5 Ideas and Tips To Save You Time and Stress When Moving

Moving soon? Here are 5 ideas to save you time and stress when moving!

Starting over in a new place can be exciting, but the moving part is almost universally despised. Between actually finding a new place, packing up stuff and actually moving it, the process can be overwhelming. But it doesn't have to be! I've had at least 6 personal moves in my adult life (plus packing up to consolidate and store a 4 bedroom house when we moved into the RV), so I've learned a lot about turning a move from painful to promising. Here are five moving ideas and tips to make your next move less stressful.

(Sponsored post: all thoughts are my own.)  

1.Have A Plan For Your Move

Think of moving as a big project. The more prepared you are, the smoother the project will go.

5 on Friday and June Amazon Finds

Happy Friday Friends! 

I hope the week has been good to you! We have been busy over here, but excited for a break soon when we head to Tennessee for the 4th of July. I am looking forward to some time away with Babe, a 10 hour road-trip (no, there is no sarcasm in there), mountain-air and time with family! Until then though, here are some of the thing I have been loving in June... 

{ONE} WOVEN IN MOONLIGHT BOOK CLUB AWESOMENESS 

I am in a wonderful book club with some amazing ladies! We are truly a hodgepodge group of this person knew this person and somehow we became a group that just seems to gel really well. I feel like that doesn't always work out that easily, but I am so thankful this one did. I treasure each night with them, but this book club was extra special. Not only did we call get fairy hair in honor of our book club pick for the month (The Cruel Prince), but our own sweet Isabel is officially an author!! Her book WOVEN IN MOONLIGHT will be released on January 7th, 2020, but her ARC copies have come in so we got to see her book in the flesh. Seeing all her hard work displayed on printed pages was so awesome! I can remember when she first started pitching her book around 2 years ago. I never knew it could be such a long process to go from acquisition to print and she has poured her heart into every piece of it; she even got to use her design background to illustrate the cover and it is pure magic.

Source: Isabel's Instagram {she will be hosting ARC giveaways; so be sure to follow her}

March Currently

January seemed to last a year, 

February flew by; 

Well, I guess it's HELLO MARCH! 

I'm joining in with Anne for another Currently link up; here's a peek at what things look like for us currently... 

{Scheming} To get my niece on both Tower of Terror and Rock N' Roller Coaster! Babe and I have been trying to get FastPasses for Rock N' Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios MGM and I finally booked them two weeks out. I also booked some for my niece as well, knowing it could be risky. I called her a few nights ago to let her know we were going and that I already had FastPasses booked. I gave her the ultimate Disney ultimatum; she could either go with us, but had to be willing to go on the rides I had already booked OR wait this one out and not go this time around. Being her smart almost-8-year-old self, she asked, "what are they?" So I told her one of the rides is basically and elevator with a bit of a drop and that the other was a roller coaster. I know, I know; I might have undersold Tower of Terror by not telling her the name and saying it only had a slight drop, but she didn't even bat an eyelash at it. Rock N' Roller Coaster however she had a bit of an issue with, as her response was "well, I'm not so sure about the roller coaster." I stuck to my guns and told her that was fine, if she didn't want to do the coaster she could just come with us next time. She thought about it for a minute and said, "I guess I will come!" So we head out to tackle them tomorrow! Who thinks we will be able to make it happen? And who thinks they will be wasted FastPasses?! It's really any ones guess! Thankfully the third is Toy Story Mania; so that will hopefully be the buffer that keeps us in the game! 

{Reading} I just finished The Silent Patient for book club; so good!! I usually pride myself on being able to guess what's going to happen in books, but this one had so many good plot twists it was hard to really know what the ending was going to be. I was shocked, in a good way! It was an edgy, suspenseful novel about a woman who is believed to have murdered her husband and then stops speaking- for 6 years. When a new doctor comes in to take over her care he tries to unearth what has kept her silent all these years. As he tries to unravel her story you find yourself right there with him and beginning to wonder if everything really is as it seems... 

I just started The Orphan's Tale and am already enveloped in the story. I usually don't like a lot of history fiction, but I can't put it down. Following the storyline of two different woman around WWII I am only a few chapters in and already so invested in each character and so curious to see how they will intertwine in the end. 

{Buying} All the Disney tees!! Now that we have annual passes again I want all the new cute shirts.

{Making} A lot of to-do lists! We are forging ahead with projects with Crimson House and the to-do lists seem never ending, but we are inching closer and closer to being able to open. Wish us luck!

{Accomplishing} Laundry?! Can that count? Even if I still have a whole basket full of dirty clothes?... Honestly, one of the most frustrating things with opening a business is feeling like you aren't getting a lot accomplished. I know in reality that isn't true and we have come a long way, but it seems like one step forward and two back right now. Anyways, I am counting eating breakfast and getting a load of towels done as stellar accomplishments right now... sometimes it really is the little things!

What does life look like for you currently?! 

Friday Favorites and a #BOOKWORM GIVEAWAY!

Hey there FRIYAY!!

This week has been all kinds of crazy, so I am super stoked the weekend is here!! 

I plan to soak up as much vitamin D {and vitamin sea} as possible! 

Before I unplug for the weekend it's time for a little Friday Favorites fun!! 

ONE || I am still seven different kinds of in love with this suit! For the longest time I wouldn't wear a one piece {to me it was the ultimate sign of over 30}, but this suit is so fun and chic that I honestly feel younger in it! Also, one piece suits are so much easier for frolicking in the ocean with my nieces and nephews; which is the main reason I first decided a one piece was needed, so that my bottoms didn't accidentally get pulled off by little feet... again! 

TWO || Speaking of nieces and nephews... my dad has one of my nieces this weekend, while her mama is on a cruise (#jealous), and I am so excited to spend time with both of them! We had my littlest niece here a few weekend ago and the time with her was just the best. She lives the furthest away and is the one we get to see the least, so it was just a really sweet time having her here to snuggle!! 

THREE || Things are moving along with Crimson House! The floors are almost done being refinished as I type this and we are so excited to see how it will all come together. We are hoping to be able to set a soft opening soon; nothing definite right now, but fingers crossed!! 

FOUR || Y'all!! Have you read Into the Water?! It is soooo good!! I have had the hardest time putting it down. I had never read Girl on the Train, so I didn't know much about Paula Hawkins or her writing style. If you enjoy Ruth Ware's books I really think you will like Paula Hawkins too! I am so close to the end and am really hoping I can still say I love Into the Water after once I am finish. Anyone else hate when a great book has a terrible ending and you are sitting there horrified and wanting the last week of your reading life back?! I really don't see that happening with this one, but you never know... 

If you haven't read it yet, I am giving away my copy to one of you!! Share the love, right?! Join below! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway That's it for now, what are some of your favorites from this week?! 
Any good reads to recommend?! 

5 on Friday: Beat the Summer Heat

Happy Friday!!

Yesterday was the first official day of SUMMER!! 

My Florida heart is definitely a summer-lover. 

The warmth, the sunshine, the toes-in-the-sand, flamingo-in-the-sea fun of it all...

It's like music to my soul. 

But we all know, summer is also HOT! 

We are currently in Idaho, where the weather is cool; after being in cooler climates recently I know the wave of heat will hit hard when we eventually roll back into Florida, but I am already well-prepared and looking forward to finding all the glorious ways to beat the summer heat! 

{ONE || New Suits} 

Suit Pictured || Similar Black Floral Print  

I am the worst at hoarding suits. I think I just threw out one that I have had since high school. Anyways, I was determined to get a few new suits this year and wanted at least one to be a one-piece. I am also on a budget, so didn't want to pay anymore than $15 per suit. So when I saw Christina share a one-piece bathing suit she found on Amazon for just $10 I knew I had to order one. I loved her white palm frond print, but white around me just doesn't stay shiny long. So I went for the black floral print instead. While on that page it led me to another similar suit, which was just as cute! I won't be able to try them on until we get back to Florida (since that is where I am currently still shipping everything), so here's to hoping they fit as well as she said hers did! 

{TWO || Strong SPF} 

If the high-school me could see the way the 30 year old me applies sunscreen I am sure her eyes would pop right out of her head! When I was younger I would lather on the SPF 4, save the SPF 15 for my face, and call it a day. I was all about that tan! These days I am all about living the wrinkle-free (or at least that "fight getting more wrinkles") life. If only someone would have told my younger self that she was causing these "wrinkle things" with that tan! Now I am all about some good, STRONG sun protection. However, sunscreen has a way of drying out my skin; which is why I am LOVING Hydro Boost gel lotion from Neutrogena. It keeps me protected, with the added benefits of helioplex, while also giving my skin the hydration it needs to not dry out. Here's to some happy, healthy sunning! 

{THREE || Solid A.C.} 
Y'all! Our poor camper, she had been in dire need of a new A.C. and we didn't even know! We spent the winter without turning on the A.C. once; which would have been unheard of had we still been in Florida. It wasn't until we hit Arizona, well into the spring, that we realized something was wrong with the A.C. The fan would blow, but no cold air would come out. It was manageable for a while, since it still cooled down at night. But after a few sleepless nights in Utah we realized something had to be done. With RV air conditioning units it costs just as much, and in this case, a whole not more to fix or recharge them then it does to just get a new one. Babe was determined to tackle the project on his own to save us the cost and give himself a project. We found a compatible A.C. unit on Amazon and he set to work. I think Mr. Fix-It did pretty dang well! Yay for cool air! 

{FOUR || Yummy Hydration} 
Anyone else terrible about drinking water?! If only my poolside sangria counted as hydration! I am so bad about staying hydrated and my body pays for it (hence the dry skin). Well, I have discovered a love for coconut water and it has made ALL THE DIFFERENCE! I down that stuff like, well, water... not only is it super hydrating it also encourages me to drink regular water, because I will usually make a little "water cocktail" to stretch the coconut water. I started off drinking the VitaCoco flavored with pineapple, as I didn't always love the taste of coconut. VitaCoco was the only kind I could drink for a while, now I don't discriminate and I am a purest. Just coconut water, no flavors. I will fill my cup with half coconut water, half regular water, and usually add a frozen strawberry to the mix to enjoy as a little snack to reward myself for finishing my water. I am alllll about some #treatyoself! Another fun mix in: fresh basil and lime! It may or may not also make a yummy addition to mixed drinks ("I'm gunna rehydrate, while I dehydrate")! 


{FIVE || Splish Splash} 

We are heading back east in the next few weeks, so I know the temps are only going to rise! Which is why I plan to find any body of water I can and spend as much time as possible soaking in the gloriousness that is all things blue! We have loved exploring the US (the midland mountains, the beauty of the west coast, and now the northern greens), but I never realized how much I would long for a body of water that I could actually get into. So far everywhere we have been has water to cold to immerse yourself into. It's almost been a tease! It looks so inviting, but one toe in and we're talking popsicles. East coast, I'm coming for you! 

Are you just as excited as I am that summer is here?! 

How do you plan to beat the heat?! 

Let me know in the comments! 

**Disclaimer: A portion of this post was sponsored by BrandBacker and I received free product in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are entirely my own. 

June Currently and Kindle Unlimited Recommendations

June, Y'all!! 

How is it already June?!

We have been on the road 7 months now and that thought is blowing my mind! 

Linking up with Anne for some June Currently fun today!

{Traveling} Up the Pacific North Coast!! We have finally made it clear across the US of A. We started in Orlando, FL and made it to the California coast on Memorial Day; which I found pretty fitting since I have spent almost every Memorial Day on the beach (granted on the east coast), with my toes in the sand. After being land locked for over 6 months it was definitely good for my lungs to breathe in that salty air! We made it to Oregon last week and head up into Washington tomorrow. Hoping to make it to Seattle midweek. Stealing a ton of ideas from Amanda's trip, but would love to know your Seattle faves if you have been! What do we need to see?! 

Can you Hike The Narrows in Chacos? Zion National Park, St. George KOA and Other Life Tidbits

We may have some changes coming our way (more on that soon), but for now we are spending a little less time on the blog and RoadTalk videos and more time soaking in all of the road life that we can. I had all these huge plans to share new videos from our time in Zion and the Grand Canyon (basically the same thing I said last week lol), but those will have to wait for another time! Instead here's a little peek at life lately: including our time in Zion and hiking The Narrows in Chacos. Yes, it can be done!

Instead I figured I would share just a little peek at what life has looked like lately; so here's a little 5 on Friday fun! 

One || Grand Canyon

We got SUPER lucky with this one! When we were on the eastern side of the US we were having no issues finding spots to park. Even if one campground happened to be booked (which wasn't often), there would be another not far away that had availability. NOT the case with the western half of the US of A! To stay even near the Grand Canyon (on the outskirts) meant still being a good bit away from the canyon itself. We really wanted to stay in the heart of the park! We had a window of three days that were open on the website and within the amount of time it took us to verify that those days worked for our schedule (and check to see if we would be able to get a cell signal strong enough the teach from) they were gone. We tried calling; no luck. We waited a day and, miracles-of-miracles, we were able to secure two days at one price and then a third day (in a row), that had to be booked separately at a different price. It was a lot of work to get us there, but boy did it pan out?! The Grand Canyon truly is GRAND!! We had been out west for a while once we planned this and were thinking, "will it really be that much more grand then the canyons and cliffs we have been seeing?!" IT WAS!! 

Related Post: Tips for Booking Grand Canyon RV Sites Last Minute

Life's Sweet Journey Life Lately

Happy February friends!

Hoping all is well in your world! 

It's the beginning of a new month, and we've been a little quiet on the blog, so I figured it's the perfect time for a little "Life Currently" update. Here is what February is currently looking like for us... 

{Finishing} We just finished our new Road Talk Tuesday video and it is now live over on YouTube. We have had a few questions about what we do on the road, so we answered those questions this week. We both teach English online, while we work on hopefully growing this space into part of our income on the road. Head over to YouTube to catch the new video and subscribe! 

{Subscribing} Now that we are spending so much time in the car we are trying to jump on the Podcast Train! We really haven't listened to very many and are trying to find some that we can enjoy together! We have been listening to other travel couples share their stories on To the Nations Worldwide podcast and are excited to be one of the couples on there soon!Share your faves! What podcasts should we be subscribing to?

October Currently and a Look at our Chaotic Life!

Can you believe it's already October?! 

Linking up today with Anne in Residence for a little peek into our world right now- welcome to the chaos! 

{Styling} I am honestly not much of a stylist, but I am currently trying to plan my wardrobe choices for, oh, just the next full year! Trying to go from two full size closets down to half a closet in an RV is not easy. I may mostly wear tank tops and blue jean shorts, but we are planning to spend the first three months on the road at a ski resort, so I have to plan for all types of weather, but VERY minimally! At least it's finally made me throw away shirts I have been hanging onto since high school! Any body out there a capsule wardrober?! I welcome any and all advice!! 

{Saving} Only the most important items! God Love my sis-in-law! She spent her entire day yesterday (after work nonetheless) helping me organize my house into boxes. I am NOT adept at any kind of cleaning organizing purging grown-up life skills. She helped me prioritize what we will need in the camper, what we should save for sentimental value (thanks mom and dad for being our storage unit for the next who-knows-how-long), and what had to go. Thankfully she's not afraid to say "girl! No way in H'ail you are keeping this?! What do you need this for and when did you last use it?!" She told me I couldn't even bring my $h!z bowl (as she appropriately named it; even if it was made by me and signed by our wedding guests), that I use to hide crap I might want, but really don't need.  

{Searching} For a new home aka home-on-wheels! We finally purchases a new-to-us truck this weekend... meet Rodger the Dodger! Now, all we need to do is find a pretty little rolling home to hitch up behind "him" (though I keep saying she, so Rodger might be a girl) and we will be ready to roll out come the first December.

{Picking} Nothing right now, but on Monday I will be picking a winner for the first giveaway I am hosting in the month of adventure themed giveaways I have planned! For this giveaway I have partnered with Moon Guides, a beautiful travel guidebook company, to offer a choice of any travel guide and an 'Adventure Fuel' coffee mug to one winner. Head over to Instagram to enter! There will be a new giveaway that goes live every Wednesday!

{Making} Tons and tons of coffee!! Thankfully I just got a shipment of some yummy Aloha vanilla protein powder to try. I add protein powder to my morning coffee- hello Bulletproof coffee!- and have been itching to try it with a vanilla flavor. The chocolate I had was good, but this is even better! Plus, Aloha is a plant-based protein powder with no added ickiness, so I feel good about what I am putting in my body. If you have never tried protein powder in your coffee, you need to!! Here's what I do: 

My Bulletproof Coffee Recipe

Step 1- Make a fresh pot of coffee (I have been LOVING Lavazza Espresso Roast)

Step 2- Pour coffee into a blender (I use my Ninja)

Step 3- Add 1 tbsp protein powder, 1 tbsp Bulletproof oil (can use coconut oil), a small scoop of unsalted grass fed butter, and a little almond milk (ghee can be used instead of butter)

Step 4- Blend to frothy goodness!

Step 5- Pour into your favorite mug and enjoy!!

I'm not sure how or why it works (I read the science on it somewhere), but I the butter has to be grass fed or you defeat the purpose of adding healthy fats to your coffee. I think it was something about having your body kickstart itself into burning fats. Anyways, I feel like it keeps me full and focused longer than a regular cup of coffee. Even if it's all in my head, I'm going with it!

And now I'm off to drink more coffee and pack more things... 

What is going on in your world this October?! 

September Currently and Fall Giveaway Fun!

Happy Friday All! 

Hope life is going well in your neck of the woods! 

We are rushing around like chickens with our heads cut off over here, but why not take a minute to share a little Fun on Friday with a September Currently?! 

I'm typically one for procrastination anyways! 

Here's a peek at 5 things going on in our little slice of life right now...

{Celebrating} A bunch of new changes come our way! We have been working on getting on the road full-time for a while now. If we are being precise- Me for like three years; Babe for about the last 6 months. Don't want to drop any OFFICIAL news yet, because plans can fall through, but stuff is getting real y'all! Real exciting and real nerve-inducing! 

Do you want to be celebrating too?! Head over to Instagram to enter in my Fall 'Adventure Fuel' giveaway! You could win a Sweet Journey Shop mug and a $10 gift card to Starbucks... yay, PSL!! 

{Watching} FRIENDS... again and again and again! We just finished it for about the 15th time and what did I do?! Started over, of course! We are also introducing my niece to the wonders of Harry Potter, so every time she is over we watch the next one. Last night was number 5! Though she might be a little young she keeps asking to watch them and I really don't know how to say no to her (or to watching HP)! 

{Welcoming} Whatever comes our way! 

{Preparing} OH IRMA! We are currently smack-dab in the middle of Irma's path. Being born and raised in Florida we don't typically sweat a hurricane. This one however seems to have everyone on edge. Good thing I had just gotten my Vita Coco shipment from Amazon, because the stores are completely out of water. We will be filling the bathtub tomorrow, stocking the freezer with ice trays and brewing tons of coffee to add to the fridge... because priorities! Don't worry, we already had plenty of vino! 

{Photographing} Really, I am working on uploading photos. I was in Africa for 10 days, for a vision trip. Our team was visiting a wonderful couple, who are missionaries in Kenya. We met with local churches in a community called Ngando, participated in Bible Clubs with sweet kiddos, and fellowshipped with local women who were taking literacy and English classes. It was such a sweet experience! We also got to go on Safari! Needless to say, my memory card is full! 

Cheers to the weekend (even if it does look rainy)!!

What does your September look like currently?! 

Hello July

How is it already July?! 

I can not believe that we are halfway through 2017. 

I took a week off between jobs (find out more in my last post), but am now back at it. Taking a vacation is great, but I always feel like there is so much to catch up on after. I am really working on trying to take it slower though and not feel so rushed to get the 'to-do list' completed. It's a glorious feeling to give yourself space to determine your own pace! So, I am not going to jump back in with a full-length travel post just yet; instead I am joining Anne for a July Currently post. 

Here is what is happening in my life right now... 

~Documenting~ All the adventures! We spent the last week traveling between Tennessee and North Carolina, visiting friends and family. I have done so much documenting that my phone is filled to the brim and I had to start deleting apps so that I could take more pictures of all the fun. Looks like it might be time for a new phone (boo), because I am in desperate need of more storage space! 

~Accomplishing~ My 'to-do list'; slowly, but surely! I actually stink (real bad!) at being organized with my time. This is the first year I have actually even utilized a planner and, while it is still a huge learning process, I feel like it has made a huge difference. So I am spending the morning filling in my planner for the next two weeks and then it will be time to tackle the things I said I would do! If you are a newbie to the planner world, this one has been super helpful. 

~Enjoying~ A quite morning on the porch, with my coffee and a beautiful view, to ease back into the work grind! I am still away for the next two weeks, but will be working remotely. I am loving being able to set up anywhere and enjoy a gorgeous view and fresh mountain air while I work! 

~Reading~ All the things!! We road tripped up, and will be doing the same to get back home, which I love because it means I stock up on books and read to my hearts content. My current list includes the two books we are reading for book club (Small Great Things and The Orphan Keeper) and In a Dark, Dark Wood. After I finish Small Great Things my plan is to read In a Dark, Dark Wood, because it's been a quick minute since I have read a spookier book and I think it will break up some of the heart-heavy content that is in Small Great Things and The Orphan Keeper. What are you reading? Anything I need to add to my list?  

~Spending~ Too much money!! I just had to buy a new computer, as I had been using my work computer for personal use as well. Leaving my old job meant leaving that computer behind. I am loving my new one, but will be trying to NOT spend very much this next month, because computers are just dang expensive!! Here's to seeing if I can keep myself from eating out in July! Have you ever tried a 'no-spend' month?! I am so curious! Any tips?! 

Hope your July is off to a wonderful start!! 

What's going on in your world currently?! 

DC Planning and a FriYAY Giveaway!

Happy FriYAY!

We made it! In just a few short hours the weekend will officially begin! 

I figured I would kick off the celebrating with some 5 on Friday fun! 

* Why not start it all off with some GIVEAWAY happiness! There is one day left to enter the 'Adventure Fuel' Giveaway that I am hosting, over on Instagram. Head over and share your upcoming adventure plans with me to be entered to win this mug and a $10 Dunkin gift card! 

* We are planning a trip to DC the first weekend of June. Babe has to go for work and this is the first time that I will be getting to tack on the weekend before and go with! He has gone just about once a year for the last 7 years, so to say I'm excited is an understatement. We have a few things on our list of "to-dos": brunch at the W, strolling the National Mall, maybe a trip to see the pandas, a visit to the post office museum aka "hello PostSecret exhibit", but that's about it so far. We haven't really begun planning, those are just on my list. Anything we need to add when we sit down to really talk it through?! Any favorite spots for lunch or coffee stops we need to hit to keep us fueled?! We will be there less than 48 hours so we will be trying to pack in a lot! 

* I recently started a new job, teaching English to kids in China, through VIPKID. I am still working at the church currently and also nannying, but this is a huge step to maybe getting us on the road. The great thing is, I can work anywhere there is wifi! I can also set my own schedule (for the most part- because of the time difference I can only work mornings and evenings) and work as little, or as much, as I want. I have been having a lot of fun with it!! If you enjoy working with kids and are interested in finding a legitimate work from home opportunity, VIPKID is currently hiring. It is 30 minute classes, one-on-one with a student, and the curriculum is all preset and provided. If you use my referral link you will get a sign-on bonus if you get hired. I do have an education background, but it is not required. If you do have one it will just help you to start at a higher hourly rate, but I am pretty sure that the least you will start out at is $15/hr. If you have any questions you are welcome to email me! 

* This weekend is going to be cray! Seriously, our weekend is jam-packed starting tonight and going forward through Sunday. It's all good things, but I am sure by Sunday night my feet are going to be praying for reprieve. We are heading to St. Cloud tonight for some time with my bro/sis-in-law, tomorrow we have my nieces dress rehearsal, tomorrow night we have a fundraiser event for Agua Viva Serves (want to big on auction items? Check them out here), I work Sunday morning (not typical), then have a meeting for a team I am leading to Kenya at the end of the Summer (YAY KENYA), then it's back to work again for our evening services! Around 9pm Sunday I will be able to kick my piggies up again. It will be a whirlwind of a weekend, but I am not sad about it in the least! So many good things, with so many great people!! 

* I am still loving Chasing Slow as my morning devotional! Seriously, this girl speaks right to my soul! It may be that it's also been a really long time since I have done any kind of morning quiet-time routine and just needed it, or that I typically have a hard time with anything non-fiction, but I am just completely engrossed! Any books you are loving lately?! 

That's about it for my Friday! 

What's going on in your world?! 

FriYAY Fun! Life Lately!

HAPPY FriYAY!!

I feel like Friday has become post day for me, but hey, what can I say?! I LOVE Friday! So why not share that with the world! I'm joining in for some more 5 on Friday fun with a little peek at my world recently... 

1.) My bestie left and moved to another state and I am sad, sad, but we did get some good quality time in before she left with a stay at Disney's Swan and Dolphin. Staying there had been on my Disney bucket list, because it had been one of my grandparent's favorite resorts, not to mention one of Disney's original hotels. Though now managed through Marriott, it was still a magical Disney evening! We dined, we lounged and we soaked up every last bit of fun together that we could! 

2.) Next weekend we head towards the Florida Panhandle for a stay at Torreya State Park. We had originally planned it for last weekend, when I didn't have to work Sunday, but had to switch to this weekend. We will have a little bit of a shorter window, as we will have to leave early on Sunday for me to make it back in time, but looking forward to journeying a little further from home. Any North Florida tips on things we should do? 

3.) I have been reading Chasing Slow recently and y'all?! You NEED to read this. So, so good! I usually have a really hard time getting through anything non-fiction. I grab a devotional or inspirational, self-helpie book with the best of intentions, then I get maybe a couple pages in and can go no further. They just can't keep my interest. Chasing Slow though?! Totally different story. Maybe it's because I feel like she is speaking my kind of language; speaking about a found love for less, talking to my heart about the letting go of the fast, rat-raced "American Dream" for a slower, life-lived journey. Maybe it's her story-like, laid back writing style, but whatever it is, I can't get enough. If you find me quoting strange things soon, that's what it's from... "The thing about the American dream, about marital bliss, about any rewarding pursuit in this world, is this: it isn't a given. It's a gift. When you forget this, when you forget to handle this gift with care, you will see that the American dream isn't a dream at all. It is a nightmare, and you have been thrashing through it, your twisted sheets a noose. And you question whether you can live with the snooze button." 

"We are young and a little dumb. Mostly, we are just young enough to think we aren't dumb at all." 

"Sometimes the most holy thing we can do is to be still. To sit down and twirl the fork and eat the pasta we're given." 

Seriously you guys?! This book (on sale on Amazon right now) is a must for any of those looking to slow down and wondering if less really is more... spoiler alert: it is!! 

4.) I tried Bulletproof coffee recently and let me just say, "game changer!" I started with just the basics: grass-fed butter, coconut oil and added a little creamer and almond milk, then blended it all up. Amazing, frothy goodness!!! It really did seem to help with my mental clarity and held me off until lunch. I now add a little bit of protein powder (just a smidge) and I "bit the bullet" (pun totally intended) and bought the official Bulletproof coffee Brain Octane Oil. I will let you know if I find it to be any more "powerful" than regular Publix coconut oil. 

5.) Because it's Friday and because I am trying to be productive today and plan all our upcoming adventures and do all the things, I thought it was time for a little Sweet Journey Shop perk. You can head over to Etsy and use the code FINALLYFRIDAY for free shipping through Monday! 

Happy Adventuring All!! 

Any fun plans for your weekend?! 

April Currently and Giveaway Fun

Happy Wednesday All!! 

Hope your day is glorious!! 

I am kicking off April with Anne for another Currently edition! Here's what April is currently looking like in my world... 

~Accomplishing~ All kinds of paperwork for my new job! It's a little scary and a little exciting, because it has the potential of getting us one step closer to full-time RV life!! 

~Feeling~ Excited about the giveaway currently going on over on Instagram! I am partnering with 6 other awesome shops for a "Tee-a-Day Giveaway"! One winner will win a graphic tee from each shop; one for everyday of the week. Head over and check it out if you want to join in! 

~Needing~ To go clean the mess that is my kitchen! I hosted book club last night and we had a blast sipping wine and eating lasagna bites, but my kitchen it paying for it this morning. Lasagna is a messy meal prep! I think I used every bowl in the house. **Book shout out to Eight Hundred Grapes- such a good one y'all! Super quick, fun read!! Plus it has you wanting to sip all the vino and who doesn't love that!!  

~Practicing~ How-to videos for the the new j-o-b! 

~Pinning~ All the awesome travel spots over on my Travel Tuesday link up board. A new link up will go live on Tuesday for anyone who wants to join in and share some of their adventures. 

And that's it for April... for now! 

What is going on in your world currently?! 

March Currently// You Keep Me Safe & I'll Keep You Wild

So behind y'all, so behind!

I feel like this sweet little space has been failing to get the attention it deserves. 

Recently, I have only had time to throw together a few quick catch-up posts, which is where I am at again today with a little 5 on Friday fun, March Currently style!

I may get around to the trip sharing happiness I have been planning, but life y'all, life... 

Praise Jesus for FriYAY! 

Any who, here is a quick peek at my March Currently// 

~Watching~ Not a lot lately actually, though Sunday night is always movie night and we did watch The Accountant, with Ben Affleck. We both REALLY liked it! Some twists that I didn't see coming right away. I can typically call movies within the first thirty minutes, and if I can't, it's because they really messed it up and then I'm just mad. This one got me with some of the ending points, but mostly in a good way! I have also been trying to keep up with MTV's, The Challenge. I know, I know! So bad! But it is one of my guiltiest pleasures! Plus, CT is back this season and that just makes it even more exciting for me. I loved he and Diem and seeing him come back strong cheers up my little soul! 

~Eating~ The yummiest of pumpkin breads that a sweet volunteer from church made for us!! 

~Saying~ "I will stick to my Lent mission! I will stick to my Lent mission!" I am purging 40 things a day from the house for 40 days! I tried two years ago and did pretty well, but fell off at the end. "I can do it, I can do it!! I will not be a hoarder, I will not be a hoarder!!" 

~Wearing~ My "You Keep Me Safe & I'll Keep You Wild" tee! Want one of your own?! You can grab them through my shop link for the next few days. Use code SHOPSWEET for 10% off your purchase!! There are also AdventurHER and Serenity options available as well! 

~Posting~ Not our Jamaica or Vegas trips... yet!! But they are in the works, even if they are a long time coming! Instagram has been getting more of the focus recently, but it's just so much easier to jump on there between the work and the adulting and all the trying to squeeze in adventures in between-ness! I promise little space, I will not neglect you much longer! 

How's your adulting/ life-ing/ working/ blogging balance going lately? 

Anyone else as pumped as me that it's Friday?! 

5 on FriYAY! Life Lately!

Happy FriYAY Friends! 

It's time for another 5 on Friday catch-up game; 

mostly because that seems to be all I have time for these last few weeks!

Anybody else feeling the second month of the year craziness?! 

Any who, here's a peek around my world! 

 1.) We got to do some Florida adventuring last a few weekends ago and finally got to check Myakka River State Park off the bucket list!! I had been itching to get there ever since seeing pictures of the canopy hike on so many people's Insta feeds. We woke up early Saturday and headed out from our RV park. The 30 minute drive was beautiful and Myakka even more so!! It was pretty crowded for a state park, but that was because of all that is offered. They have boat and tram tours, so there were a lot of young families and elderly visitors who planned to enjoy motorizes explorations! There is a boat launch, kayak rentals and tons to see along the river by the gift shop and restaurant. Can you say, hello alligators?! There were tons! We took a few minutes to greet them and then we headed out away from the crowds. The park is HUGE, so even though it was busy, you can definitely get away from it all. There are almost 40 miles of trails in the park and we chose a loop of about 6 miles. Once we got a little ways into the trail we only saw maybe 5 people in 3 hours. After our hike we headed towards the canopy walk! While it wasn't as grand as I had thought (pictures can be misleading and made it look really long), it was still awesome! The canopy walk itself is maybe a couple dozen feet from start to finish, so it will only take you about a minute, but it sways and rocks and it cool to cross. Then you go up, and up, and up the stairs to an awesome lookout tower 74 feet in the air, which provides gorgeous views above the tree line as far as the eye can see! One little boy, who was there, kept going up and down to cross the canopy walk again and again, laughing gleefully and screaming, "this is the best! Let's do it just one more time!! Can we come back again?!" I love watching little people get excited about the outdoors! 

2.) We stayed at Riverside RV Resort in Arcadia, Florida, which is a Thousand Trails/ Encore RV park. It was a gorgeous, very well maintained park! While we typically prefer to stay at state parks, sometimes the amenities are very well enjoyed. Even though the park was full (so many snow birds), it was super quiet and everyone we met was so friendly! We swapped tons of stories with our Canadian neighbors. The park has access to the river so we were able to take out the paddle boards, for a stunning sunset paddle! We also loved that they provided fire pits, as sometimes you don't get that at RV parks. Our favorite amenity though would have to be the hot tub!! We took a dip every night (I may have even told myself that constituted as my bath) and had the whole thing to ourselves. It might have been due to the fact that the sign said that it closed at dusk, but we didn't see the sign until we got in and we also find dusk to be an interpretive term! Every time I road my bike by during the day though, it was still empty. I would definitely go back again! I mean we didn't even get to try the shuffleboard, putting green, or horseshoes!! I must note that there were also tons of scheduled activities!! While we were enjoying our hot tub soak on Saturday night, people were flocking into the tented pavilion for a Valentine's Dance. We watched couples carrying their covered dishes, decked in their pink and reds, and then got to listen to the music and laughter drift out over the grounds! Definitely a happening place! 

3.) This past weekend I got to see Harry Potter in Concert at the Dr. Phillips center, thanks to my bro-in-law marrying a fellow Potter freak! Since I don't have pierced ears she wasn't sure what to gift me, until she saw the tickets go on sale. Not knowing what they were, she just saw Harry Potter and said, "yes! Those!" And boy am I ever thankful!! It was the most amazing way to ever experience a Harry film. I won't lie, I hated the symphony as a kid, when you would be forced to dress up and attend for a field trip. I didn't understand it; I could never sit still long enough to. Watching the Orlando Philharmonic, play the music to accompany the movie, was one of the most moving things I have seen in a long time. When the first score started, and the bows went across violin strings as Albus Dumbledore walked down Privet Drive, chills literally went up my spine and tears graced the corners of my eyes. It made the music come to life! It added a gentle movement to the movie and for a while I wasn't sure where to look and how to take it all in. Once my senses adjusted to this new thing unfolding in front of me I could do nothing but sit in amazement! Are you a Harry fan? If you ever get a chance to experience any of the movies in this way, you HAVE TO take it! Hopefully we will be able to makes it back in November for Chamber of Secrets! 

4.) I have been busy working on some new things for the shop, but I am also working on adjusting how the shop itself works. If we are ever going to hit the road full-time, there will be no way I can hold inventory at home (given that my home would be a small, constantly moving one). So I am taking things a little more online. While some options are still left in my Etsy shop, you can get tons more color and style choices in my online shop. The "You keep me safe & I'll keep you wild" and "Serenity" shirts will be available there for the next two weeks. Then, as I add more inventory, it will stay up longer. Thanks for supporting this little, growing dream of mine! 

5.) Tomorrow we are heading downtown to enjoy our very first Orlando Food & Wine fest! We have thought about doing it so many times, but have never actually committed. Well, our tickets are purchased and plans are set. We have no idea what to expect, but are excited to eat our way around!! Anyone done it before (or one in your city) with advice or tips on how best take try as much as possible?! 

Hope your week has been wonderful and that your weekend if filled with adventure!! 

What are your plans for the weekend?!