latest on the blog
Happy Wednesday friends! It is hard to believe that we already at the end of March and we are now looking to April! This year seems to be going so quickly and I often find that I want to just grab onto the days and moments and hold them still!
Today I am so excited to share my book, movie, and TV review with y'all for the last few months! Before I start though- if you have any suggestions for me for April please let me know! I am constantly looking for new ideas so please pass on your suggestions!
Books
So my books for this month were varied and just due to the complexities of these last few months with a lot of caregiving and prep for my college courses I didn't read as much as I typically do - unless you count college textbooks haha... so here we go!
{one} To Fly Again
As we were unpacking some boxes from our move, I came across several books in a box that were in my pile "to someday read". I decided that I was going to actually sit down and read them and this was one of them. Y'all... I found it in January and it took me three months to get through because it was incredible. I actually ended up going slowly through it and using it as a devotional in the mornings because it was that beautiful and inspirational. If you are looking for encouragement during a difficult season of life and are wanting to hear from someone who has been there, I can't recommend this book enough! It is amazing. It is inspirational. And it is tenderly encouraging. You can purchase it HERE.
I am embarrassed to admit that I had started this book years ago and never finished it. I am not sure why, but the story didn't really interest me back in the day, something I am truly embarrassed to admit. After reading "To Fly Again" though I knew I wanted to read this book, and y'all it is amazing. If you haven't read it, you will be challenged by the heroism of so many people and the faith of Gracia Burnham. It is raw and real and it is incredible. I sometimes think that different stories hit you differently at different times in your life. This was one that I am so thankful that I choose to read again because my first attempt was not the right timing in my life but now ... it was so inspirational. You can find it HERE.
{three} Wintering
This book I purchased back in July many years ago and saved it for the winter season. Y'all... unfortunately it wasn't my favorite. *sigh* I hate ever giving a bad review to an author-especially with a book that I feel has an incredible premise and the concept of rest and retreat in our busy world, but I started it in January and then again in February and then in March again. And after forcing myself to read through it this past month...it just wasn't a favorite. I love the idea- I appreciated Katherine's story and could relate to a lot of it for different reasons... and there were some concepts that were good, but I honestly was bored as I read it and found a lot of the ideas and writing to simplistic, and a little out of touch. *sigh* I always want to be honest here, and want to love the book (I mean I am a huge proponent of rest and retreat and this is one of my favorite topics, especially since being sick, but I just can't recommend it. For the record- I am definitely in the minority here- it has a 4.4 star review on Amazon with thousands of reviews, so if you purchase it I would be so curious to hear what you think! (You can find it HERE!) Any thoughts?
Movies & TV
I am going to be honest and say that it has been some busy months but with a lot of recovery time for mom we have watched a bit more TV then usual...
Category: Inspirational
This show. I still don't have adequate words since watching it completely in a week in August 2024. It is soul inspiring in so many different ways and simply amazing. If you haven't watched it... do so now. I have been showing clips for one of my college courses I teach and students have been gripped as well. You will not regret spending these 8 hours of your life being inspired, learning about amazing people who were sacrificing so much to help others, and be encouraged that anyone- can make a difference.
I watched this movie back in 2019 and I am going to say that I truly believe that my original review was biased on a friends thoughts prior to me watching the movie. As a bit of background I should say that I have always wanted to foster/adopt and before I got sick was starting the process to become a foster parent. I think the route to foster care is different for every family - so I think that realistically that was portrayed really well - especially in the group meetings. I laughed a lot because I think that I met "each of these people" in my beginning classes. It is hilarious in general but if you have been through the process you will find it even more funny. I also really loved that they showed the "not so fun side" of things when talking about fostering and the challenges that are unique in doing this...
And I loved it this time y'all... if you are looking at becoming a foster parent as y'all know that I am and are heading in that direction... this true story was incredible. If you are like me and the first time was maybe influenced by someone else's thoughts then I can't encourage you enough to try it again. You can find it HERE!
3. Blue Skies
Y'all there is no word for this show except for adorable and cute and very family friendly. This show has a bit of mystery with it, an adorable dog, and just a sweet cast and it makes for such an enjoyable watch each week. In a world that feels very chaotic and angry this beautiful show with incredibly gorgeous scenery will draw you in and just provide some family friendly entertainment. It is lovely. You can find it HERE!
4. White Collar
I mentioned this in a post in 2022 (you can read more HERE) but it took us almost a year to finish the entire series and ... y'all it was such a great show. It had a mystery to it, it was hilarious, it was so well done and we decided to watch through the series again the last couple of months.
I know. I know. Yes. This came out in 2009. Yes there are some of you are laughing because you are assuming that I just like the show because of the sexy lead man. BUT y'all seriously. This is SO good. A couple of years ago Jacob kept telling me that I needed to watch this. I politely was like, "okay" and ignored it (sorry Jacob *hahaha*). But in 2022 we were looking for something new to watch and this popped up. I thought- wait didn't I hear about this, asked Jacob and then started watching and it is SO.GOOD. Why did I wait so long? I have no idea. Haha. I messaged a lot of "WAIT. Is this person bad?" haha. So if you haven't watched it yes it has a very cute man in it but it is also very very good! *smiles* You can find it on Amazon Prime HERE. Let me know what you think!
5. Amazing Race
I know. I know. Some of you are laughing because we all know how much I love this show. There is not currently a new season, but I love seeing different parts of the world...and mom and I have had to cancel several trips recently so we have enjoyed watching some old seasons we never saw. It is great and if you missed an entire season like I did, you can find a lot of them on Amazon Prime HERE for free.
If you are curious about 8 of my favorite inspirational and binge-worthy shows you can find a post all about them HERE!
If you are curious about other review lists I have done in the past you can find those posts below:
2026 Book, Movie, and TV Reviews
2022 Book, Movie, and TV Reviews
2020 Book, Movie, and TV Reviews
2019 Book, Movie, and TV Reviews
Thank you so much for reading today! What about you- what have you been watching and reading that you would recommend for me for April?
Motorcycling offers a sense of freedom and efficiency that other modes of transport can seldom
match. However, with that exhilaration comes a unique set of vulnerabilities. On British roads,
motorcyclists remain one of the most at-risk groups, often due to their smaller profile in traffic.
This article provides practical guidance to help riders stay safe, covering everything from
protective gear to defensive techniques designed to reduce accidents and improve hazard
awareness.
Conducting Pre-Ride Safety Checks
Safety begins before you even swing a leg over the saddle. A quick "BOLT" check (Brakes, Oil, Lights, Tyres) can prevent mechanical failure mid-journey. Ensure your tyre pressures are
correct for the conditions and check for adequate tread depth: the legal minimum is 1.0mm for
motorcycles over 50cc, though 2.0mm is recommended for better grip in the wet. A seized chain or a blown indicator bulb is more than an inconvenience - it's a significant safety risk.
Choosing the Right Protective Gear
In the event of a spill, your gear is the only thing between you and the tarmac. While a helmet is
a legal requirement (ensure it carries the ECE 22.06 or British Standard Kitemark), the rest of
your kit is just as vital.
Look for CE-approved armour in jackets and trousers. Quality leather or high-end textiles
provide essential abrasion resistance, while sturdy boots and gloves protect the delicate bones in
your extremities.
Staying Visible and Alert
The most common cause of motorcycle accidents in the UK is the "SMIDSY" (Sorry Mate, I Didn't See You) phenomenon at junctions. To combat this, maximise your visibility. Fluorescent
or reflective vests are highly effective, particularly during the grey hours of dawn and dusk.
Position yourself on the road where you are most likely to be seen by oncoming traffic and avoid
staying in the blind spots of HGVs and buses.
Defensive Riding Techniques
Defensive riding is the art of anticipating others; mistakes. According to guidance from
organisations such as RoSPA, riders should always leave a "safety bubble" around their bikes.
Treat every side road as a potential hazard and watch the front wheels of stationary cars for signs
of movement. By maintaining a two-second gap in dry conditions (and doubling it in the wet),
you give yourself the crucial time needed to react to sudden braking.
Knowing Your Rights and Support Options After an Accident
Despite every precaution, accidents can still happen due to the negligence of other road users. If
you are involved in an incident that wasn't your fault, it's important to understand the avenues
available for recovery and rehabilitation.
Seeking professional advice on motorcycle accident claims can help you secure the support
needed for bike repairs, medical expenses, and loss of earnings.
Handling Different Weather and Road Conditions
British weather is notoriously unpredictable. Rain not only reduces visibility but also
significantly decreases tyre traction and increases braking distances. Be particularly wary of
diesel spills at roundabouts and oily patches that rise to the surface during the first rain after a
dry spell.
When facing high winds or surface water, keep your inputs smooth: jerky throttle or brake
movements are more likely to cause a loss of control.
*contributed post*
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.jpg "Remember Some of Your Favorite Days")
Happy Tuesday friends! Last night on IG I shared a tender encouragement to remember...Before you read anymore here, I would be honored if you would please head on over to watch, comment, and like the less than 15 second reel by clicking HERE!
I understand that in the world we live in and the constant reels and pictures it may not seem like a lot, but to me this means so much more than you realize. Every view, like, comment, and share on a reel truly matters more than most people realize. Instagram quietly uses those small signals to decide whether a post should be shown to more people. When you watch, tap the heart, or leave a thoughtful comment, you’re helping the story reach someone else who might need to hear it too. For a small content creator like me, those simple moments of encouragement from this community make a real difference and help Caravan Sonnet continue to grow in the Instagram space. So please take just a quick moment to click HERE to do this! .
Thank you.
One of the most empowering features of the modern internet is just
how widespread it is. The fact that we can now access it from just about
anywhere on the planet means that we can set up an office in whatever part of
the world we might happen to be visiting.
You might think of a digital nomad, setting up a laptop beside a
hotel swimming pool. Or, you might think of a caravan or motorhome being used
to haul an office to a remote location.
Let’s take a look at a few sensible precautions that might be taken
by remote-working caravan owners.
You
can’t hope to remain productive if your office space isn’t suitably set up. It
should insulate you from distraction, while still allowing plenty of natural
light into the space. Comfort and focus are both essential, depending on the
kind of work that you’re going to be doing.
Being
able to access the internet is similarly essential. You might seek out Wi-Fi
networks – but a better approach is often to install
your own satellite-based connection.
That way, you can fully leverage the freedom that comes with this form of
travel.
If
you know when you’re going to be working, then you can more easily arrange the
rest of your day. For example, you might know that you have a deadline for a
batch of work due at midday, and a Zoom meeting with clients earlier in the
day.
Once
you understand this, you can set the afternoon aside for any adventures you’d
like to have outdoors.
Certain
applications and tools can make a big difference to remote workers. You might
seek out a timer and a good laptop to keep yourself focused and productive.
Specialist professionals might benefit from more specialized software.
In
some instances, logging on to a public Wi-Fi network is more or less
unavoidable. Should you find yourself in this situation, you’ll
want to take the right precautions.
Make sure that you don’t access sensitive services, or submit sensitive data. Install
a good VPN
application, so that you can enjoy encrypted access to the internet, from
wherever you might be.
If
you’re considering working from a caravan for months, or even years, then
you’ll want to make the most of every day on the road. Make sure that you
invest where necessary in improving and maintaining your work environment. But
leave some time and money to one side for life-enhancing experiences.
You
might find that, by investing a few hours each day on hiking, you become better
able to focus when the time comes to get some work done!
*contributed post*
Sustainable travel is often depicted as a
series of grand gestures, such as choosing a long-distance rail journey over a
flight or staying at a remote eco-lodge. However, for many Brits in 2026, the
shift towards travel for good begins long before they reach the airport or
station.
Small, thoughtful habits developed at home
can significantly reduce waste and make every trip more meaningful, proving
that a lighter footprint starts in your own spare room.
Choose What You Already Own
The most sustainable piece of travel gear is
the one you already have. There's a quiet power in sticking with your trusty
old rucksack or weathered cabin bag. If it isn't broken, don't replace it. If
you do need something specific (like a high-capacity trekking pack), consider
borrowing from a friend or checking local community-sharing apps.
By resisting the urge to buy new, you help
reduce demand for carbon-intensive manufacturing and keep perfectly functional
gear out of landfills.
Pack Reusables
One of the simplest ways to tackle plastic
pollution is to pack a zero-waste kit. A sturdy, insulated water bottle is a
must. Many UK and European airports now offer clearly
marked refill stations, allowing you to bypass the
overpriced single-use bottles in the departures lounge.
Similarly, tucking a lightweight set of
bamboo utensils or a reusable coffee cup into your carry-on means you can enjoy
street food or a morning latte without contributing to the mountain of
disposable waste generated by the tourism industry.
Create a Simple Wardrobe
A sustainable holiday wardrobe is built on
the principle of quality over quantity. Instead of buying a new fast fashion
holiday haul, curate a capsule collection of versatile pieces you already love.
To give these outfits a fresh feel for your
travels, focus on accessories that carry a story. Choosing second-hand
jewellery is an excellent way to elevate your look
without the environmental cost of new mining. A vintage gold chain or a silver
charm acts as a lightweight, sustainable accessory that won't weigh down your
luggage but will certainly add a touch of character to your evening attire.
Prepare Eco-Friendly Toiletries
The era of tiny plastic hotel bottles is
thankfully coming to an end, but you can go a step further by rethinking your
washbag. Solid shampoo and soap
bars are game-changers for the eco-conscious
traveller. Not only are they typically packaging-free, but they also won't leak
in your bag and don't count towards your liquid allowance at security.
For products you can't find in solid form,
invest in high-quality refillable silicone containers that you can top up from
your full-sized bottles at home.
*contributed post*
There are a lot of things you might want to get out of a travel experience, but the option to be as calm as possible might well be up there. This is something that you are likely to be able to achieve if you know how to plan the trip itself in the right way. In this post, we are going to discuss some of the things you can do to craft a trip that will help you to feel calm, relaxed, and to enjoy it for what it is as much as possible.Image - CCO License
Image - CCO LicenseChoosing A Place
The first decision is where to go, but more importantly, how that place feels. Some environments hum with a constant, low-level urgency: cities, transport hubs, tourist-heavy destinations. They can be exciting, but they rarely allow the nervous system to soften. Instead, look for places where time appears to stretch. Lakesides, forests, quiet coastal villages, and rolling countryside tend to offer this naturally. These spaces don’t demand your attention; they receive it. There’s a subtle but important difference.
Letting The Journey Be Part Of The Calm
It’s easy to treat travel as something to endure in order to reach the destination, but that mindset quietly undermines the whole experience. If the journey itself is frantic, tight connections, delays, rushing through crowds, you arrive already carrying tension. Instead, build in space. Choose routes that feel less compressed, even if they take a little longer. Sit by a window. Watch landscapes change. Let yourself arrive gradually, not abruptly. If you’re traveling by car, resist the urge to treat it like a race. Stop when something catches your eye. A viewpoint, a small café, a quiet field. These pauses become part of the trip’s texture, softening the sense of urgency that modern travel often imposes.
Finding Gentle Ways To Spend Your Time
Calm doesn’t come from doing nothing at all, but from doing things that don’t fracture your attention. The goal isn’t inactivity; it’s coherence. If you’re near water, consider spending time on it, not in a high-energy, adrenaline-driven way, but something slower. Drifting across a lake in a small craft, for example, can be surprisingly meditative. Even something like Sylvan boats, designed for gentle, scenic movement rather than speed, allow you to experience the environment from a different angle.
Being Intentional With Technology
One of the biggest barriers to calm is the quiet intrusion of digital life. Even on holiday, it’s easy to remain half-connected to everything you’ve supposedly stepped away from. You don’t have to cut yourself off completely, but setting boundaries makes a noticeable difference. Decide when you’ll check your phone, rather than doing it reflexively. Leave it behind when you go for a walk. Turn off non-essential notifications. There’s a subtle shift that happens when you’re no longer waiting for something to happen on a screen. Your awareness turns outward again. You notice more. And that, in itself, is calming.
*contributed post*
five star rated personal finance full year holiday unit bundle // caravan sonnet shoppe at teachers pay teachers
March 21, 2026
Happy Saturday friends! I am so excited to share with y'all the updated 5 STAR rated Personal Finance Unit Bundle that is available in the caravan sonnet shoppe at teachers pay teachers!
If you would like to go directly to this resource you can click HERE!
Bring meaningful, real-world financial literacy into your classroom with this engaging Holiday Personal Finance Unit Bundle, designed specifically for high school and college students. Centered around spring and Easter themes, this bundle helps students explore how money decisions show up in everyday life—especially during the holidays.
This resource goes beyond theory and invites students into practical, applicable conversations about spending, saving, and financial priorities, using a familiar and relatable context: holiday celebrations.
Students will explore concepts like budgeting for meals, cost-saving strategies, and thoughtful financial decision-making—all through visually engaging, easy-to-use lessons.
What’s Included:
* Multiple PowerPoint lessons with colorful, engaging, and editable slides
* Guided Notes (multiple formats to fit your teaching style)
* Answer Keys for easy grading and support
* Holiday-themed financial literacy activities centered on different holidays throughout the year and spending
* Real-world strategies such as saving money on holiday meals, events, and more!
38 HOLIDAY/SEASONAL NO PREP POWERPOINTS, LESSONS, AND ACTIVITIES INCLUDED:
August:
National NonProfit Day Powerpoint (5 STAR RATED)
September:
October:
November:
November and December:
December:
January:
February:
March:
March and April
April
May
coming soon
Summer
Additional Travel Budget Powerpoint and Worksheets
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 465, presentation powerpoint presentation pages/slides, guided notes, escape room (1), lesson plans for equal pay day (3 pages), cases,/PDFs/Word Document Assignment/Classroom Activities and Keys (467 to be exact)!! you will be ready to have a foundation to teach all the different holiday saving tips in your personal finance class!
Thank you again so much for a wonderful March so far 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! Have a wonderful rest of your weekend!
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