social media love" your friends work! They will be so grateful!
Want to go the extra mile? Take a picture with your friends book! People love seeing friends they know with their own copy of the book.
8. Word of Mouth Recommendation and Book Club Recommendation
Talk about your friends book to people you know. Many people purchase books solely based on a friends recommendation and many book clubs decide on books based on what people are talking about. Never doubt the power of your words to help spread the word about a new book. (Using December Caravan or one of my other books in your book club this year? I would be happy to send you some extra goodies for your group. Email me and I will be happy to chat with you in further detail!)
Talk about your friends book to people you know. Many people purchase books solely based on a friends recommendation and many book clubs decide on books based on what people are talking about. Never doubt the power of your words to help spread the word about a new book. (Using December Caravan or one of my other books in your book club this year? I would be happy to send you some extra goodies for your group. Email me and I will be happy to chat with you in further detail!)
9. Invite Your Friend To Share About Their Book (or their story)
Work at a school? Maybe the book doesn't fit into the topic that you teach or the school age kiddos but your friend could share about the writing process or about publishing a book or maybe their personal story or a variety of other things. Work at a Christian School? Is your school looking for a chapel speaker? Consider your friend! Work at an office? Maybe your office is looking for a once a month lunch speaker. Suggest your friend! Work at a Church? Invite your friend to your Bible study to have them share their story or to your church for a ladies luncheon. Work at a bookstore? Have them in for a book signing! Stay at home mom who attends a mom meeting? Ask your friend to come in and share about their book.
Again, the topic might not exactly fit but your friend would love the opportunity to get their name out there and to share a little bit about their book, writing, or their heart.Most authors, including myself, are trying to start a speaking ministry and are trying to book different types of speaking engagements. I know most authors, myself included, would be so grateful for any thoughts or invitations. (And DO NOT let distance deter you. You may be on the other side of the world but I know so many authors, including myself that would love to travel to come and speak. Authors and speakers will travel anywhere to talk.)
Work at a school? Maybe the book doesn't fit into the topic that you teach or the school age kiddos but your friend could share about the writing process or about publishing a book or maybe their personal story or a variety of other things. Work at a Christian School? Is your school looking for a chapel speaker? Consider your friend! Work at an office? Maybe your office is looking for a once a month lunch speaker. Suggest your friend! Work at a Church? Invite your friend to your Bible study to have them share their story or to your church for a ladies luncheon. Work at a bookstore? Have them in for a book signing! Stay at home mom who attends a mom meeting? Ask your friend to come in and share about their book.
Again, the topic might not exactly fit but your friend would love the opportunity to get their name out there and to share a little bit about their book, writing, or their heart.Most authors, including myself, are trying to start a speaking ministry and are trying to book different types of speaking engagements. I know most authors, myself included, would be so grateful for any thoughts or invitations. (And DO NOT let distance deter you. You may be on the other side of the world but I know so many authors, including myself that would love to travel to come and speak. Authors and speakers will travel anywhere to talk.)
10. Share Your Connections for Where They Are Traveling.
Perhaps your friend is traveling for business, pleasure, or personal reasons. Do you have connections in the area that they are traveling? Share their information and the resources with them! I know that I am always looking to connect with people in upstate NY/Vermont and the south (both places where I spend 1/2 of the year) and in San Francisco (where my medical team is at). I have always been so overwhelmed by the generous connections people share whenever I am traveling.
Perhaps your friend is traveling for business, pleasure, or personal reasons. Do you have connections in the area that they are traveling? Share their information and the resources with them! I know that I am always looking to connect with people in upstate NY/Vermont and the south (both places where I spend 1/2 of the year) and in San Francisco (where my medical team is at). I have always been so overwhelmed by the generous connections people share whenever I am traveling.
11. Host a Book Party.
Similar to the various parties that exist (i.e. makeup, jewelry, etc.) consider hosting a "book signing party" and have your friend as the key star. This will encourage people to purchase your friends book, interact with them, and get to know more people! (Don't let distance deter you- you can always host a book party online!)
Similar to the various parties that exist (i.e. makeup, jewelry, etc.) consider hosting a "book signing party" and have your friend as the key star. This will encourage people to purchase your friends book, interact with them, and get to know more people! (Don't let distance deter you- you can always host a book party online!)
12. Give the Gift of Donating Books to Those Who May Not Have a Chance to Afford it Otherwise.
Want to bless someone with your friends book who may not ever have another chance to read it? Maybe you could gift a copy of a book to your church library? Maybe you could gift a copy of a book to your doctor's office (if the book relates to medical information like my Lyme books) or to the local hospital library. Purchase an inspirational book for the homeless shelter. Purchase an encouraging book for your domestic violence center. Think outside the box and it will not only benefit your author friend but have ripple effects in your community.
Want to bless someone with your friends book who may not ever have another chance to read it? Maybe you could gift a copy of a book to your church library? Maybe you could gift a copy of a book to your doctor's office (if the book relates to medical information like my Lyme books) or to the local hospital library. Purchase an inspirational book for the homeless shelter. Purchase an encouraging book for your domestic violence center. Think outside the box and it will not only benefit your author friend but have ripple effects in your community.
Along with this topic I want to say how grateful I am for y'alls help in the things I mentioned above. As I am dealing with health issues it is not always the easiest for me to make these connections and I so appreciate any and all help. If you ever want to chat about any of the above things I have mentioned please feel free to email me!
Thank you so much for your help with this journey! I appreciate your help and know that all indie authors do!!
Thank you so much for your help with this journey! I appreciate your help and know that all indie authors do!!
If you are looking for other posts that I have done on writing and publishing tips you can find them HERE or in the links below:
I am having a HUGE sale at the shop! TODAY ONLY everything is 20% off!! No coupons needed- discount is already given! So head on over and check it out! You can click HERE to easily go to the shop!
Happy Wednesday sweet friends! Thank you again for all of your support of my shop! I hope that you are having a WONDERFUL week!
No matter what time of the year that you go to the Caribbean it is beautiful. Warm tropical weather in the day and cooler breezes in the evening make the perfect combination for a relaxing getaway! (If you are interested in reading more about my caribbean adventures you can find them listed on my travel page HERE or by clicking HERE for all of the blog posts related to the Caribbean! Also if you are looking for additional cruising tips scroll down to the end of the post where more posts are listed!) So here are the top 13 things that you can't leave home without y'all:
1. Different Bathing Suits and Cute Cover-ups
If you plan to spend time simply laying out in the sun than you probably don't care what type of bathing suit you are choosing, but if you plan to participate in a shore excursion that involves a sporty activity you will want to consider carefully your bathing suit. Since you will spend so much time in swimwear on the cruise, throw in a couple of different options. You’ll want some cute bikinis for trips to exotic beaches and excursions, perhaps some all-in-one suits, and also cover ups in different colors and patterns.
I love this Women's Billabong 'Hippie Hooray' Crochet One-Piece Swimsuit and the
Women's Freya One-Shoulder Underwire One-Piece Swimsuit 
both are which from Nordstrom. I also love several by ASOS! And I was searching on Amazon and found THIS one shoulder black swimsuit that was adorably cute from Laundry too!
And don't forget to throw a cute cover-up in! It is the perfect excuse to wear some bright and fun colors on the beach! There are several from ASOS that I am loving right now!
2. Cute and Comfy Sandals and Shoes
Y'all know that I love sandals and would wear them every day of the year if I had the opportunity so the Caribbean weather is the perfect time for packing cute sandals. Don't forget to pack Sandals and shoes that are also comfy though. You will be surprised at how much walking you do on the ship and at the ports for different excursions. As a gal who loves shoes it is the perfect opportunity to pack a couple of different pairs. *smiles* (Looking for some cute sandals? Check out my post, A Few of My Favorite Sandals by ASOS by clicking HERE!)
3. Caribbean Inspired Clothes
One of the most fun parts of a Caribbean Cruise is having the opportunity to dress up in cute sundresses, flowing maxi skirts, and sweet tops. Think through what you will be doing on your cruise and plan out some fun outfits for your trip that match your destination.
4. Widebrim Oversized Sunhat
There are so many adorable different hats that can be worn during the summer months and also on a Caribbean Cruise. My favorite hats come from Joules (as seen on me in the picture above) and Nordstrom as they have lots of different options. A tip that a friend gave me was to purchase an elastic fastener that works like a two-sided clothespin. Attach one end to your hat and the other to your shirt- this is a perfect way to keep your hat on your head instead of over the boat! *smiles*
5. Sunglasses
Don't forget to bring a pair (or two!) of sunglasses for your trip!
6. Snorkel and Mask
If you love to swim and snorkel (or even scuba dive) consider bringing your own equipment. Rental masks not only cost a lot of money, but they often fit poorly which allows water to come in or your mask to fog up. While snorkels are "one size fits all", if you are a bit of a germ freak like me, you might feel a little disconcerted by how many people have used the snorkel before you. (Ewww....) Throw in your own snorkel and mask and you will be happy you did! If you are looking for the snorkel and mask that most cruise lines use (from National Geographic) you can find it on Amazon HERE.
7. Sunscreen
This is obviously a "must pack" item for a Caribbean Cruise, and yet so many people forget to throw it into their suitcase. It is extremely easy to get sunburned in the Caribbean so don't forget to throw this in. You will be saving money by bringing your own sunscreen as Cruise ships charge a premium for this essential item. Traveling with a large group or going on a long cruise? Consider taking some travel-size options with you so that you don't have to carry around a huge bottle. And don't forget to toss in a lip balm for your lips!
8. Aloe Vera
Even with sunscreen, the warm climate of the Caribbean can make it easy to get sunburned. Consider taking along some soothing aloe vera with you for your skin. One of my favorites that I use throughout the year is the Aubrey Organics Pure Aloe Vera. It is incredible light and at only 4 oz. it is easy to throw into your suitcase without adding a ton of extra weight. I use this often on my skin, even when I don't have a burn after being out in the sun and it is extremely soothing. One of the other things that I love about this is that it is under $10 on Amazon! You can find it HERE!
9. Camera (and the Extras)
Although I technically have been to several of the ports that we will be stopping at I can't wait to experience these cruises with my loved ones and the beautiful views that I am sure we will be met with. I have never traveled to the Caribbean in the fall and I am sure it will be stunning. But you know what? Its not just the experience. It is always who you are with and you don't want to miss out on remembering these special memories that you will make. Don't forget to bring all of the "extras" that you will also need like a spare battery, battery charger, extra chip, etc.
A great tip that a friend of mine shared with me the last time I went on a cruise was to charge my camera battery every night. This tip was invaluable as one day I accidentally forgot to turn off my camera in all of the fun we were having and would have missed out on some precious picture memories had I not done this!
ALSO because you are going to have opportunities to view beautiful islands with different corals, colorful fish, and lots of fun, you will likely want to document your experience with an underwater or waterproof camera. Don't want to spend a ton of money on an underwater camera? Consider purchasing the Nikon COOLPIX S33 Waterproof Digital Camera to use! I purchased this for our Royal Caribbean Cruise in November and it was wonderful! You can see some pictures that I took with it in my post about our Reef Snorkeling and Sandbar Getaway Shore Excursion HERE!
10. Extension Cord
Okay, so this isn't a particular suggestion only for Caribbean cruises but can be for any cruise! This was a suggestion that someone gave to me on my first cruise and it was a lifesaver! Throw in an extension cord and you will be glad that you did! One that I bring along is the 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip simply because it allows for several things to be plugged in at once which is a must on a cruise!
11. Purse, Bag, Etc.
Anyone that knows me knows that I love big purses and bags. They are honestly one of my favorite accessories. Taking a big purse and bag with me when I cruise is the perfect way for me to carry everything that I needed for our days off the ship (and adding a cute accessory). Some people like to use a backpack or some different type of item to carry their belongings in, but definitely remember to pack some type of bag. For me a large purse works perfectly as I can fit in everything I need to (including my camera and other things!) into it!
12. Journal, Travel Books, Etc.
Y'all know from my shop that I love creating and altering travel books and journals so this recommendation is probably not a surprise at all! *smiles* Some people like to pack travel guides to take with them on the cruise so they can explore in depth the ports of call while others like to bring journals on board so as to remember the special details and memories that are made. With so many special memories that are made it can be hard to remember every detail and was so glad that I brought this along.
13. Cruise Documents and Passport
Don't forget like any other cruise (that leaves the US) that you will need to bring all of your cruise documents and passport.
What about y'all? Any must pack items that you recommend for a Caribbean Cruise? Looking for more cruising tips? Check out the following cruising posts:
5 Things People Forget to Bring on Their First European Cruise
10 Things People Forget to Bring on Their First Cruise
16 Unexpected Things to Bring on Every Cruise
5 Must Pack Item for a Disney Cruise
10 Things to Do Before You Leave on a Caribbean Cruise
10 Tips for Cruising with a Chronic Illness
5 Things People Forget to Bring on Their First European Cruise
10 Things People Forget to Bring on Their First Cruise
16 Unexpected Things to Bring on Every Cruise
5 Must Pack Item for a Disney Cruise
10 Things to Do Before You Leave on a Caribbean Cruise
10 Tips for Cruising with a Chronic Illness
Praying Through Lyme Disease Special Sale (LESS than a DOLLAR!!) for Lyme Disease Awareness Month!
May 7, 2018
Happy Monday friends! I hope that y'all had a wonderful weekend! This weekend seemed to fly by as we are preparing to move down to the cabin for the summer, hatted with friends living far away, worked on orders for the shop, and spent with good friends and attending a Lyme Disease Support group! It was a lovely weekend- and I hope that y'all had a good weekend too!
Another thing that I worked on this weekend was packaging up some special bulk orders of Praying through Lyme Disease which are going to different countries! It is always humbling when this happens. Any order of any of my books is humbling and I am so grateful for your continued support of my writing.
I have been truly overwhelmed by the response since the 2nd edition of Praying through Lyme Disease released last year. I have no words, just extreme gratitude.
Two things that I am doing is: (1) working to get Praying through Lyme Disease into libraries across the country (and around the world too) so as many people can have access to it without having to pay for it. Do you know a local library or have a connection to a local or church library that may be interested in me donating a copy of Praying through Lyme Disease to them? Would you please send me an email or leave a comment? I would love to connect with you and them!
and (2) I would love to donate a copy of my book to any doctors office (Lyme or not) that may be interested in a copy. If you have any leads for this would you please let me know?
One of the things that I wanted to do to recognize and honor May being Lyme Disease awareness month is making the book the cheapest that it can be so that anyone can have access to it! So for the rest of may the Kindle version of Praying through Lyme Disease (including the large print version) is only $.99!!! You can purchase the kindle version HERE and the Large Print Kindle Version HERE!
I have one request for this month- if you have read Praying through Lyme Disease- would you consider leaving a review for others to know more about this book? It doesn't have to be long, but ANY reviews that help potential future readers learn more about this book would be such an incredible blessing! Thank you! (You can leave a review HERE!)
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 and 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 and I will message instructions!! And finally: a portion of all proceeds of all of my Lyme book sales from this month will be donated to @globallymealliance ! Thank you for your support of not only my books but of Lyme patients around the world!
Again- for less than a dollar, you can purchase the kindle version HERE and the Large Print Kindle Version HERE!
Thank you again friends! I hope that you have a lovely Monday!
PS- Watch for some special sales of my other Lyme books coming up as the month goes on!
Happy Monday friends! I hope that you had a wonderful weekend! I am absolutely OVERWHELMED in the best possible way by all of your sweet love and support for the 12 Things to Pray Book that released on Friday!! If you missed it you can read more about the book HERE!
It was truly overwhelming to receive the notice that it was the #1 new release in the christian prayer section on Amazon. Thank you so much to each of you that have purchased a copy and to the person who was kind enough to leave a review!! Reviews are such incredible blessings to indie authors- so thank you! Also- thank you to each of you who have called, texted, messaged, and shared about this book! Y'all are the absolute best! Seriously I am so humbled and grateful for your sweet support!! Thank you again friends!
If you are interested in purchasing your own copy of 12 Things to Pray you can find the book HERE!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
