Rebecca VanDeMark's Blog, page 257
July 15, 2016
Red Dress at Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe








city chic colour grecian maxi dress (out of stock, similar here)ASOS Oversized 70s sunglassesAnn Taylor black Sandals (Similar here)
When we were in California, we spent a delightful day driving up to Lake Tahoe and visiting Emerald Bay. It was absolutely gorgeous and I can't wait to share pictures with y'all soon! Y'all know I love wearing dresses and skirts and this maxi dress was extremely comfortable but pretty for our day driving around Lake Tahoe and seeing this beautiful area of the United States. Do y'all have a maxi dress that you are loving right now? Happy Friday friends!
Published on July 15, 2016 07:02
July 13, 2016
Stranded ... Famous Edition

If you want to see my previous "Stranded Posts" you can find them here:
Stranded with Medicine Cabinet Items
Stranded with 3 books
Stranded with Netflix
Let me be clear. I really have no justification as far as "survival skills" in choosing these three women. I chose them because I admire the way that they are using their positions of to help bring advocacy for a number of issues and basically would love to spend time with them. *hahaha* I am obviously imagining this "stranded" experience to be a day at the beach with all of my basic necessities met (like one of my favorites, Coco Cay *smiles*) Hahaha. So with that in mind... here are the 3 people I would love to have on the deserted island with me:
(1) Duchess of Cambridge

(2) Queen Rania of Jordan

(3)Angelina Jolie

So these are my three famous people I am bringing if I'm stranded on a deserted island! Who would you love to see on your deserted island if you were stranded? I'd love to know your thoughts!! Comment below (or link up!) and share this with us!
And to see the other topics for the rest of the year:

Happy Wednesday friends!
Published on July 13, 2016 05:23
July 12, 2016
Muir Woods, California
















One of my dreams at Muir Woods was to see the famous Cathedral Grove. Cathedral Grove is simply breath-taking. Visitors grow very quiet as you are overcome with the vastness of the trees and how little you are compared to those trees. It was absolutely gorgeous.







Published on July 12, 2016 06:16
July 11, 2016
Lack of Understanding in the Single Journey

One of the real aspects of walking in the single journey is dealing with a lack of understanding for this season of life. The heart break of when nasty or insensitive words are spoken show a lack of understanding. I truly believe that at the core people are not trying to be mean or hurtful, but unfortunately comments about "why are you so picky?" or "its just not the right timing" or when people try to jokingly comment on an aspect of singleness, or simply when they are trying to say something "helpful" can hurt the tender heart of a single.
I never knew until walking this single journey how much, "death and life are in the power of the tongue..." (Proverbs 18:21) Words that are all too common speak “death” and not “life” to this season. This past year I was the recipient of some extremely hurtful words that I can only imagine were intended to hurt and destroy.
It can be easy to grow bitter and have our hearts be hardened by these comments, but friends, let me encourage you to forgive those who have hurt you with their words. Let us ask the Lord to help us forgive and move forward in grace. (If you are struggling with forgiveness I strongly encourage you to read the post, "Forgiveness in the Single Journey" that I wrote last year. You can find it HERE.)
Let us ask the Lord to put a shield around us to protect our hearts from careless words. “But thou Oh Lord are a shield around me…” (Psalm 3:3) As I pray for this, I not only find my heart is free to love, free to live in the hope of the Lord, but also free to extend grace.
I am also convicted of my own careless words. My words that I speak that unintentionally hurt those who are struggling in seasons of difficulty. It may not be a season of waiting for a husband that they are struggling with, but no matter the struggle, I want my words to be seasoned with grace. I ask the Lord to help me to remember that my own words have the power of life and death to others and their situations that I don’t fully understand or haven’t experienced.
One of my prayers these past couple of years has been: "Lord, teach me to not speak death over my situation or another’s situation. Lord, teach me to choose life with my words everyday- in regards to my singleness and hope for a husband and my future. Lord, help me to speak life words every single time when I am speaking to others."
A verse that I have written many times in my journal and that is up around my home is from Deuteronomy 30:19. It states: “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses...Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!” (Deuteronomy 30:19) Seeing this verse reminds me that I want to choose life in all situations. It reminds me of the power of speaking what “is good for building up, as fits the occasion” (Ephesians 4:29).
God is a God of life and my pray is that my heart would overflow and speak this truth. My dear friends- hold onto the hope and truth that the Lord understands our hurting hearts when careless words are spoken. He understands our heartache over the lack of understanding that we sometimes experience. He understands the times we weep throughout this journey. God is always with us friends... let the prayers of our hearts be to have greater compassion for those walking through difficult situations and that our own words would bring life to each situation we encounter.
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
-Psalm 19:14-
Published on July 11, 2016 05:12
July 9, 2016
Tanzania Altered Country Travel Journal and Small Altered Journal Combo















Published on July 09, 2016 08:04
July 8, 2016
Top 13 Must Pack Items for a Caribbean Cruise

My last cruise (this past September) was to New England and Canada and so my suitcase was filled with lots of layers, scarves, boots, and cuddly warm weather outfits. If you are going on a cruise to a cooler climate you may find my post, Top 10 Must Pack Items for a New England and Canada Cruise helpful. You can find it HERE!
So as I searched for what to pack for this type of cruising climate and I struggled to find answers. There were tons of ideas for basic things to pack, but not specific tips from people who have been here before. So I searched and talked with people who have cruised to the Caribbean often, talked with Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, and searched tons of travel sites for their thoughts on visiting this area of the world. The reality is that the Caribbean is gorgeous no matter what time of year you go to visit and brings warm tropical weather in the day and cooler breezes in the evening. A perfect combination for a relaxing getaway! So here are the top 10 things that you can't leave home without y'all:
1. Different Bathing Suit OptionsIf you plan to spend time simply sun bathing than you probably don't care what type of bathing suit you are choosing, but if you plan to participate in a shore excursion that involves a sporty activity you will want to consider carefully your bathing suit. Since you will spend so much time in swimwear on the cruise, throw in a couple of different options.



5. SunglassesDon't forget to bring a pair (or two!) of sunglasses for your trip!

7. SunscreenThis is obviously a "must pack" item for a Caribbean Cruise, and yet so many people forget to throw it into their suitcase. It is extremely easy to get sunburned in the Caribbean so don't forget to throw this in. You will be saving money by bringing your own sunscreen as Cruise ships charge a premium for this essential item. Traveling with a large group or going on a long cruise? Consider taking some travel-size options with you so that you don't have to carry around a huge bottle. And don't forget to toss in a lip balm for your lips!

8. Aloe VeraEven with sunscreen, the warm climate of the Caribbean can make it easy to get sunburned. Consider taking along some soothing aloe vera with you for your skin. My favorite brand is the Aubrey Organics. It is incredible light and at only 4 oz. it is easy to throw into your suitcase without adding a ton of extra weight. I use this often on my skin, even when I don't have a burn after being out in the sun and it is extremely soothing.
9. Camera (and the Extras)Although I technically have been to several of the ports that we will be stopping at I can't wait to experience these cruises with my loved ones and the beautiful views that I am sure we will be met with. I have never traveled to the Caribbean in the fall and I am sure it will be stunning. But you know what? Its not just the experience. It is always who you are with and you don't want to miss out on remembering these special memories that you will make. Don't forget to bring all of the "extras" that you will also need like a spare battery, battery charger, extra chip, etc.
A great tip that a friend of mine shared with me the last time I went on a cruise was to charge my camera battery every night. This tip was invaluable as one day I accidentally forgot to turn off my camera in all of the fun we were having and would have missed out on some precious picture memories had I not done this!
ALSO because you are going to have opportunities to view beautiful islands with different corals, colorful fish, and lots of fun, you will likely want to document your experience with an underwater or waterproof camera. Don't want to spend a ton of money on an underwater camera? Consider grabbing a cheap disposable camera that can be taking with you while you swim or have an adventure parasailing or at the aqua adventure park in Atlantis!
10. Extension CordOkay, so this isn't a particular suggestion only for Caribbean cruises but can be for any cruise! This was a suggestion that someone gave to me on my first cruise and it was a lifesaver! Throw in an extension cord and you will be glad that you did!

12. Journal, Travel Books, Etc.

13. Cruise Documents and PassportDon't forget like any other cruise (that leaves the US) that you will need to bring all of your cruise documents and passport. Curious about what type of documentation that you need? Check out this page at Royal Caribbean on Requirements on Documentation!
What about y'all? Any must pack items that you recommend for a Caribbean Cruise?
Published on July 08, 2016 06:46
July 7, 2016
December Caravan Book Launch Team (and Application!!)

Launch team members will receive exclusive access to a pre-release physical or digital copy (your choice) of December Caravan and will be invited to join our private facebook group.
SO there are only 25 spots- that's it and here is what we are looking for:* someone that LOVES books*someone who loves the Lord and enjoys reading books on faith*someone that loves the internet and isn't afraid of social media*someone who who is will to post about the book's release on their social media sites (and blog if applicable) and write a review on Amazon AND Goodreads
Who Can Apply for the Launch Team?*Are you excited to read December Caravan and tell your friends about it?*Are you fairly savy at Social Media?*Do you have an active blog? Are you active on any social Media Account? Do you have another legit place of influence (christian ministry director, newsletter editor, group leader, site manager, youth leader, women's ministry director, sunday school teacher, christian school teacher, teacher, etc.?)
IF YES to these questions than we would love for you to apply!!! (You can click HERE to do so!)
Things that We do NOT care about:*your age (this is a book for women 16-100+)*Your location- we are happy to send the book to anywhere in the world*Your social media numbers
What would I be required to do?We are asking you to do FOUR things:
1. Read an early copy of the book.
2. Engage with your friends and followers online by posting about the book before, during, and after launch week (you will be provided with complimentary images, ideas, etc. on how to do this) (Launch Week is the week of August 23, 2016)
3. In your place of influence we require that you write a blog post, facebook post, social media post, etc. about the book. You will be provided with lots of pics, links, and goodies for this!
4. Post a review on Amazon AND on Goodreads during Launch Week (Launch Week is the week of August 23, 2016)
What Do I Get?You will receive a free physical or digital copy of the book that will provide you with a first look at the book and access to a private facebook group that will keep you updated on the activity and latest news around the book. This gives you an opportunity to get an inside look at marketing a book and being apart of the movement surrounding the book. There will also be some exciting opportunities and special surprises for the launch team to win free goodies!! AND I will be forever grateful!!
How do I Join?We have made joining and applying for the December Caravan book launch team SO simple. Simply fill out the application HERE!! (HURRY!!) Don't forget, if chosen you will receive an email on July 26th and be invited to join the facebook group on that day also!
Published on July 07, 2016 06:00
July 5, 2016
4 More Tips for Exploring Your Own City

Last year I wrote a post, 10 Tips for Exploring Your Own City, (you can find it HERE) which has consistently stayed one of my top read posts. I think the reason for this is simply because we as people love to have adventures, and often want to travel to far off and exotic places but that isn't always possible. I think many times the word "adventure" is synonymous with far away travel, but maybe you don't have a ton of money to travel to far away places or maybe (like me) your health doesn't allow you to travel as much as you would like. Maybe you can't leave your job to travel. Maybe... maybe there are a 100 reasons you want to travel adventures but right now in this season you can't do that all of the time. But that doesn't mean you have to miss out on adventure and lose your spirit of wanderlust. I hope that this post will inspire you to explore right where you are and see the beautiful adventure of the life you have.
Here are 4 more tips for exploring your own city...

Several years ago when I lived outside of Atlanta I remember planning a "Saturday vacation day". I, along with some friends, planned out an entire day "pretending" that we were driving from a great distance to Atlanta and we had to fit in as many things as we could. It was SUCH a fun day. We met up early, had brunch at a upscale hotel in downtown Atlanta, saw all of the sightseeing things you could possibly imagine, took pictures everywhere, grabbed dinner at an exclusive place that overlooked the city that a friend had a connection to and then went to a live show in the city. The places we picked were things we all had never done before and it truly felt like we had traveled to another world. It was fabulous. I had never done this in another city that I had lived in, but definitely plan to again.

To be honest, I felt that I knew the history of my city and the surrounding area and the large part that it played in the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, George Washington's ties, and mainly the War of 1812. Learning about the impact that a town had on the Underground Railroad was an eye-opening experience as I realized that there was still so much to learn about this place that I lived.
Maybe, like me, you think that you know the history of your city, but take the time to explore and research and learn on a different level. It will definitely provide you with adventures of wanting to explore new areas and things.


What are tips you have for exploring your own city? I have said this before, but never feel that exploring your own city is second to exploring other areas of the world! Remember sweet friends, your beautiful life is the adventure and no matter how near or far you can physically go, you can make life FULL of adventure and joy right where you are at! (Want to read more on my thoughts on being adventurers? Check out this post HERE!)
Published on July 05, 2016 03:00
July 1, 2016
Shop Re-Opening (and a Special Coupon!)




















Happy Friday sweet friends!
Published on July 01, 2016 05:50