We're Not Minimalists

You know what makes me sad? Laundry. Dishes. Dusting. Mopping. Seeing a closet full of clothes that never get worn. 

You know what makes me happy? Hanging out with my family instead of in the laundry room. A sink that's empty so I can use it to fill water balloons.  Spending time outside instead of shopping for more decorations and furniture to dust and mop around. 

So, how do we spend more time doing things that make us happy instead of sad?

More than a year ago, a friend gave me a copy of Joshua Becker's The More of Less. Maybe they was just offloading her own bookshelf in an effort to minimalize, but the idea of owning fewer things was already on my mind and it was a great encouragement. If you follow @theminimalistjourney, they are making their way across the U.S. in a self-sustaining RV. They got out of debt, sold everything and work remotely all over the country. It's amazing and beautiful and inspirational. But my family of four, plus two dogs were never going to make that squeeze and really be "minimalists." 

Still, we were motivated to reduce the amount of stuff that we spent so much time buying, caring for and cleaning that really wasn't adding benefit to our lives. When I say "we," I really mean only me. The rest of the Hales were not on board. Yet. I started with 1 box a week. Closets, cabinets we never used, kitchen storage, clothes. When I had a trunk full, I took it to the local mission to donate. Some people choose to sell things, but that takes longer and I needed results! 

Then, I read Marie Kondo's The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Which is not so much about cleaning as it is about finding joy in what surrounds you and getting rid of what drags you down. We didn't everything we own but we started seeing the effects of having less to pick up and clean up pretty quickly. It motivated us to do more and more and now it's much easier to say no to buying something new. And, even quicker for us to identify things that are taking up space without being used or bringing joy. 

We're not minimalists. But, we're trying. 

Travel Planning 101

Usually, when people see how I plan our travels, they make fun of me! Over-planner with multi-tab spreadsheets? Guilty! But, I’m also the kind of traveler who has learned that it can be better to toss the itinerary after arriving and simply go where the mood takes us. BUT, that doesn’t stop me from planning it all so I can decide to throw it out later. Haha.

How do you decide where to travel? And when you’ll go? If you feel limited by budget or time off from work, you’re not alone! The average weeklong vacation for a family of 4 costs more than $4,500. Sure, there are ways to save money, but if you’re restricted by work and school schedules, there are lots of savings hacks out of reach.

1. Be flexible in your destination. Does it have to be the beach? Is Disney your only option? Yes, you can usually find some deals and discounts, but if you are open to multiple destinations you may find you can save even more. Sometimes we start with what’s in driving distance and sometimes we search discount flights first to narrow down our

2. Adjust your day of the week if you can’t adjust your dates. Need to take advantage of Spring Break or summer vacation? Think about leaving on Friday afternoon or Sunday morning instead of the usual Saturday departure. Though it can be stressful in the week leading up to your vacation, we’ve found leaving Friday after work and school seems to extend the vacation feeling when you arrive back home on Friday and there are still two more days before we head into the next week.

3. Research alternate lodging options. Are you more comfortable at a Hilton, HomeAway rental or hostel? We find that sometimes hotels are cheaper but renting a home with a kitchen and bicycles saves us money on food and transportation. Other times, especially with international travel, hotels provide translators, recommendations, breakfast, and other concierge services you can’t get with a rental home. So, think through all the costs before deciding which is the better “deal.”

4. Limit your pre-travel purchases. If you already own tons of winter gear, try a different cold-weather destination. Then, you won’t have to buy all new clothes and shoes for your trip. Rather than splurge on a new weeklong wardrobe, purchase a signature travel item that will elevate your existing closet. A new scarf, hat, bikini, or sandals can bring life to your everyday outfit and after your return, you’ll remember your travels each time you wear the item.

5. Decide what will impact your mood the most. And then, spend your money there! If you can sleep anywhere but relish the idea of tasting all the local cuisine, look for budget lodging near five-star dining. If the idea of driving in a foreign country or wayfinding through the mountains makes your stomach turn, budget for mass transit and Uber rides that will ease your mind rather than saving money with a rental car. Sure, getting stuck on the side of the road during a snowstorm may sound like a movie plot, but you’ll need to determine if that movie is a romantic comedy or horror story.

What are some of your favorite travel planning tips?

Rules for a Family Beach Vacation

Living in a beach vacation destination has its moments. Most days we’re so grateful that we live here. Even in the heat of the summer, at the peak of tourists, we love it. But we’re also learning from it and from each other. Here are our rules to live by when you’re on a family beach vacation.

Rule #1 - Remember you’re at the beach! 

You may think it would go without saying, but it’s surprising how many people actually forget to enjoy themselves on a beach trip. I know. It’s hot. You have to load down like pack mule and haul a bunch of gear down the sand. You find a spot to squeeze in between a bunch of strangers and hope they have a similar beach style to yours. Kids start fighting and everyone is hungry. It’s easy to get distracted in all the negative. 

Rule #2 - Try to have no-tech tables

We actually do this at our house for dinner. It doesn't always happen, but when it does we are all glad that it did. All devices have to be put away when we sit down to eat—even for the adults. Then, wait for it, we have to actually talk to each other! It’s one of the best parts of my day. We talk about all that we saw or did that day, our favorite/funniest moment and what we’re planning for the next day. Not only do you get great family time, it also really helps your memory so the best of your vacation can stay with you for years to come. 

Rule #3 - Just wear the sunscreen

Literally and figuratively, wear the sunscreen. Don't let your pride ruin your trip. When people visit the beach, they often feel untouchable. Or, they have so much fun they forget to put on sunblock. But then they end up miserable and burnt in the middle of the night. In the same way, many vacationers don't take precautions, like watching what they eat and drink or checking the weather. Boundaries you would normally set but don't because travel can make you feel invincible. Put your pride away for a moment and just wear the sunscreen!

Rule #4 - Eat dessert FIRST!

If you're planning a family beach vacation, make sure you don't follow all the rules! If you go on a trip and eat what you normally eat, do what you usually do and only talk to people you always talk to, you're missing the point. Have a little fun and do something out of the ordinary. It just may be the most memorable moment for you and your little ones! 

Swimming with Sharks

OK kids, if you could go on vacation to anywhere or do anything, what would you most want to do? 

Swim with sharks! 

My first response: No.
Second: Definitely not
Third: Well...let me see what I can find out....

Then, I started researching safe ways to swim with sharks and came across places to swim with whale sharks in Baja. The only problem was that the whale sharks are only there from early winter to late spring--so we had missed the window to plan something for this year. But, did you know there are whale sharks on the other side of Mexico during the summer months? 

In the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico, you can swim with whale sharks from mid-May to mid-September. It's an incredible experience. If you ever get the chance, you MUST do this! There's a full day program that includes swimming with whale sharks, snorkeling with turtles and stingrays, touring the mangroves, fishing and then making ceviche from your freshly caught fish. 

Swimming with whale sharks is truly breathtaking. I'll admit. I honestly forgot to swim with them and just kind of floated next to them while they swam by me--absolutely stunned by their size and grace. I am so glad our smallest adventurer challenged us to do this! 

HOW TO BOOK A WHALE SHARK TOUR 

There are lots of companies that provide the same program. You can contact them directly or book through your hotel. If you have 5 or more, you can usually arrange a private boat rather than sharing with another group. The companies all charge about the same price and include the same perks. To compare, you want to ask how many times they let you jump into swim. It can depend on the size of your group and where you're traveling from (Cancun, Tulum, Holbox, etc.). This is where the private tour can be worth the extra cost. 

PACKING LIST FOR YOUR WHALE SHARK TOUR DAY

Most boats will provide water and soda, some provide sandwiches and snacks so look to see what your tour includes. You will also want to take a few things with you, but try to keep it to a minimum as most boats are small and you don't want to keep up with too much. 

• Dramamine - be sure to take it before you leave in the morning to help with the small boat and sometimes rough seas.

• Sunglasses

• Reef-safe biodegradable sunscreen -don't forget to reapply throughout the day!

• Granola bars, fruit or other snacks to keep the kiddos from getting hangry

• Go Pro, iPhone (in waterproof case) or other water-safe camera to capture the magic

• Hat - make sure it's not too loose or floppy or it will blow off the boat on your way out

• Rashguard or t-shirt

• Towels or these Turkish towels - a beach and travel must-have for any trip since they don't take up much space and can double as light blankets

• Chapstick with SPF

Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza was a large city built by the Mayans in the terminal classic period. It's located in the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico. Chichen was a major focal point in the northern Mayan lowlands from AD 600-1200. It has a lot of architectural styles combined that are like the styles seen in Central Mexico and from the Puuc and Chenes styles in the northern Mayan lowlands. When this was discovered, they called it cultural diffusion. 

On our visit, we had a real Mayan tour guide. He was nice and explained the history of Chichen Itza. 

One of the largest Mayan cities, Chichen Itza was also likely to have one of the great tollands, or mythical cities. This city had one of the most diverse populations in he Mayan world. 

Chichen Itza is one of the most visited sites in Mexico and one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World. 

Why "Normal" Isn't for Us

While many people make resolutions as part of New Year planning, we have a different approach. Every year on our wedding anniversary, Russell and I go out to dinner like other happy couples. However, we make it a point to share our favorite things from the last year and our plans and dreams for the year ahead.

A few years ago on our anniversary, we said "No more normal." This doesn't mean that we're shunning what we know and setting off for a deserted island to start over. And, we're not going to the extreme of selling everything to buy a bus and travel the U.S. full-time. Those are inspiring stories, but they're not ours. 

Instead, we choose not to do things because others say we're "supposed to" and make decisions based on Faith, research and creativity. Yeah, that's right. Those four may seem like a really strange pairing when, in actuality, we need a little of each to guide us.

So, we try to ask ourselves three questions: 

1. Will this make us stronger in our Faith?

2. Does the research show this to be a good idea (i.e. Do the numbers work out? Can we prove or disprove this theory without living it?)

3. Is there a better (easier/smarter/faster) way to do this? 

Two years ago, we had a great life--wonderful family and friends nearby,  good jobs, big house, large SUV, good schools, soccer practice, taekwondo, horseback riding and  lots of weekend plans and home projects. We were busy. We were SO busy.  

There wasn't anything wrong. Not really. But, my kiddos were growing up so much faster than I could have ever imagined. And we felt like we were working so that other people could spend time with them when we desperately wanted that time together. So, we started looking for ways to be intentional about our family time. And challenging each other not to just be busy but to find the ways that fulfilled our individual purpose, filled our family and tried to ignore all of the stereotypes that were making us exhausted.

God opened doors for us we weren't expecting. The data (and endless spreadsheet calculations) looked to be accurate and complete. And, we were able to be creative in the way we worked and lived. 

It wasn't overnight. Here we are two years after that date night discussion and really still trying to figure it all out. But, we're working toward our goal everyday.

Our Adventure Begins

Our story begins more than two years ago when we decided to do something a bit differently--some might even say drastic. Russell and I started challenging what we had learned about money, financial planning and retirement investing. Unlike 401ks and the stock market, investing in real estate made a lot more rational sense to us. We have been managing long-term rental properties for almost 10 years, but in 2016 we bought our first beach condo vacation rental in Gulf Shores. 

After which, a year full of learning and planning led us to researching our next endeavor. This time, we moved a step closer to where we might like to be ourselves. Maybe it wouldn't be as much ROI as our previous investment, but more "our style" than the first attempt. However, after months of online searching and two full days of property visits with two different realtors, we were discouraged with our options--finding higher priced properties without similarly higher rental income to support the investment. Quite by accident, not expecting to find anything worthwhile, we visited an open house in a new neighborhood development. As we wandered from room to room, I believe my words echoed what we were all thinking. 

"I COULD LIVE HERE." 

But of course, we were 8 hours from home and there were many things to consider. Still, everything seemed to be falling into place. Expensive home insurance? No. Flood insurance, though? Lower than expected. Poor school district? Actually, A+ schools. Mortgage? More, but without state taxes it was close. But, could we bring Kylee's loft bed? Yes. No deal breaker there but a major concern for a 10 year old girl. As we drove back from our beach weekend debating the pros and cons of making this dream a reality, there was just one big question left. Could we bring our jobs with us? Once we learned that was a possibility, that's when the adventure really began.