If you are like me then I truly am literally in shock that it is the end of October! It seems that this fall season has flown by. It has just been a whirlwind. Last night I was talking with my mom and we were saying we couldn't believe how fast these days are going. Please slow down autumn, we are truly enjoying you! We are excited about November and the holidays, but I just want to grab onto each day and all of the precious moments! So as we finish October... here are just a few reflections - it is not as long as my typical What's Up Wednesday post, but just a few thoughts...
What We're Eating this Month...
So some of you know this, but I absolutely love cooking and being in the kitchen preparing nutrious meals for those I love. During the summer we do a ton of fresh items and there is not as much cooking, but as we return to the house, and the months get cooler, we do a lot more cooking throughout the fall and winter. So there has been a ton of yummy vegetable salads that are more "fall focused" and just a lot of time in the kitchen which makes me happy.
I have also been adding a ton of Apple Cider Vinegar into my life and the fall always seems like a perfect time to add this into life. If you are looking for easy ways to add apple cider into your life you can find a post I wrote entitled, 17 Quick and easy ways to incorporate it into your life which you can read HERE.
Looking for other fall related posts? Click on the links below:
What I'm Reminiscing About...
WCA.
This past week I was sharing again the story of a group of precious people that truly changed my life. I would literally not be the same person had it not been for the love and care of an amazing group of people. I have shared more about them in my book, December Caravan, and in a post HERE, but I love y'all deeply. Let's do a reunion very soon.
You can read more stories from that precious year and others in my book December Caravan which you can find HERE. And y'all... thank you again for the sweet reviews... they are so humbling!
What I'm Loving...
Moving out and closing up the cabin, the shop, some academic proposals, and just a lot of behind the scenes personal things.
What I'm Dreading...
Honestly absolutely nothing.
What I'm Working on...
In addition to the shops and editing, I am working on cleaning out and truly embracing more minimalism in so many different areas of life. It is a long process, but one that I have been truly working on recently and a focus this year.
What I'm Thankful for...
Amazing blessings from the Lord...
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The next few months.
What I'm Watching/Reading...
This book has been SO so good. It has been a fascinating read and I have enjoyed it so much. I am finishing the last couple of chapters and am honestly sad to see the book end! You can find it HERE.
What I'm Listening To...
I shared this over the last year, but on my morning walks I have been listening to different sermons and it has been so encouraging to me.
What I'm Doing This Weekend...
I am looking forward to a beautiful weekend!
Happy Wednesday friends!
Traveling
to luxurious destinations often leaves us longing for the comforts and ambiance
we experience while away from home. Whether it's the plush bedding of a
high-end hotel, the soothing scents of a spa, or the meticulously curated decor
that makes a space feel inviting, there's a certain comfort we all crave. In
this guide, we’ll explore how to replicate that luxury travel experience in
your own home, ensuring that you create the ideal sleep setup and a cozy environment that promotes relaxation and
rejuvenation.
1. Investing in Quality Bedding
One
of the most significant factors in creating a luxurious atmosphere is the
quality of your bedding. Hotels often use high-thread-count sheets, plush
pillows, and cozy comforters that make you feel like you’re sleeping in a
cloud. To achieve this at home, consider investing in:
●
High-thread-count sheets:
Look for sheets with a thread count of 300 or higher, as they feel softer and
more luxurious against the skin. Materials like Egyptian cotton or bamboo can
elevate your bedding experience.
●
Down or memory foam pillows: Choose pillows that provide adequate support for your neck
and head. Down pillows are soft and fluffy, while memory foam pillows offer
contouring support that adapts to your sleep position.
●
A plush duvet or comforter:
A high-quality duvet filled with down or a thick comforter can add warmth and
comfort to your bed, making it feel more inviting.
By
upgrading your bedding, you'll create an ideal sleep setup that mirrors the
comfort of luxury hotels.
2. Layering Textiles for Added Comfort
Luxury
isn't just about what you sleep on; it's also about the textures and layers you
incorporate into your bedroom. Layering textiles can add depth and warmth to
your space. Consider the following tips:
●
Use a mattress topper:
A memory foam or latex mattress topper can add an extra layer of comfort to
your mattress, enhancing support and softness.
●
Add throws and blankets:
Drape a soft cashmere or wool throw over your bed or a cozy armchair to invite
warmth and comfort. Having a blanket within reach can make your space feel more
inviting, perfect for those chilly evenings.
●
Incorporate decorative pillows: Use an assortment of decorative pillows in different sizes
and textures to add visual interest and comfort. This not only enhances the
aesthetic but also allows you to adjust your seating or lying position for
maximum comfort.
Layering
textiles can transform your bedroom into a luxurious retreat, echoing the
coziness of your favorite travel spots.
3. Creating a Relaxing Ambiance
The
atmosphere of a room plays a crucial role in how comfortable it feels. To
recreate the soothing ambiance of luxury hotels and resorts, focus on these
elements:
●
Lighting: Opt for
soft, adjustable lighting to create a relaxing environment. Consider installing
dimmable light fixtures or using table lamps with warm bulbs. Adding candles
can also enhance the atmosphere, providing both light and a comforting aroma.
●
Scents: The scent
of a space can greatly influence your mood. Incorporate essential oil
diffusers, scented candles, or incense to fill your room with calming
fragrances. Lavender, eucalyptus, and chamomile are excellent choices for
promoting relaxation and a sense of well-being.
●
Sound: Consider
using white noise machines or sound apps to drown out distractions and create a
peaceful sleep environment. Soothing sounds like ocean waves, rain, or soft
music can help replicate the serene ambiance of a spa or resort.
By
thoughtfully curating your bedroom's ambiance, you can transport yourself back
to those luxurious travel experiences every time you step into your space.
4. Incorporating Natural Elements
Luxury
often embraces nature, and you can do the same in your home. Incorporating
natural elements can enhance your comfort and promote a sense of tranquility.
Here are some ideas:
●
Plants: Adding
indoor plants not only purifies the air but also brings a touch of nature
indoors. Consider low-maintenance options like snake plants, peace lilies, or
pothos for a lush, inviting feel.
●
Natural materials:
Incorporate wood, stone, or cotton into your decor. A wooden headboard, stone
accents, or a cotton rug can add warmth and comfort to your space.
●
Natural light:
Allow as much natural light into your bedroom as possible. Use sheer curtains
to let in sunlight while maintaining privacy. Natural light has been shown to
improve mood and overall well-being.
Bringing
the outside in can create a cozy and refreshing atmosphere reminiscent of
luxurious spa retreats and nature-filled vacations.
5. Personalizing Your Space
A
luxurious environment is not only about materials and ambiance; it’s also about
personalization. Create a space that reflects your tastes and experiences. Here
are some suggestions:
●
Art and decor:
Hang artwork or photographs from your travels to evoke memories of your
favorite destinations. Choose pieces that resonate with you and enhance the
overall aesthetic of your bedroom.
●
Unique furniture pieces:
Invest in statement furniture that reflects your style, such as an ornate
dresser, a chic bedside table, or an upholstered bench at the foot of your bed.
Unique furniture can add character and warmth to your space.
●
Cozy corners:
Create a reading nook or a cozy corner with a comfortable chair, soft blanket,
and good lighting. This space can serve as a retreat for relaxation, much like
the cozy lounges in high-end hotels.
Personalizing
your space makes it feel unique and special, transforming it into a sanctuary
where you can unwind after a long day.
Conclusion
Bringing
the luxury of travel back home doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By investing
in quality bedding, layering textiles, creating a relaxing ambiance,
incorporating natural elements, and personalizing your space, you can craft a
cozy haven that reflects the comforts of your favorite getaways. With these
tips, you’ll not only enjoy an ideal sleep setup but also a home environment
that makes every day feel like a luxurious retreat. Embrace the comfort, and
let your home become a place of relaxation and rejuvenation!
Happy Tuesday friends! Today I am so excited to share that I shared an instagram reel over on IG yesterday all about a beautiful fall ferry ride on Lake Champlain!! You can watch it by clicking HERE!
You may wonder why I mention the instagram reels that I create and why it matters about watching, liking, saving, commenting, and sharing my reels. I wouldn't know about this either if social media wasn't part of my job, but each time that you watch one of my reels, like them, comment on them share them or save them I make a small commission which adds up to help me. It doesn't cost you anything, but it does help me. THANK YOU! Just watching a reel and liking it are huge helps!! Thank you again for everything friends!
Happy Fall- I hope you enjoy the beauty of our area in upstate New York world.
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5 star rated personal finance holiday unit bundle // caravan sonnet shoppe at teachers pay teachers
October 28, 2024
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Happy Monday friends! I am so excited to share with y'all the updated and final 5 STAR rated Personal Finance Unit Bundle that is now completed and available in the caravan sonnet shoppe at teachers pay teachers!
This bundle includes ALL of the powerpoint presentations and resources with colorful, animated, engaging, and educational sections from the Holiday Unit in Personal Finance!
With over 235, presentation powerpoint presentation pages/slides, guided notes, lesson plans for equal pay day (3 pages), cases,/PDFs/Word Document Assignment/Classroom Activities and Keys (236 to be exact)!! you will be ready to have a foundation to teach all the different saving tips with holidays in your personal finance class!
When I first started teaching personal finance I wasn't even sure where to begin and lots of the materials that were available that could be found (which was extremely limited) seemed out of date and very boring.
Creating these resources for my students helped bring this material alive in new ways and these powerpoints will help be a foundation for your unit also!
There is over one month of supplies included in this Bundle and the following holidays are included:
- August: 5 STAR RATED National NonProfit Day Powerpoint
- September: National Coffee Day Powerpoint
- October: Free Fall Activities Powerpoint
- November: Black Friday Powerpoint
- November: Friendsgiving/Thanksgiving Powerpoint
- December: Christmas Powerpoint
- January: Ski/Snowboard Trip Budget Worksheet
- February: Valentine's Day
- March/April: Spring Break Trip Budget Worksheet
- March/April: Easter Powerpoint
- April: Solar Eclipse Powerpoint***
- - Solar Eclipse Word Search
- - Solar Eclipse Word Scramble
- April: Earth Day Powerpoint
- Spring: Equal Pay Day**
- - 5 Star Rated Equal Pay Day Lesson Plans
- - Equal Pay Day Powerpoint
- - Equal Pay Day Word Search
- - Equal Pay Day Word Scramble
- - Equal Pay Day Bingo Card
- Various Travel Budget Powerpoint and Worksheets
- - Creating a Travel Budget Powerpoint with Guided Notes
- - Road Trip Budget
- - Travel Budget
- - Cruise Trip Budget Worksheet
.jpg "5 star rated personal finance holiday unit bundle // caravan sonnet shoppe at teachers pay teachers")
Thank you so much for all of your support of the shoppe! If you would like to check out the shoppe you can find it HERE!
Thank you again so much for a wonderful October in the shoppe! I am so thankful and blessed! This is truly an incredible blessing to see how many things are helping teachers and helping students!! If you haven't had a chance, would you take a moment to leave a review for your purchase? These reviews are a HUGE help to shop owners at TPT!
Thank you again for ALL of your support of my shoppe!
I am so excited to share with y'all more about some of the Christmas 2024 junk journal collection that is available in the shop! You can go directly to this section of listings HERE!
This specific Vintage Christmas Bells Junk Journal was so adorable to create! I loved the theme of the papers that we chose, the colors, and the little details! I smile each time that I look at this cover- it is just so fun!
This cozy bit key chain junk journal is the perfect way to keep track and treasure the magic ordinary of each day and this scrapbook is perfect for those looking for a unique and legacy type gift of precious holiday memories!
Inspired by the precious memories of twinkling lights, cozy snowy weather, christmas music, whimsical memories of caroling, under the winter stars, the smells of baking, and joy at new beginnings, this precious vintage christmas bells mini junk journal is the perfect gift for anyone!
Adorned on a special clip that can attach to a key ring, backpack, purse, journal, photo album and so much more, these mini junk journals are the perfect size.
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Did you know that these could also make wonderful keepsake Christmas Ornaments on your holiday tree each year too?!? This picture from above is showing an example of how this could look from our Holiday Craft Fair last year!
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How adorable would it be to have an ornament like this year after year so that you can enjoy the memories and have all of the adorable pictures right there?
Resting at 2x2 this chunky journal is a perfectly curated collection of rare sweet vintage and distinctive modern materials to inspire hope and joy in every area of your life!
This heirloom treasure comes with:
//1 2x2 junk journal that contains:
//30+ pages of quality and beautiful paper
//9+ pieces of vintage and bespoke ribbon pieces from around the world
//handmade lace from an established generational American factory
//1-3 bulb clasps
//1-3 vintage buttons from times of old
//1 mini envelope with a mini card
//1 mini paperclip
//1 claw clasp for attaching to the owners preference
//unique vintage or bespoke ephemera on the front
//special surprise goodies
And more...
Thank you again for your support of the shop! It is truly a blessing to my mom and I who run it!
You can find the entire Christmas collection of junk journals HERE and so many others in the shop HERE!
Happy Friday friends! I hope that you have had the most wonderful week! It has been a busy week but a very sweet week behind the scenes over here for me at work and I am looking forward to the weekend.
Here are some of my favorite things from this past week! First of all....
1. Beautiful Fall Weather
The weather this past week has given us one more glorious week of a warm fall/late summer... it has been beautiful and we have enjoyed every second of it outside that we could. I posted this on Instagram, but overlooking the river (in the picture above) I kept thinking of some very precious words that were shared with me last month that have stayed on my mind. I hope they encourage you as they have encouraged me.
The Lot to me that fell is beautiful and fair; the Heritage in which I dwell is good beyond compare. I praise the Lord above whose counsel guides aright; my heart instructs me in His love… // psalter 130
This week on Wednesday I shared about a visit we took last weekend to the Ausable Marsh area. If you missed my post you can read it HERE. This place has tender significance for me and so to be back again- was truly lovely.
The area was also gorgeous and so I shared a reel from our time too that you can see more of HERE.
I am so excited to share with y'all that the first drop for the Christmas 2024 junk journal collection is available in the shop! You can go directly to this collection HERE!
There are so many different kinds (shared specifically all about this Santa Junk Journal in a recent post HERE) and it has been such a fun collection to be creating!
Above are just a few pictures from the MANY Christmas precious journals that are available, but again they are selling out so fast!! These were two weeks ago and I am so stunned- I am so thankful that this collection is so popular and that y'all love it!
I know myself and so many others are fully enjoying fall and so if you are looking for the fall collection- find it HERE !!
You can find journals for any occasion in the shop HERE!
Stay tuned for the second Christmas drop happening in TWO weeks!
I have received so many questions on these Sunday verses that I post each week. You are welcome to download them and use them and share them. I truly hope and pray that they are an encouragement to you! You can find the entire collection HERE!
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I am SO grateful for ALL of your support of this shop. Y'all... THANK YOU. This is something that I work so hard on behind the scenes and your support, reviews, and encouragement are HUGE. You can find the Shop HERE!
A Recent Amazon Purchase...
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When I was a teenager I tried to attempt a "stunt" (like I was a cheerleader- please don't ask *smiles*) while I was water skiing. Suffice it to say the stunt went horribly wrong and I took a bad fall that hurt my back. About 6 years ago I was skiing (winter this time) and I took a bad fall... between the two things- I can unfortunately end up in extreme pain if my back goes out... which happened about 10 days ago. Unfortunately, as we were closing up the cabin I hurt myself as I fell on the rocks attempting to get the little boat out. The pain these past ten days has been very difficult... and I am so thankful that I am slowing seeing slow improvements!
One of the things that I have always been grateful for, has been the suggestion of THIS heating pad by one of my doctors about 9 years ago. I can't say enough good things about it and can't recommend it enough! If you have been around the blog the last decade then I also have to say that this was a huge help while I was extremely sick fighting Advanced Late Stage Lyme Disease and Cancer (and other things). The heating pads of this brand come in a variety of sizes (I use the medium size while my mom loves the small size).
For after my mom's knee surgery we also purchased the knee version and this was a huge help also. (You can find that HERE). There are tons of options of sizes, but if you are looking for a new heating pad definitely try these out. It definitely is an investment, but worth every single penny. I have had the one for 5 years and just had to replace it - so they last a LONG time! I just checked and on Amazon they are having a MAJOR sale today so definitely check that out!
With Caravan Sonnet turning eleven years old this year I love sharing on Fridays some of the older but most popular posts on the blog! One of the things that Caravan Sonnet developed into was a a resource for those looking for trip itineraries around the United States and World.
As I have been finalizing collaborations for the upcoming months and year, I have been remembering back with such fondness the trip on Viking River Cruises on the Rhine River. It was such an amazing trip with my mom - and one that we talk about all the time and I just remember all the precious times.
And if you want to truly step back... years ago I posted a video of some of our adventure (back when there was a brief YouTube channel). You can find a video HERE.
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Our trip was truly incredible and you can read more about it from the posts below!
// Viking River Cruises: Answers to Your Most FAQ's //
// Viking Eir Ship Review // Viking Eir Stateroom 203 Review // Viking Eir Food and Dining Review // Best Rhine River Books to Purchase for Your Trip from Travel To Culture to History //
// The Cologne Cathedral (Exterior) //
// A Walk Through Cologne Square // A Walk Through Historic Cologne //
// Cruising the Middle Rhine (Part One) // Cruising the Middle Rhine River (Part Two) //
// A Brief History of Old Town Colmar // Saint Martin's Collegiate Church (Place de la Cathedrale)//
// 7 Things You Must See When You Visit Old Town Colmar in the Winter //
// A Brief History of Beautiful Strasbourg // A Walk through Historic Strasbourg //Place Saint Thomas //
// Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathedrale Notre Dame of Strasbourg) // Heidelberg Castle //
// A Walk Through Old Town Heidelberg // Hofgut Sternen in the Black Forest //
// A Walk through Historic Downtown Basel // Basel Cathedral (Basel Munster) //
// Viking Eir Ship Review // Viking Eir Stateroom 203 Review // Viking Eir Food and Dining Review // Best Rhine River Books to Purchase for Your Trip from Travel To Culture to History //
// The Cologne Cathedral (Exterior) //
// A Walk Through Cologne Square // A Walk Through Historic Cologne //
// Cruising the Middle Rhine (Part One) // Cruising the Middle Rhine River (Part Two) //
// A Brief History of Old Town Colmar // Saint Martin's Collegiate Church (Place de la Cathedrale)//
// 7 Things You Must See When You Visit Old Town Colmar in the Winter //
// A Brief History of Beautiful Strasbourg // A Walk through Historic Strasbourg //Place Saint Thomas //
// Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathedrale Notre Dame of Strasbourg) // Heidelberg Castle //
// A Walk Through Old Town Heidelberg // Hofgut Sternen in the Black Forest //
// A Walk through Historic Downtown Basel // Basel Cathedral (Basel Munster) //
I hope that you have a wonderful Friday friends! Thank you for making this such an incredible space to come to and connect with every single day. I am so blessed!!
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