december caravan spring blowout sale

April 17, 2025

Happy Thursday friends! I am so excited to share that today there is a HUGE sale (70% OFF) happening in the December Caravan Etsy shop! ALL orders will ship by Saturday! Click HERE to go directly to the shop!

Thank you for all of your support friends throughout this year in our shop!!

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best rhone river travel books (from travel to culture to history) to purchase for your rhone river cruise

April 16, 2025

Planning a Rhône River cruise is like stepping into a dream of lavender fields, cobblestone villages, and sun-kissed vineyards. Our upcoming cruise with Viking River Cruise will have us sailing between Lyon and Avignon and we could not be more excited! If you are interested in planning a Rhone River trip in the future, or are planning to take a Rhone River Cruise like we did, then you may be curious about what (if any) travel books you should purchase.

Before our Rhône River Cruise with Viking I spent a lot of time researching this area. I knew from past experience that the tours on Viking would be incredibly cultural, but I also desired to learn about where we were seeing to have a bit of background knowledge.

After more than a decade in travel blogging, I have found that the more that I learn and research ahead of time about a place I have never been to, the more that I have loved the trip. I love reading different books, watching movies (coming in a future post) to learn more about the area that I am going. Often times I find in doing this I am more apt to really appreciate not only the culture (because I understand a little of the history), but the experience and the people and the surroundings even more. Do y'all feel the same way?

Whether you are going on a Rhône River Cruise and sailing through the charming towns of Provence or exploring the rich history of Lyon or Avignon, or other charming towns in this region, these suggestions will be a helpful guide. As you back your bags and dream of the enchanting riverside, here are some of the best Rhone River travel books- ranging from travel guides to cultural insights and historical narratives. These are sure to inspire, educate, and enchant you before, during, and even after your cruise:

1. Moon Guides Provence & The French Riviera

Category: Travel Guide

Publication Date: 2025 (this is the most recent edition)

Purchase: HERE

Why It’s Worth Reading:

Y'all know that I am a huge fan of Moon Guides- so this was going to be first. This is an in-depth information on the Provence region, covering many of the cities and villages you’ll encounter along the Rhône. While it does include the French Riviera- it also provides a new trip to dream and plan for!

The best place to purchase is off of Amazon- find it HERE! It should be noted that Moon Guides did put out a Provence only travel guide in 2019 that you can find HERE. I personally loved the combination guide so that is why I am listing that one!

2. Rick Steves Provence & the French Riviera

Category: Travel Guide

Publication Date: 2024 (this is the most recent edition)

Purchase: HERE

Why It’s Worth Reading:

Rick Steves always brings a wonderful mix of practical travel tips and cultural insights. His guide includes in-depth information on the Provence region, covering many of the cities and villages you’ll encounter along the Rhône. It’s especially helpful for self-guided excursions and understanding the local customs.

The best place to purchase is off of Amazon- find it HERE!

3. A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle

Category: Memoir + Humor

Publication Date: 1991

Purchase: HERE

Why It’s Worth Reading:

This was a book that kept getting recommended to me and I always enjoy a travel/biography memoir. They are interesting to read because someone has lived and experienced in a long-term way the area that you are traveling to. Mayle’s charming account of life in Provence offers a fun, light-hearted look at adjusting to French life. It captures the pace, beauty, and eccentricities of the region with grace and wit.

The best place to purchase is off of Amazon- find it HERE!

4. My Twenty-five Years in Provence: Reflections on Then and Now by Peter Mayle

Category: Memoir + Humor

Publication Date: 2019

Purchase: HERE

Why It’s Worth Reading:

Mayle's follow up book to A Year in Provence pays tribute to the most endearing and enduring aspects of his life in France—tvillage life, beauty, the ancient history, and more. I loved that there was a follow up from a perspective over a quarter of a century. It was obvious that Mayle had fallen in love with the area and the time of Provencal living. He shares his lessons and things he has learned and what has changed. This was his final book (published after he died in 2018).

The best place to purchase is off of Amazon- find it HERE!

5. The Most Beautiful Villages of the Provence by Michael Jacobs

Category: Visual Inspiration + Culture

Publication Date: 2012

Purchase: HERE

Why It’s Worth Reading:

If you’re looking for visual beauty and a relaxing, inspiring read, this coffee-table book is full of stunning photography and short histories of picturesque Provençal villages. It’s ideal for pre-cruise dreaming and post-cruise reminiscing.

The best place to purchase is off of Amazon- find it HERE!

6. Avignon of the Popes by Edwin Mullins

Category: History

Publication Date: 2017

Purchase: HERE

Why It’s Worth Reading:

If you are wanting to learn about the history of the area, then this book is an excellent choice! The description summarizes this very well so I am copying that here: "At the beginning of the fourteenth century, anarchy in Italy led to the capital of the Christian world being moved from Rome for the first and only time in history. It was a critical moment, and it resulted in seven successive popes remaining in exile for the next seventy years. The city chosen to replace Rome was Avignon. And depending on where you stood at the time they were seventy years of heaven, or of hell opinions invariably ran to extremes, as did the behaviour of the popes themselves. It was during this period of exile that the city witnessed some of the most turbulent events in the history of Christendom, among them the suppression of the Knights Templar and the last of the heretical Cathars, the first onslaught of the Black Death, the final collapse of the crusading dream, and the first decades of the Hundred Years War between England and France, in which successive Avignon popes attempted to mediate. The papal flight from Rome was fiercely castigated by Dante in The Divine Comedy, while during the later years of papal Avignon the enigmatic figure of Petrarch, the most celebrated poet and scholar of his day, loomed angrily over the city. In a dramatic denouement, Avignon became home to the anti-popes, rivals and enemies of the re-established Roman papacy. This is a portrait sketch of that era. And at the centre of the picture is Avignon itself, as it grew from being a relatively insignificant town on the Rhône to become, albeit briefly, one of the great capitals of the world."

The best place to purchase is off of Amazon- find it HERE!

7. The Cuisine of the Sun: Classical French Cooking from Nice to Provence by Mireille Johnston

Category: Cooking + Recipes

Publication Date: 1996

Purchase: HERE

Why It’s Worth Reading:

If you are looking for a cookbook from this region then this book might be an answer! The best place to purchase is off of Amazon- find it HERE!

8. Van Gogh in Arles

Category: Art + Culture

Publication Date: 1984

Purchase: HERE

Why It’s Worth Reading:

Admittedly, Vincent van Gogh is not my favorite artist, but this book was published in conjunction with the exhibit that was held at The MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art) in October- December of 1984. If you know me then you know that the MET is one of my favorite museums in NYC so this was interesting to learn about. If you love Van Gogh, appreciate art and would love to see an older exhibit then you will enjoy seeing about the time that Vincent van Gogh spent 15 months in Arles.

The best place to purchase is off of Amazon- find it HERE!

Bonus Tip: Bring a Journal

Y'all know this was going to make the list. *smiles* I can't wait to show you the journal that I am bringing along for this trip!

Do y'all remember my European Travel Journal from last trip? You can read all about it HERE and watch a Youtube video of it HERE!

It was STUFFED. I honestly couldn't even close it and it was just stuffed with so much happiness and goodness.

It is still one of my favorite journals. This time I am doing a little something different and can't wait to share with y'all! Looking for your own journal or junk journal? Check out our Etsy shop, December Caravan by clicking HERE!

I hope that you find this list helpful! What about y'all? Any Rhône River books you would add to this list? Happy Wednesday friends! I hope you have a wonderful day!

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five things I am looking forward to on our upcoming viking river cruise

April 15, 2025

It is hard to believe that in five days we leave on our Viking River Cruise on the Rhone River in the South of France. We are in full packing mode and absolutely so excited to go!

As I think back to my unforgettable Viking River Cruise experience on the Rhine River in 2017-2018, my heart is filled with gratitude and joy. Cruising down the Rhine River, being swept away by the gentle pace of the ship, and diving into the rich history and culture at every stop—it's a memory that still feels like a dream. And now, the thought of returning to the magic of a Viking River Cruise makes me almost giddy with excitement.

Here are 5 things I’m especially looking forward to as we embark next week:

1. The Peaceful Rhythm of River Cruising

There is something uniquely serene about river cruising. Unlike the hustle and bustle of ocean cruises, river cruising with Viking invites you to slow down and truly be in the moment. I remember the quiet mornings sipping tea while the mist lifted off the water, watching charming villages pass by as we drifted along. The rhythm of the river became a gentle reminder to rest, breathe, and reflect—a true balm for the soul. If you are interested in reading more about the differences between River and Ocean Cruising check out this post HERE!

2. Intimate and Thoughtful Ship Design

Viking Long ships are beautifully designed to feel like home. With their Scandinavian-inspired décor, cozy library nooks, and sun-drenched Aquavit Terrace, each space invites you to relax and unwind. I loved how the smaller size of the ship allowed for a more personal experience—both with fellow travelers and the attentive crew. It's luxury without pretension, and every detail feels intentional. You can read all about the Viking Eir that we were on last time HERE!

3. Enriching Excursions Steeped in History

There is no question that the excursions on Viking were incredible. From stepping into the storybook streets of Strasbourg, the Christmas markets at Colmar, the windmills in the Netherlands and so much more, the included excursions on my previous Viking cruise were simply extraordinary. Each one felt like a history lesson come to life. With passionate local guides and thoughtfully curated itineraries, I learned more in those few days than I ever could have imagined. I can't wait to experience more of these enriching adventures and dive deeper into the culture and heritage of each destination.

4. The Food—Amazing!

Oh my goodness, the food on a Viking River Cruise is was so good and everything could be tailored to allergies. Every meal felt like a celebration of regional flavors, with fresh ingredients and locally-inspired dishes. I still dream about the pepper cheese and the delightful soups that seemed to warm you from the inside out. And let’s not forget the peaceful mornings with made-to-order omelets and endless salads at lunch and delicious dinners in the evening! You can read all about my food review from our last Viking trip HERE!

5. The Camaraderie and Connections

One of the most unexpected blessings of my previous Viking cruise was the sweet friendships formed along the way. There's something about traveling with a small group that encourages meaningful conversations and shared moments of wonder. Whether it was swapping stories over dinner or laughing during a group excursion, I came home with more than memories—I came home with kindred spirits from all around the world. "The girls" as we affectionately named our group was one of my absolute favorite parts of our cruise!

As I anticipate the next Viking River Cruise, I know it will be a return not just to beautiful landscapes and unforgettable cities, but to that rare and sacred space where adventure meets soul-deep rest.

Have you ever taken a Viking River Cruise or dreamed of doing so? Still have questions? Find out answers to the most frequently asked questions that I have received about Viking and my thoughts HERE! I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories or questions in the comments below!

And if your heart is whispering that it's time for a new chapter of discovery and delight, I gently encourage you to explore the idea of a river cruise with Viking. Whether you're celebrating a milestone, seeking renewal, or simply longing for beauty and wonder, there's something incredibly special waiting for you on the water. Let yourself dream a little—and maybe even start planning. There are so many amazing sales that are happening right now that only have a $25 deposit! Find more information HERE!

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day five// apply for a new graduate degree

April 14, 2025

If you are just starting to read these posts and are wondering why I am doing something as a "first" for each day of the year, you can read more of the story and background HERE.

Day Five// Apply for a New Graduate Degree

Cost: Application Costs vary

Time: hours, days, weeks to think through / 2-3 hours for application

If you have been around the blog for a little while then you know that back in 2022 I excitedly shared that a long-awaited dream was happening- I had been accepted into a doctoral program and was heading for my PhD (click HERE to read).

It was beautiful. It was emotional. It was redemptive. It was all the things.

A full circle moment as I had to drop out of a graduate program and was one of "many losses" in the years of being sick.

Excitedly I entered the program. I did my first class, got a 4.0 and quickly realized the program was nothing like what I dreamed it would be. I shared a sweet message on here after my first class (you can read HERE) and everything was true. It was challenging and sweet... but it wasn't the fit that I really anticipated. To be honest the focus was just not in my exact goals and it wasn't as challenging as I imagined that I wanted and needed for my future plans and quickly I discovered that there were components of the course that weren't exactly what I dreamed of for my PhD.

If you know me, you know I adore learning. I probably will end up getting several doctorates ... I just truly adore learning. After a lot of conversations with those who know me well and professors I respect, I started looking for a new doctoral program. I found one that I really loved and planned to apply when I found out that my background (with my previous Masters) wasn't the exact fit and it would make it difficult to get a Fellowship and even perhaps be accepted. I found a few more programs that I loved and was told the same thing. I was discouraged, but decided to see if anyone from the departments that I was applying to would be willing to give me time and help with suggestions. Over the last 6 months of 2024 I was amazed at the incredible warm reception I received. I was given a ton of different ideas and thoughts and such helpful information. I am still so grateful for those that gave me that time.

Across the board it became obvious that returning for a Masters program in my narrowed down field would be the most advantageous for me. I had a few moments of discouragement at the thought of delaying my PhD more... but then I realized that there is no time frame for chasing your dreams.

I researched programs, costs, and offerings and decided on a few different programs that fit what I was looking for... and applied at the beginning of this year for this semester.

I received a lot of "constructive thoughts" when I announced this to people. Many were encouraging, but those outside my closest circle had some very negative thoughts and feedback. I have received the comment more than once that I should have just continued on with the original PhD program. Someone (on the day I was accepted to the program I chose) suggested a different university they claimed was "more prestigious" ... and honestly if I listened to all of that I would have missed out on an amazing experience that I am having.

It has been the BEST. DECISION. EVER.

This semester has been everything I had dreamed for my PhD and more. My professor this semester has been absolutely incredible and honestly is in my top 3 professors that I have ever had of all time. My classmates are amazing and the experience has been life-changing.

I have more to share about the program but for now this "first" of applying for a new graduate degree was absolutely incredible.

So for this first here is my encouragement to you... change the graduate degree. Change the job. Change the circumstance. Sometimes the original "fit" is not the right fit in the long-term. Don't waste the days of your life listening to others... go for your dreams whether they make sense to others or not.

Tips for Creating Your Own First Related to This:

*Is the degree you are pursuing not the right fit? Change your direction and apply for a new degree.

*Take a class at the local community college, university, or even high school. Never stop learning.

*Pursue a new degree or certificate to learn something new.

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a humbling update about courtney the portney

April 13, 2025

First, I apologize for the delayed response to so many of you when I posted the above picture on Wednesday… I have been processing some deep news…

I have sat in this waiting room and sections of this hospital for more than 9 years… and in this specific area there has always been an air of holding one’s breath… what will a scan show? What will the results be? So many questions… and specifically for me Wednesday held some very important appointments that I appreciated your prayers for. It is with gratitude, humility, and tears of joy that an end to a long season is truly coming to an end. I am so grateful to announce that in the upcoming months #courtneytheportney will be removed as she is truly NO longer needed.

Having this port truly saved my life. Having the discussion to have it removed was a beautiful emotional experience filled with so much thanksgiving and gratitude.

To be at this stage of life… is a gift that leaves me speechless… especially when at one point I had doctors from some of the most well known medical clinics/hospitals tell me that there was no hope for life, walking again or eating normally (without a feeding tube)… I am truly grateful every single day.

I KNOW that this can be triggering to some of you walking through battles for yourself and loved ones. I am so sorry if this is anything that causes pain… some of me hesitated to share… I am walking with someone through a very difficult health issue and right now those miracles are not coming yet and it has been incredibly painful…. So if that is you… please know my heart is so sorry for your pain.

I also humbly remember so many of you who have been walking this journey with me for 12 incredibly long years. To each of you who have faithfully prayed over the years, stood by me & my family in this journey, donated to numerous financial go fund me campaigns, to the nurses at UVM - “Courtney” & I weep with gratitude. To the letters, emails, texts, & “just the right” words at the right time, the list is never ending & to each of my doctors and to my main medical team all of y'all - I love you...Dr.J... I am indebted forever for you helping save my life. Thank you.

Thank you for rejoicing in this new season, for your continued prayers for me & my health.

If you are in the midst of a health battle… I hope this encourages you to keep pressing forward… I am cheering you on today!!

"The people who survived the wars have found favor in the desert. The Lord said, "I love you with an everlasting love...once again I will build you up & you will be rebuilt my dear people...once again you will take your tambourines & you will go dancing with happy people...once again you will plant...I will satisfy you with abundance"
//Jeremiah 31//

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friday favorites- april 11

April 11, 2025

Happy Friday friends!! I hope that you have had a lovely and wonderful week! I am so grateful to spend time with each of you in this sweet space every single day. This week has flown by with so many different amazing things. Is it just me or do Spring weeks seem to just fly?

It is hard to believe but I am coming to the end of my first semester in my graduate program. Four more papers and this first semester is done. I have had the best experience... my professor has been absolutely incredible... it has been amazing.

One important thing I wanted to remind everyone was that I am so be sharing all of the firsts that I am doing this year (read the story HERE) now on IG with reels also (click HERE)! If we aren't already connected over on instagram please stop over and say hello! I would love to connect with you in that space! Click HERE!

This weekend is going to be busy and so full before we leave NEXT WEEK for France!!! Ahhh! I literally just did a small scream! We are so excited!! So this Friday Favorites is just going to be simple and short! Happy Friday friends!

Here are the posts from this past week:

A very personal update on the last 7 months which have been very painful and tender...

Gentle Springtime Reflections and Healing

The Year of Firsts...

Day 4: View a Winter Sunrise and Get out of Seasonal Monotony

The Year of Firsts Reels....

Day 4: View a Winter Sunrise and Get out of Seasonal Monotony IG Reel)

Upcoming Travel Collaboration- French River Cruise...

Three Weeks from Today

From the Etsy Store...

HUGE Spring Sale

Thursday Health Thoughts...

15 Amazing Benefits of Ginger

From the Caravan Sonnet Shoppe...

March 2025 Bestsellers from the Caravan Sonnet Shoppe

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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day four // view a winter sunrise and get out of seasonal monotony

April 8, 2025

If you are just starting to read these posts and are wondering why I am doing something as a "first" for each day of the year, you can read more of the story and background HERE.

Day Four// View a Winter Sunrise And Get Out of Seasonal Monotony

Cost: Free

Time: 15-20 Minutes

If you have been around the blog for a little while then you know that I love a summer sunrise. It is not unusual for me to get up extra early to view the beauty in the morning at the cabin and to rest in that beauty.

As I thought about a first for this year though I realized I had never woke up early to see a winter sunrise. Even as an early riser it is unlike me to want to leave the house when it is freezing out in the morning. But as I kept looking out at my window in the morning as I prepared for the day the sunrises looked stunning.

So I picked a morning, got up extra early, and headed out to watch a winter sunrise.

It was freezing y'all. 1 little degree and I had to start giggling that the morning I chose ended up being the coldest morning throughout that entire week.

I drove over to a place where I could see the mountains and the sunrise... and it was chilly... and absolutely stunning. As I sat sipping my hot tea and watching the morning colors brighten the sky I was in awe... and energized.

This was a first that was beautiful, simple, and honestly took a total of about 15 minutes. Sometimes I hear from people when they hear what I am doing this year that they don't have the time to do something like that. They tell me that the time to do something new each day just doesn't work for their schedule. I get it. Life can be incredibly busy, but most of these firsts don't take a lot of time and I hope that can encourage you on your own adventures if you are concerned about that!

For me this first was absolutely invigorating. While I didn't look forward to heading out so early in the cold, I was stunned at the beauty and energized by doing something so simple to start the day off. As the rest of the winter continued I often thought of that morning and the beauty that surrounds us in all different seasons. I found myself slipping out many mornings 15-20 minutes earlier than I use to leave to go to walk, just to see the beauty of winter sunrises. It is something I definitely plan to continue.

This first was a simple but beautiful encouragement to get out of the "seasonal monotony" that I realized I can fall into. Sometimes the best adventures can happen when we try something that "we always do" in one season in a different one.

Tips for Creating Your Own First Related to This:

*Brave the cold and go view a winter sunrise. There is something stunningly beautiful about seeing a sunrise in the winter versus the summer.

*Consider "seasonal monotony items" that can be transferred to a different season for a first. For example do you always only go on vacation during the summer? Plan a trip for the Winter. Always go on a cruise on Spring Break? Try a cruise in the winter.

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gentle springtime reflections and healing

April 7, 2025

Sometimes returning to a place where you once sat in pain shows you the slow and tender healing that is taking place.

Nearly 7 months ago I sat in this parking lot staring at the trees that were basically bare. I had just encountered an incredibly painful situation that had taken place and was stunned and a bit speechless at what had happened.

I sat in the car of the hotel parking lot with tears just slipping down my face, looking out in space. I didn’t even realize that my door was open or someone had approached the car beside me and was trying to get in.

All of a sudden a voice said, “Miss, are you okay?” …

As I started to stammer an apology this kind gentleman started talking a the trees and how they were bare because before the fall leaves could even turn they had fallen off… the weather conditions had affected them so much they just died and fell off… I tried to listen and then something he said started to resonate… he said, “…sometimes that is how life is… it looks like bare due to various conditions and then in time things will start to lightly bloom again…” … he spoke a few more minutes and then he quietly said goodbye and left…

As I stared at the trees I was in so much pain that it was hard to believe that they would bloom again… but on Saturday I stood in that same parking lot and it was full of beauty… and a redemptive moment hit me very tenderly… truly beauty does come from some of the most painful places…

These last 7 months have been very painful, difficult, and filled with some of the most wounding words, actions, and rejection that I could have ever imagined.

It has been hurtful.

It has brought up questions into things that have long past.

February 3rd brought the end of this complicated situation and the start of tear-filled and gentle healing. Healing is still happening and taking place… and gentle hope has filled the last weeks since that day.

I may share more at a later time, but today I just want to encourage those that might be in a very painful bare tree moment… I hope that the dawning of spring is a gentle reminder of hope and a tender reminder to keep taking a step at a time.

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