Rebecca VanDeMark's Blog, page 4

back to school bonus sale at caravan sonnet shoppe on teachers pay teachers

     Happy Tuesday Caravan Sonnet Shoppe friends! 
I am excited to share that Teachers Pay Teachers is holding a bonus sale today and tomorrow! If you have already started school or are starting school this week or next you will want to check out the sale that is going on in the shop today and Wednesday! 
I am so excited for you to score some AMAZING deals on back to school resources at incredible prices!  My entire store  is 25% off with the code BTS25! Here are the TOP 5 beloved and best selling resources  in the shop  that will be excellent for this time of year: 
1.  Personal Finance Semester Bundle  2.  Personal Finance College Life Unit Bundle 3.  The Amendments to the Constitution Powerpoint 4.  Personal Finance Holiday Unit 5.  Social Security Powerpoint

Go directly to the shop HERE! 

Thank you so much again for all of your support of the shop! I know I say that all of the time, but you are a blessing! I am so glad you are here! If you are looking to connect more in the community on a daily basis click HERE to go directly to the Instagram Page!

Happy Back to School Bonus Sale and Happy Savings friends! I hope that you find the best resources for you and your students to make this the best year yet... an uncommon year that is amazing! 

As always if there is something that I can do to help or answer questions please don't hesitate to reach out! Happy Shopping!

a beautiful august weekend

Happy Monday friends! I hope that you had a wonderful weekend. This weekend was a precious one and today I thought I would share just a few snippets from the days... Evening swims after work are always a delightful thing to me. So are morning swims too haha, but after work swims and seeing friends who have come up for the weekend is lovely. I do not take for granted one second of this beautiful area that we live in or the community that surrounds us year after year, generation after generation. It is hard to believe that it has been three weeks since the fall while I was hiking. The recovery has taken longer than I expected to be honest but some of that was probably not helped by time differences, traveling, and trying to see as much as I could while I was in France. * smiles *
I am so thankful to have been cleared to do a longer "hike" (no running or elevation gaining yet or strenuous exercise but still longer). Three miles felt like climbing a mountain as I still recover, but I am not taking this for granted at all. Thank you so much for all of your continued prayers and support for healing. Y'all know I love cooking, and the summer time is a blessed time with very affordable foods- that are my favorites (give me all of the veggies!). To save money we also try to freeze a lot of things for the year. The cost of food - especially healthy food in the fall, winter, and spring months is so expensive that this has been a blessing to prepare this way for the year. This weekend we cooked up tons of tomatoes, onions, and garlic and froze in small containers to use as side dishes or to add to soups throughout the year. 
We were so blessed by an amazing deal on so many tomatoes so we have more to do, but so blessed by this as it will provide so much for us during the coming months! I am so excited to share more about mom's kids book series because it is seriously adorable. I have always loved her stories as a kid and as an adult, and I am so excited for the world to meet her characters who are amazing. 
I am also so excited to be an adjunct professor this fall. Classes start today so this weekend (and last few months) have been lots of work on the classes. I am so so excited to be teaching again this fall in this small way right now. 
Lastly... like many of you, there are a couple of things that are deep on my heart... private things that are woven into the center of my core that are with me throughout the days... if you are in that position I am thinking of you today... 
Happy Monday friends, I hope it is the start to a wonderful week.

finding an apartment powerpoint with guided notes / personal finance resource /caravan sonnet shoppe on teachers pay teachers

  Happy Monday friends! I am so excited to share with y'all an updated product that is the number one selling product and most popular product in the  caravan sonnet shoppe  at teachers pay teachers! This is a resource for  personal finance teachers at the high school or college level  and is truly a favorite! You can find it  HERE !
The cost of living and finding and leasing an apartment is one of the most important topics to discuss with a personal finance student. Most students are not aware of how this affects their budget and this simple and yet powerful powerpoint with guided notes can bring this topic alive! This resource contains 1 week of lecture slides, 16 engaging and animated different slides with colorful and animated sections and pictures, 32 pages of guided notes (3 options) and can be the basis of great discussion in your classroom. Best of all? This contains NO prep work for you and NO textbook is needed!  The powerpoint  can be used in powerpoint or can be easily converted into Google Slides for your convenience. This resource covers a variety of topics including: 

* Finding and Researching Apartments

* Budgeting for an Apartment

* Financial Aspects of Apartment Living

* 22 Hidden Apartment Costs

* Location Considerations

* Apartment Amenities

* Walk Throughs

* Specific Walk Through Considerations

* Negotiating Rent

* Final Lease Signing

The cost of the powerpoint  is only $2.50 (!!) and with a weeks worth of teaching resources that can be used every year for your classroom needs this is a steal! If you would like to go directly to this resource you can click  HERE ! If you would like to purchase  this powerpoint  you can find it  HERE ! 
Thank you so much for all of your support of  the shoppe ! Thank you for sharing this with your teacher friends, your homeschool mamas and thank you for following along and just liking and favoriting items! Thank you again friends! 
Happy Monday!
PS- If you have been around the blog for a while you may recognize some of the beautiful watercolor pictures that I created  from my trip and time in Basel Switzerland  that are placed in this powerpoint! If you missed reading about that trip you can find it  HERE ! The colors in the powerpoint were inspired by my time there!

a walk through jardin du luxembourg / paris, france

Happy Saturday friends! I am so excited to share  about a new reel  that I have posted about a beautiful walk through the incredible Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris. I spent a lovely couple of hours in this space while I was in Paris and it was simply delightful. 
You can watch, comment, and like it  HERE ! 
Let me know if you have any questions! Happy Saturday friends!

2025 fall journal collection // december caravan etsy shop

          I am so excited to share with y'all more about the  2025 fall junk journal collection  that is available  in the shop ! You can go directly to this section of listings  HERE ! These cozy bit key chain junk journals are the perfect way to keep track and treasure the magic ordinary of each day and this collection is perfect for those looking for a unique and legacy type gift of precious  fall memories ! Inspired by the precious memories of changing leaves, crisp fall weather, hayrides, whimsical memories of hiking under the autumn stars, the smells of apple pies, and joy at new beginnings,  these precious fall mini junk journals  are the perfect gift for anyone! Adorned on a special clip that can attach to a key ring, backpack, purse, journal, photo album and so much more, these mini junk journals are the perfect size. 
Resting at 2x2 each chunky journal is perfectly curated collection of rare sweet vintage and distinctive modern materials to inspire hope and joy in every area of your life! All different choices are available but they are selling out SO fast!! This would be the perfect gift for those who are in your life! Each heirloom treasure comes with:
//1 junk journal that contains:
//30+ pages of quality and beautiful paper
//9+ pieces of vintage and bespoke ribbon pieces from around the world
//handmade lace from an established generational American factory
//1-3 bulb clasps
//1-3 vintage buttons from times of old
//1 mini envelope with a mini card
//1 mini paperclip
//1 claw clasp for attaching to the owners preference
//unique vintage or bespoke ephemera on the front
//special surprise goodies
And more... Above are just a few pictures from the MANY  fall  precious journals that are available, but again they are selling out so fast!! I am so thankful that this collection is so popular and that y'all love it! 
Looking for the back to school collection? Click  HERE ! Looking for the teacher collection? Click  HERE ! You can find this entire collection of key chain junk journals  HERE  and so many others  in the shop   HERE !
PS- We get asked all the time when the Christmas collection is releasing: It will release September 15th! Stay tuned and in the meantime  enjoy the fall collection  and a beautiful weekend!

friday favorites- august 22

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. 
Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers for last week as I spoke at a conference in France and then traveled for a few days. I have started to share here on the blog, but if you haven't already been  following along on instagram  for so many beautiful reels and pictures to bring a smile to your face (you can connect  HERE ). 
Here are some of my favorite things from this past week: Travel in France (August 2025)...A Walk Through Jardin Du Luxembourg / Paris, France (IG Reel)Thoughts on Remaining Soft Along the Seine River by Notre Dame in Paris (Blog Post) Books, Chess, and France (Blog Post)
Rhone River Cruise with Viking River Cruises...The Incredible Crew of the Viking Delling Ship Review (IG Reel)
In the coming weeks I will be starting to share all about the trip in detail on the blog and so excited for you to read more behind the scenes details than a simple social media post could provide!  Personal Thoughts...Thoughts on Remaining Soft Along the Seine River by Notre Dame in Paris (Blog Post)From the Caravan Sonnet Shoppe...90% percentile ranking for july at the caravan sonnet shoppe  (Blog Post)
Thank you again for all of your support, for following along in the shop, for your kind reviews, and for purchasing these products! I know I say that all of the time, but you are a blessing! I am so glad you are here! If you are looking to connect more in the Caravan Sonnet Shoppe community on a daily basis click HERE to go directly to the Instagram Page!
As always if there is something that I can do to help or answer questions please don't hesitate to reach out! 
Click HERE!  From the Etsy Store...Back to School Journals 
Fall Junk Journals will be releasing this coming week! Thursday Health Thoughts...7 Health Benefits of Hot Peppers 
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!!
Happy Friday friends!

7 health benefits of hot peppers

Happy Thursday friends! Today I am excited to share about a recent addition into my diet - hot peppers and the 7 health benefits I have been discovering they contain! Y'all know that I do enjoy spicy food, but for some reason I have also been a little nervous to include hot peppers into my daily diet - as I wasn't sure exactly where or how to use them. 
About a month ago though I was at my local farm and they had beautiful hot peppers and I thought - I am going to try one and add it into my morning omelette. The rest is history y'all. I am loving the extra little kick in the omelette each morning and now have added hot peppers to so many different things!
I also started researching the health benefits of hot peppers and it was amazing to read all of the ways that this is helpful to our bodies! Beyond their vibrant colors and fiery kick, hot peppers are packed with nutrients and compounds that can support your health in powerful ways. Whether you prefer a sprinkle of cayenne, a slice of jalapeño, or the boldness of habaneros, these little bursts of heat offer more than flavor—they provide tangible wellness benefits. I hope today inspires you to use hot peppers as well! 
So what are the health benefits of hot peppers? Check these out:. 
1. Boosts MetabolismThe compound capsaicin, which gives peppers their heat, is known to temporarily raise body temperature and increase metabolism. This “thermogenic effect” may help your body burn calories more efficiently.
2. Rich in Vitamins and AntioxidantsHot peppers are full of vitamins A and C, which help strengthen the immune system and promote healthy skin. They also contain antioxidants that combat free radicals, reducing oxidative stress in the body.
3. Supports Heart HealthRegular consumption of hot peppers has been linked to improved cardiovascular health. Capsaicin may help lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and even improve circulation, contributing to a healthier heart.
4. Natural Pain ReliefInterestingly, capsaicin is often used in topical creams to help with joint pain, arthritis, and muscle soreness. Eating hot peppers can trigger endorphin release—your body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals—offering a natural boost in mood and relief from discomfort.
5. Aids in DigestionWhile it might seem counterintuitive, hot peppers can actually promote good digestion. Capsaicin stimulates digestive juices and enzymes, helping the stomach process food more effectively. In moderation, this can support a healthier gut.
6. May Reduce Risk of Certain IllnessesStudies suggest that capsaicin has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which may lower the risk of chronic diseases and help the body defend itself against infections.
7. Promotes LongevityResearch has linked regular pepper consumption to a longer lifespan. Those who eat spicy foods frequently tend to have lower risks of mortality, possibly due to the combined cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory, and immune benefits.
Do you eat hot peppers? What is your favorite health benefit that you have found? 
Looking for tips on how to incorporate Hot Peppers into your life? Stay tuned because next week I am going to share some very simple and easy ways! 
{Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her health care provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship.}

create a fresh, elegant look with custom wallpaper and timeless white designs

The Timeless Appeal of White in Interior DesignWhite has been used as a symbol of purity, chic and low-key luxury. In combination with tailor-made wallpaper, it has a new connotation leaving a sense of both style and uniqueness. Being universal, the white color suits more or less any design style, and, therefore, it is one of the preferences of homeowners, as well as designers.
Why White Wallpaper Works in Any SpaceBright wallpaper can take the form of a neutral stall choice however this is hardly the same thing with white wallpaper which is an architectural powerhouse as it adds brightness, balance and versatility to any room.
Matches Any Decor StyleWhether you live in more modern, minimalistic feel or in a lovely farmhouse, white wallpaper acts like a blank canvas, allowing your own set of creativity to come to the fore. It will fit well when your tastes or even trends fluctuate, and therefore is a smart decision when you want something that would still turn out to be stylish several years later.
Makes Rooms Feel BiggerLight colors naturally incline people to perceive an area as more open and white wallpaper also shines light and can deceive the eye that looks at the ceiling as much higher and the walls as much wider.
Timeless AppealFashions might change and fluctuate yet the white wallpaper is timeless. Its minimalism will make sure your look never becomes dated and you can hang on to it years later without having to constantly redecorate.
Enhances Natural LightThe light gains magnification and reflection on the white wallpaper such that even in the darker corners there seems to be more and inviting light. It works particularly well to north facing rooms or a poorly windowed room.
Perfect Backdrop for ArtThe white walls will enable artwork, photos, or statement furniture to shine without being in visual competition. Your works are made more interesting as they pop more on clean neutral background.
Balances Bold ColorsIn case you are fond of the idea of trying bold sofa cushions, rugs or accent walls, white wallpaper will balance the picture. It avoids saturated colors in the space, which provides the eyes with illusion of visual rest.
Tailor Your Walls to Your Vision with Custom Wallpaper Custom wallpaper gives you the confidence of creating a place that represents your personality and style. Unlike the pattern designs mass manufactured to fit a wide range of buyers, custom design can be modified in color, size, and texture so that it fits your décor perfectly. Choose delicate pastels or loud patterns, the most original artwork or the most ornate print, customization means that your walls will speak your story. It is one of the best solutions that would suit homeowners and business owners alike since it offers a unique piece that would give the room a distinct character without compromising the other aspects thereof.
Achieving Elegance That LastsNew, sleek appearance should not age over the years- you can make up your own custom wallpaper that will fit both contemporary and traditionally designed interiors. There are good materials to select that have wear resistance qualities and ensure you will be investing in a small investment that will look beautiful well after a decade. Whether it is a complex Floral design capable of changing gracefully, or futuristic geometric design that is seamless the ends are limitless.
Creating a Space That LastsThere is the personalization of individually designed wallpaper and then the perennial beauty of white, and when you mix the two, you get interiors which will not tire out in a few years. It is investing not only in fashion but in flexibility, so that your house can change without having extreme renovations.
*contributed post*

thoughts on remaining soft along the seine river by notre dame in paris

|Thoughts on “Remaining Soft”| This specific place along the Seine, holds a very special memory for me.

When I was in college I had the incredible opportunity to briefly study abroad in France. I fell in love with it and made great friends. On one of my last nights in Paris they invited me to join them for a gathering along the Seine overlooking Norte Dame. 
It was the picnic that this romantic at heart found particularly lovely- a beautiful night, heartfelt conversations, laughter, and yes some dancing and of course some wine. Near the end of the evening, one of the guys asked the group what our hopes and dreams for the future were- specifically the next 20 years. We went around sharing deep things that somehow felt strangely comfortable with these friends of only a short time.

I remember being challenged because as we shared things held close to our hearts…Chloe simply said she wanted to “remain soft”.

She explained that as she watched women age over the decades so many of them turned “hard and bitter” if life didn’t go as planned or dreams were long in coming. The one thing she hoped was that in 20 years she could say she had fought hard to remain soft, being hopeful and joyful.

I was born into a legacy of women who have fought to remain “soft” despite the world being incredibly painful and harsh in a variety of circumstances. My grandmother “Ba” had only become more soft over the years before she died and I see this in my precious mom day after day. She clings to hope and joy in a viselike grip yet remains soft.

I don’t know what happened to Chloe and our other friends from that night, but I returned home and in my tiny college apartment I wrote on a plain piece of paper the words “remain soft”. That little framed piece of paper has lived in different locations and classrooms over the years, but more so in my heart.

I came into this trip with several personal things deep on my heart and standing there overlooking the Seine, 20 years later, I am gently reminded again of the hope “remaining soft”.

books chess and france / shakespeare and company / paris france

Books, Chess, and France… three of my favorite things.
Longer post coming of my visit to the delightful Shakespeare and Company bookstore in Paris, but it was a delightful visit bringing together three of my favorite things. 
Caravan Sonnet | Shakespeare and Company | Paris