Why I’m crossing "Live in a Tiny House" off my Bucket List

Living in a tiny house has been on my Bucket List since sometime around 2010.

Nick and I were planning to build a custom home with a local builder, but the finances didn’t pan out how we originally agreed with the company. So, while we were feeling uneasy, we came across a tv show featuring tiny houses. It was the first time we had ever seen such an idea and we were intrigued. The program host shared the cost to build a tiny house was more than $100,000 cheaper than what we had planned to pay the builder. So we took that as our sign to figure out how to build our own tiny house.

Turns out finding land, securing hook ups for utilities and parking the tiny house legally was a nightmare. So, we never actually went through with it. However, it always stayed a dream of mine and as tiny house communities were popping up in our area, I once again made it my goal to live in one. Since our home in South Carolina is only 1,000 square feet, I felt like we could easily downsize just a bit more. However, as we’re spending six months living in a cabin on Logos Hope, I’m rethinking my life goals.

Our cabin entryway

Our cabin is 244 square feet, which is about the average size of a tiny house on wheels. It consists of three rooms that branch off the entryway. There is a bathroom, a bedroom for our daughter, Ivy, and a bedroom for us, which doubles as the family room.

The bathroom has a very basic sink, mirror, shower and toilet. Ivy’s bedroom has a bunk bed, a set of drawers, a desk and a closet. Our bedroom has a bed (that can be folded into a couch), a desk with a folding chair, a coffee table with an Ikea chair, a set of drawers, a bookcase, a closet and a kitchenette. As you can see, our cabin is equipped with all the essentials.

We aren’t allowed to cook in our cabin, but we can use our coffee maker, tea kettle, mini fridge, microwave, sink and store snacks. It’s not much, but we use this room for hosting since it’s basically our kitchen and dining room and living room during all the hours we aren’t sleeping.

Ivy's bedroom

Our tiny home on water is very similar to a tiny house on wheels, except I’ve seen that some tiny houses have full-size ovens and stoves. Some even have a full-sized fridge, dishwasher, washer and dryer, fireplace and a bathtub!

It’s also similar to a tiny house on wheels with the lack of space. We have folding chairs tucked under our bed, a folding table stored in a corner against the wall, a bed that folds into a couch and magnets that hold things onto the metal walls. But what these tiny spaces really come down to is a minimalist lifestyle. I’ve loved living with less since I was a very young girl. It’s always been a hobby of mine. So, in order to fit comfortably in this cabin we brought only what was essential for our five months on board.

Like some tiny house communities, Logos Hope provides shared spaces like a laundry room, dining room, lounge, library, rooms available to reserve for larger gatherings and there is a school, playground and library for the children who live on board. However, unlike living in a tiny house on wheels, we didn’t have to figure out land and utilities. Water, heat and electricity is provided by the ship. We also take our water pitcher down to the dining room to fill with filtered water several times a day.

Our bathroom

It’s been an amazing experience to sail from country to country, working on Logos Hope, living in community in our tiny home on the water. But, I have to say, I’m missing my 1,000 square feet in Greenville, South Carolina right now.

So, I’ve decided that I’m crossing “live in a tiny house” off my Bucket List. In many ways this tiny home on the water is the same as a tiny house on wheels. Been there. Done that. Twice actually, when you count that we also lived on board in 2009-2010. It’s an adventure and the minimalist in me really has loved it. But, the 41-year-old mother in me craves being a homemaker in my 1,000 square feet that I have grown to love back home.

Maybe I’ll change my mind. After all, traveling the USA and Canada in a camper van is still on my Bucket List. But for right now, I think my time spent in a cabin is enough for me!

Nick and my "bedroom" / Living Room / Dining Room / Kitchen

I can’t wait to share the news with Nick - he’ll be thrilled!

10 things to do, see and eat in Belfast

Nick and I have been to Belfast before and were thrilled to find out we would return while serving on Logos Hope. Our excitement was mainly over catching up with local friends, but it was also fun to explore the area again and bring Ivy to a new country. We did some things we've done before...and a lot a new things. So, if you plan to go to Belfast, here are my recommendations:

Ivy ate Fish & Chips at The Ivy

1. Eat lunch at The Ivy. Obviously Ivy was happy to eat at a restaurant named after her. The ambiance was incredible with colorful wallpaper, gold trim, leather and tufted seats, metal hardware, painted wainscoting and lots of plants. It’s basically my dream interior design if I had the eye and money to replicate this look in my own home. The food was yummy, but the restaurant was an entire experience on its own.

2. Visit Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic. Just a warning...don’t go to the Titanic Belfast thinking it’s a museum. They do have some things on display that are really interesting, but the purpose of this place is more of an exhibition. There are lots of photos and lots of things to read. It’s really amazing, but you need to go prepared to stand still and read walls and plaques for hours. Next to it is the SS Nomadic, Titanic’s tender, which you can walk through and get a bit more history.

3. Warm up with hot chocolate at Hotel Chocolat. This was warm and delicious on a cold day. We loved sitting in the floor to ceiling windows and people watching. Plus, there is an entire store where you can shop for every flavor of chocolate you can imagine.

Hot Chocolate at Hotel Chocolat

4. Wander around Victoria Square. This area has great shopping, restaurants, coffee shops, etc. You can definitely spend a day here. Be sure to make it up into the glass dome for a 360 degree view of the city center and don’t miss shopping at Mark’s & Spencer’s. We have probably become one of their top customers in the food area. I didn't really understand scones until this trip and now I'm hooked.

5. Take a Hop-on-hop-off bus tour. This was the perfect way to sit back and relax while seeing all the highlights of Belfast. I always love a good tour bus and believe it’s a good first-day sightseeing choice so that you know what highlights are worth going back to see again.

6. Shop at St Georges Market. I'm ruined for Ice Cream Sundae's for the rest of my life. We got a sundae here that went like this...a layer of biscoff crumbs, a layer of white chocolate chips, a layer of caramel sauce, a layer of vanilla ice cream, a layer of homemade marshmallow fluff (toasted right then and there), then another layer of biscoff crumbs, white chocolate chips and caramel sauce. Every single bite had hints of crunchy, cold, warm and sweet. It was honestly incredible. I keep thinking about it and can't wait to get home and replicate it. I'm definitely going to host an Ice Cream Sundae party in Greenville ASAP. Oh, and off the topic of ice cream, St George's Market had lots of other foods and drinks, gifts and homemade crafts, etc. It's a great place to go get gifts and souvenirs.

Buying treats at St George's Market

7. Eat “Poor Bear” flavored ice cream at Mauds. Ok, I realize it's another ice cream recommendation. But, if you like vanilla and honeycomb, you’ll love this flavor. I’m pretty picky about my ice cream. I only like it if it's almost equally ice cream to toppings so that every bite has some crunch or chew to it. You can see why the previous ice cream sundae mentioned was mind-blowing for me. Although “Poor Bear” didn’t have the 50/50 ice cream to toppings ratio I would normally like, it was really the perfect blend of creamy and crunchy. So, if that sundae I mentioned sounds a little too intense, start with Poor Bear at Mauds and go from there.

8. Visit the Ulster Museum and Botanic Gardens. We never actually got here but I really wanted to go, so I'll keep it on my list. We plan to visit Belfast again at some point and will try again next time.

9. Have a cup of tea at Merchant Hotel. This was such a treat. The ambiance was so warm, cozy and elegant. My friend Michaela treated me to a pot of tea and a plate of scones. It was so nice to get away from the ship for some meaningful girl time.

Sipping a pot of tea at The Merchant Hotel

10. Take a mini roadtrip to Giants Causeway. We didn’t make it here either, this time, but we did visit back in 2014. It’s not one of the wonders of the world, but it’s interesting enough to be added. If you’re this close, you definitely need to make this part of your trip.

Want a few more ideas for your visit to Belfast? Click HERE to check out my post from our previous trip!

Why I'm editing my Bucket List

This is something that I used to frown upon. My unwritten rule was if it was on my Bucket List, it could only be crossed off when completed and not removed beforehand. But as I’ve aged, I’ve noticed that some things on my list no longer sound fun. 

Hop-on-hop-off bus in London

At one point I wanted to thru-hike the Appalachian trail and now there are other things I’d rather dedicate half a year. Like, living on Logos Hope. I also used to dream of living in a tiny house. But, as I’m spending six months in a tiny cabin, I’ve decided that might be enough for me.

Cave swimming in the Dominican Republic

I wanted to complete a marathon once upon a time. Then, I decided even just a half-marathon would be enough. However, as I’m considering training to walk a half next spring, I’m wondering if that would take away my enjoyment of simply going on walks. 

A few years ago, I felt overwhelmed by my Bucket List. Instead of goals to look forward to, the list had turned into a constant reminder of what I had yet to accomplish. It became so much like a task list that I deleted it so that I could get my brain some space to be present.

Crossing Blue Lagoon off my Bucket List

As you can see on my blog, my Bucket List is back. And I’m feeling the pressure creeping in again. Time is flying and I have so much left to do. But this time, instead of panicking and deleting my list, I’m reserving the right to change it whenever I feel the need.

It’s not crossing things off my Bucket List that’s important, it’s enjoying the memories that I make in the process.

So go check out my updated list. Some things are gone that I no longer look forward to doing. New things are added that sound fun right now. 

Does your Bucket List need to be updated too?

How I'm crossing worldschooling off of my Bucket List!

Years ago, I put on my Bucket List that I dreamed of one day having kids and worldschooling.

I never thought it would be possible because all the options I had seen involved Nick and I having remote jobs or trust funds. Since we both haven’t been made aware of any trust funds and Nick’s a residential builder, I felt like it was up to me. At that time, I had begun to sell Young Living Essential Oils and was doing my best to hit the high ranks with higher commission so that I could finance my worldschooling dream.

Exploring villages in the Faroe Islands

I actually did pretty well with Young Living, but I still didn’t make enough money for the three of us to travel indefinitely. As worldschooling seemed less and less likely, I eventually forgot about it.

But recently, I was talking to a friend about joining Logos Hope and was telling her about Ivy attending first grade onboard while we sailed from country to country. All of a sudden it dawned on me that I was getting ready to cross worldschooling off my Bucket List.

Exploring Cardiff Castle, Wales

Since I was a child, for as long as I can remember, I’ve just wanted to find a job that would have me traveling the world. I’ve dreamed of being a National Geographic photographer, an airline stewardess, a sponsored travel blogger, of living in a camper-van roaming the USA or backpacking Europe indefinitely. I always have felt the urge to go.

When I first heard about worldschooling around 2014, I didn’t even have kids yet. I was just listening to other families who were doing the unconventional, living on the go and teaching their kids mostly through experiences and less through textbooks. I knew that’s what I wanted for my future family.

Sailing into Belfast, Northern Ireland

Though I was’t able to make it happen my way, God himself provided a way. 

Praise God that He loves us so much that He creates us with unique desires and then leads us to fulfill those dreams as we follow His plan for our lives!

16 things to do, see and eat in Cardiff, Wales

I can finally say I’ve seen all of the UK. I’ve been to England, Scotland and Northern Ireland in the past, but always wondered about Wales. Why go there? What is there to do? Now, I’ve been and I’m glad we came. I would never have chosen Cardiff to visit. I’m actually not sure where I would have chosen. Which is probably one reason why I’d never made the trip. But, I really did love Cardiff, especially along the bay where we berthed Logos Hope.

Cardiff Castle

1. Tour Cardiff Castle. Pay for the guided tour. It’s worth it! Plan to spend a couple hours here. We came in the morning and then walked out the gates and across the street to choose a restaurant for lunch and ice cream place for dessert. There are loads of options, so you’ll definitely find something you are craving.

2. Explore Mermaid Quay. This area has so much to do in terms of shopping, restaurants, coffee shops, a playground, a walking trail and beautiful views all around the bay. We didn’t spend hours here, but spent days. Almost every time we went out, it was to enjoy something at Mermaid Quay.

Mermaid Quay

3. Do dinner at Bills or lunch at Cozy Club. Both have such a cute atmosphere, great service and amazing food. At Bills, I got a burger and fries that was on special and it was delicious. At Cozy Club I got some type of a smoked salmon sandwich and it was so fresh and a good combination of herbs and flavors.

4. Get work done at Quantum Coffee. I like this coffee shop for working on my blog because you can get a seat at a long table facing a window. As you work and take thinking breaks, it's a great place to people watch and get a little quiet time to yourself. The turmeric latte is amazing.

5. Treat your friends at Full Fat Social. I went here several times with friends and everything I ordered was so good! Matcha latte, chai latte, take your pick. Everything my friends ordered was good too. Can’t go wrong.

Global Communications team outing

6. Go on a date night to The Botanist. The decorations were amazing, with the restaurant looking like it was blooming from within. Plants and vines everywhere. Very romantic for a night out with your loved one.

7. Grab some welsh cakes at Fabulous Welshcakes. The cakes are delicious and made right in front of you! Also, there shop has lots of cute little gifts, jewelry and souvenir type products. 

8. Enjoy ice cream at Llanfaes Dairy. I think Ivy convinced us to take her five times in three weeks. Everything we tried was good and it’s fun to sit under the twinkle-light tree inside. The best flavor I tried was “Salted Butter Caramel”. I’m picky about ice cream so trust me when I say you shouldn’t miss this place.

Brunch at CinnAmore

9. Breakfast at the Welsh version of Cinnabon, CinnAmore. Baked fresh daily, this cinnamon rolls do not disappoint. We loved the “Blueberry” and the “Biscoff”, but our friends tried other flavors and no one complained.

10. Eat dinner at Charley's Fish & Chips. The portions here were enormous! We love fish and chips and this place served them hot, yummy and more than we could eat.

11. Walk around the bay. It’s possible to walk for miles, leaving Mermaid Quay, crossing the Barrage, entering into neighborhoods on the other side of the water. It’s beautiful and a fun way to pass the time with a friend and a good conversation. Just make sure to bring a coat and hat to block the wind because it can be quite strong.

The Enormous Crocodile by Roald Dahl

12. Keep an eye out for Benedict Cumberbatch biking to BBC. He apparently biked right past us while my head was down counting pocket change. I hate that, but our local friend says it's normal to see him biking around the Mermaid Quay and surrounding area because of filming at the BBC.

13. Walk through Cardiff Market. The Cardiff Market has everything from bookshops, bread shops, cheese shops, tourist shops, jewelry and jewelry repair shops, restaurants, coffee shops and even fresh veggies, fruits and fish. We got rose flavored Turkish Delight at one of the booths and came back weeks later for more because it was so tasty.

14. Shop at Little Welsh Company. Buy a love spoon for someone you love, a welsh blanket to keep warm or any other little trinket you find. The prices are better than some of the souvenir shops we walked through and the products are much nicer. It’s a very small, easy to miss place, but if you want to get gifts for anyone, I’d search this place out and shop there.

Saint Fagans National Museum of History

15. Spend a day at Saint Fagan’s National Museum of History. There are about 50 buildings on this property, all moved from various locations around Wales. The buildings are all living museums that you can walk through and many are even active shops. Make sure to bring cash to visit the bakery. They don’t accept cards and you’ll definitely want to snack on their hot, fresh pastries and loaves of bread. Our group bought a loaf of bread to share and just pulled off chunks to eat. It was basically our lunch and so yummy. We walked down to the cafe to grab a latte and some butter to go with it. Just remember you need cash on you!

16. Shop at Tesco to find a box of “Mr Kipling Battenburg”. It's similar to the Faroese brick or a little Debbie. Rich in almond flavor, surrounded in marzipan, filled with moist, white cake and cream. Trust me. It may look like a cheap, boxed junk food snack, but it’s heaven. If you really can’t bring yourself to eat boxed cakes, then find WhoCult donuts in the city center and get a fresh box. They don’t disappoint either. 

I have to say I would have liked to have taken the time to visit places close by like Bath, Stonehenge and the Cotswolds. But, with such a short visit, it was really incredible to do as much as we did. We’ll be in the UK a bit longer so maybe we’ll figure out how to visit the places we weren’t able to see this time.