Table of Contents
Heading into our van life adventure at the beginning of 2019, one thing that we were hyper-focused on was our van life costs. We had some money saved from working full time, and did not have a ton of money coming in each month. What did that mean? It meant that the more we spent, the shorter our adventure would be! So we HAD to minimize costs, because we wanted to adventure as long as possible! We are going to give you a 100% transparent view into our expenses we had in our third month on the road. Here we go!
In March, we spent a TON of time with family! The whole month in fact. We started the month in Minnesota staying with Zach’s parents, took a Wisconsin trip to see Julie’s parents, and capped off the Midwestern excursion with a wedding in Stillwater, MN in mid-March!
We had an absolute BLAST seeing so much family and friends for the first time since we started our adventure! After the wedding (and Julie passing her nursing boards YAY!!) we took off from Minnesota heading South!
We stopped in Oklahoma City, Dallas, and Waco on our way towards Houston. We had so much fun seeing our new nephew JP in February that we had to go back in March to see him again! We stayed in Houston with our Texas family until the end of March, exploring everything we could while we were there.
Photos from Month 3’s Adventure
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Wedding in Minnesota! -
Wedding in Minnesota! -
Wedding in Minnesota -
Grassy Knoll in Dallas -
JFK Memorial in Dallas -
Grassy Knoll in Dallas -
Magnolia in Waco! -
Magnolia in Waco! -
Magnolia in Waco! -
Hanging with our Nephew JP in Houston! -
Hanging with our Nephew JP in Houston!
Our budget for March was smaller than our January and February budgets because we were spending so much time with Family. We knew we would probably have higher entertainment expenses, but fewer gas and grocery trips, so those expenses would probably be lower. Here’s what we came up with for the budget:
February Budget
| Expense | Budget |
| Gas | $300 |
| Groceries | $100 |
| Lodging | $0 |
| Auto Maintenance | $100 |
| Other / Entertainment | $300 |
| Total | $800 |
Now, let’s see how we did!
Gas
Budget: $300 || Actual: $147.93
| Exxon (1 fill up) | $28.37 |
| Super America (1) | $38.78 |
| Cenex (1) | $40.89 |
| Holiday (1) | $32.11 |
| Other (1) | $7.78 |
| Total | $147.93 |
We did WAY better than expected on gas in March. That was mainly due to a few reasons:
- We traveled much less than we thought we would while in MN and WI
- We split gas by carpooling from MN back to Houston
On the trip from MN to Houston, we had the pleasure of riding with some of Zach’s family! It made the road trip SO fun, and also it helped because the gas cost for us was much much lower.
Our Gas Search Strategy
Once we were under 1/4 tank, Julie opens up Get Upside and Google Maps, and searches for gas places on our route in the next 50 miles. We’d find and stop at the cheapest one, whether it was 2 miles away or 48!
If you decide to download Get Upside, use code ‘2GZ28A’ for an extra $.15/gal cash back on your first gas purchase!
Groceries
Budget: $100 || Actual: $116.20
| Wal Mart (2 times) | $109.51 |
| Gas Station Coffee (3) | $8.86 |
| Total | $116.20 |
We were SO close on our grocery budget for March. Close enough that I’m going to give us the benefit of the doubt and say we basically hit our goal.
If only a few more things were on sale at the right time, we could have snuck in right under budget for March. Either way, se la vie, life goes on.
One of our Favorite Recipes
Lodging
Budget: $0 || Actual: $0
| Living in our van at Harvest Hosts, National Forests, and Wal Mart parking lots |
$0 |
| Total | $0 |
Just like February, we hit our budget DEAD ON for lodging… ZERO! Nada! Zip!
To be honest, finding lodging has become one of the most fun portions of our adventure! Also, to be honest, it has gotten MUCH easier the further West we’ve traveled.
Out West, there is MUCH more public property (National Forests, Bureau of Land Management, Wildlife Areas, etc) that offer opportunities for free camping! What’s more? The land is BETTER!
We have found b-e-a-utiful places to spend the night almost each and every night!
If you are interested in exploring Harvest Hosts, use this link for 15% off a membership:
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Bayou Teche – Harvest Hosts -
Everything is Beachy Here! -
Golden Acres Ranch – Harvest Hosts -
Buffalo National River
Auto Maintenance
Budget: $100 || Actual: $94.69
| One oil change and general tune-up | $94.69 |
| Total | $94.69 |
In March, Winnie continued to be an absolute CHAMPION on the road! Absolutely no issues to deal with except our regular oil change and tune up.
We try to stay ahead of schedule with these to keep Winnie in as tip top of shape as we can. So far our strategy seems to be working well! Knock on wood…
Other / Entertainment
Budget: $300 || Actual: $660.99
| Drinking Out (7 times) | $171.65 |
| Eating Out (4) | $60.31 |
| Van Improvements | $269.73 |
| Subscriptions (Canva, Adobe, Spotify, Planet Fitness) | $62.90 |
| Other | $96.40 |
| Cash Expenses | $0 |
| Total | $660.99 |
Once again we are over budget in our other/entertainment category! I guess you can say we cave in to peer pressure pretty easily.
Being back home with friends we found ourselves going out a lot more. How can you say no to a damn good time?? We have no idea!
Also while we were back in Minnesota, we made some van improvements. Our first two months on the road were a great test drive for what van-life would be like and we learned a ton!
For example, we learned having our kitchen pull out of the back was a huge pain, especially with our bikes on the back. Brushing your teeth/washing your face isn’t very fun using water bottles either.
Therefore, while we were home we rearranged some things in the van and put our kitchen with running water inside! We also added a deck to our roof, which has been by far our favorite improvement! We’ve loved reading, sunbathing, and star gazing on our roof all over the country.
Even though our van improvements took us over budget, they were totally worth it. Having running water in the van and a rooftop deck have been extreme life improvements for us!
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We Added a Sink to the Inside of the Van! -
Rooftop Deck after Construction -
Rooftop Deck after Construction
Total
| Expense | Budget | Actual |
| Gas | $300 | $147.93 |
| Groceries | $100 | $16.20 |
| Lodging | $0 | $0 |
| Auto Maintenance | $100 | $94.69 |
| Other / Entertainment | $300 | $660.99 |
| Total | $800 | $1019.81 |
So close, but yet so far. Again and again, it is the other/entertainment category that absolutely CRUSHES us month after month.
We REALLY need to improve our self-control, but we just have so much rootin’ tootin’ FUN when we see friends and family! So sue us. Actually please don’t, we don’t have a lot of money, so you won’t win a lot anyways…
Month 4 Budget
| Expense | Budget |
| Gas | $400 |
| Groceries | $300 |
| Lodging | $0 |
| Auto Maintenance | $100 |
| Other / Entertainment | $200 |
| Total | $1000 |
For April, we will be back on the road FULL TIME! That means our budget is back to what it was in February: $1000, broken down just as it is in the table above.
Will we hit it? Will April be the first time this year that we actually HIT our budget? You’ll have to check back to find out!
If you liked this article, use the below image to Pin it and save for later!
If you want to hear more about our budget, here is our budget and spending from February and January!
CBD for Anxiousness as well as Clinical Depression: Debunked Imagine that it is feasible to present one natural preparation into your everyday diet plan, which could show to be the secret to winning the defend a calmer life for people with depressive disorders. What happens if the addition of this preparation, created on the basis of an increasingly well-known and checked chemical compound of plant beginning, is not just potentially very effective, yet is not associated with the risk of negative effects normal of pharmacological medicines? Is it even possible? Where’s the catch? Do you wish to know more? Read this article In this post we will cover: What is clinical depression? THC as well as CBD cannabinoids – differences Depression and the endocannabinoid system What is clinical depression? Official meanings suggest that depressive disorders, likewise recognized informally as clinical depression, are defined by: unexpected anxiety of an individual’s mood, in the unfavorable direction, of modest to solid strength of the intensity of the knowledgeable modifications, for more than a couple of weeks. There might be several reasons for the incident of adjustments. It additionally happens that it is hard to identify any type of indisputable factor. We really usually encountered the statement that it is a human being disease of the 21st century – it influences both older and more youthful people. Our education and learning is trivial for anxiety, let alone our incomes – it can affect any person. Therapy of depression boils down to: pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy as well as psychoeducation, phototherapy, electroconvulsive therapy and even more natural tasks related to the intensification of exercise and also the introduction of considerable adjustments in the everyday diet. It is as part of all-natural approaches of fighting and combating clinical depression that the inclusion of cannabis preparations with cannabinoids naturally occurring in the plant in the daily diet plan is getting a growing number of popularity worldwide. Cannabidiol CBD, discovered in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, shows up in countless clinical studies as a possibly efficient cannabinoid in the treatment of depression. Notably, it is a 100 natural chemical substance of plant origin. Interestingly, anxiety is among the three most usual mental illness in which people resort to CBD hemp prep work such as CBD oil, complete spectrum hemp oil with CBD or CBD pills. Records from customers as well as their favorable viewpoints on the performance of e.g. CBD oil or complete spectrum hemp oil with natural CBD are growing at an unmatched pace. THC and CBD cannabinoids – differences The main cannabinoids in the cannabis plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). They reveal antagonistic impacts, which implies that CBD decreases the impacts of THC. What are these results? THC has an envigorating result, creates a feeling of ecstasy, impacts cognitive functions, yet also loosens up. Big, consistently eaten dosages of THC are taken into consideration damaging to the human mind. Too much usage of THC can result in psychosis, absence of motivation, as well as also irreversible adverse changes in cognitive function. Both THC as well as CBD influence the endocannabinoid system in the body. Their action, as currently pointed out, is inconsistent. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When writing photos, CBD reduces the exhaustion of anandamide sources, as well as THC accelerate this procedure. Nevertheless, this does not suggest that THC is only a hazardous cannabinoid and also should not remain in the prep work whatsoever. However. Its little existence in hemp prep work is also necessary in order to acquire the supposed effect. synergy. THC in full range hemp oil exists in such a marginal and, significantly, legal amount. This amount is so tiny (less than 0.2) that it does not cause intoxication. Collaborating, THC and also CBD have higher possibility than either molecule performing alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its relevance for individuals struggling with depression? Continue reading! CBD, Anxiety as well as the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is a crucial system in charge of the policy of basic human physical procedures, such as energy monitoring, neurohormonal as well as neuroimmune links, motor task, state of mind and also inspiration, and fat metabolic process. The endocannabinoid system consists of a neurotransmitter called anandamide (AEA). Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that is naturally produced in the human mind. Its manufacturing is stimulated by e.g. physical activity, as well as to a lesser level by the so-called work with the body (massage therapy!). Its sources are “utilized” to keep the correct functioning of the body, consisting of in the field of psychological health. As shown in this research study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high levels of anandamide are connected with a decreased threat of creating psychotic symptoms. A high degree of anandamide is additionally associated with a favorable impact on the reduction of anxiety and anxiousness symptoms. This system is still not totally comprehended, but it seems logical that a highly depressed mood in a specific time period for a certain case, and with the simultaneous lack of actions aimed at its renovation, results in an increase of the influx of adverse ideas. As depressive problems develop, they can turn into even more dangerous types of disorders, e.g. psychosis, deceptions or schizophrenia. Decreasing this procedure as promptly as feasible might end up being important in the effective treatment of mental disorders of human functioning.
This would be the right weblog for anybody who wishes to discover this topic. You realize a great deal of its almost tough to argue along with you (not too When i would want…HaHa). You actually put a brand new spin using a topic thats been written about for decades. Wonderful stuff, just fantastic!
CBD for Anxiety as well as Depression: Envision that it is feasible to introduce one all-natural preparation into your day-to-day diet regimen, which might verify to be the key to winning the fight for a calmer life for individuals with depressive problems. What if the inclusion of this prep work, created on the basis of a significantly widely known and examined chemical compound of plant beginning, is not only possibly really reliable, yet is not associated with the danger of adverse effects typical of pharmacological medicines? Is it also feasible? Where’s the catch? Do you would like to know even more? Read this article In this article we will certainly cover: What is clinical depression? THC distinctions Depression and also the endocannabinoid system What is anxiety? Official interpretations suggest that depressive conditions, likewise understood informally as depression, are characterized by: unexpected clinical depression of a person’s mood, in the adverse instructions, of moderate to solid strength of the intensity of the experienced changes, for more than a few weeks. There may be several reasons for the event of modifications. It likewise takes place that it is difficult to identify any unequivocal factor. We really commonly come across the declaration that it is a civilization illness of the 21st century – it influences both older as well as more youthful individuals. Our education and learning is trivial for depression, not to mention our incomes – it can impact any individual. Therapy of clinical depression comes down to: pharmacotherapy, psychiatric therapy as well as psychoeducation, phototherapy, electroconvulsive therapy and even more all-natural tasks related to the increase of exercise and the introduction of substantial adjustments in the everyday diet. It is as part of all-natural approaches of battling and also combating clinical depression that the incorporation of cannabis preparations with cannabinoids naturally occurring in the plant in the everyday diet plan is getting more and more popularity on the planet. Cannabidiol CBD, found in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, appears in numerous scientific researches as a possibly effective cannabinoid in the treatment of depression. Importantly, it is a 100 all-natural chemical substance of plant beginning. Remarkably, depression is amongst the three most usual mental disorders in which patients resort to CBD hemp prep work such as CBD oil, complete range hemp oil with CBD or CBD pills. Records from consumers and their positive viewpoints on the effectiveness of e.g. CBD oil or complete range hemp oil with natural CBD are expanding at an unmatched rate. THC and CBD cannabinoids – differences The key cannabinoids in the cannabis plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and also CBD (cannabidiol). They reveal antagonistic effects, which means that CBD lowers the effects of THC. What are these effects? THC has an intoxicating impact, creates a feeling of ecstasy, affects cognitive functions, however likewise relaxes. Large, consistently consumed dosages of THC are thought about harmful to the human mind. Excessive intake of THC can lead to psychosis, lack of inspiration, and also even long-term adverse changes in cognitive function. Both THC as well as CBD affect the endocannabinoid system in the human body. Their action, as already stated, is inconsistent. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When writing photos, CBD decreases the deficiency of anandamide sources, and THC quicken this procedure. Nevertheless, this does not imply that THC is just a dangerous cannabinoid as well as ought to not remain in the prep work in any way. However. Its tiny presence in hemp preparations is also essential in order to acquire the supposed impact. harmony. THC completely spectrum hemp oil exists in such a limited as well as, notably, legal amount. This amount is so small (less than 0.2) that it does not create intoxication. Interacting, THC and also CBD have greater capacity than either particle performing alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its value for people experiencing depression? Keep reading! CBD, Anxiety and also the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is a vital system in charge of the guideline of standard human physical procedures, such as power monitoring, neurohormonal and neuroimmune links, motor task, mood as well as inspiration, and fat metabolic process. The endocannabinoid system includes a natural chemical called anandamide (AEA). Anandamide is a natural chemical that is naturally created in the human brain. Its manufacturing is promoted by e.g. physical activity, and also to a minimal degree by the so-called deal with the body (massage!). Its sources are “used” to maintain the correct functioning of the body, including in the field of mental wellness. As displayed in this study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high levels of anandamide are connected with a decreased threat of creating psychotic signs and symptoms. A high degree of anandamide is additionally connected with a positive effect on the reduction of clinical depression as well as anxiousness signs and symptoms. This system is still not completely recognized, however it appears sensible that a strongly clinically depressed mood in a private time period for a specific instance, and also with the synchronised absence of actions aimed at its renovation, leads to a rise of the influx of unfavorable thoughts. As depressive conditions establish, they can turn into much more hazardous kinds of conditions, e.g. psychosis, deceptions or schizophrenia. Decreasing this procedure as promptly as feasible might become important in the efficient therapy of mental disorders of human functioning.
CBD for Stress And Anxiety as well as Depression: Demystified Imagine that it is possible to introduce one all-natural prep work right into your day-to-day diet, which might verify to be the secret to winning the defend a calmer life for people with depressive problems. What happens if the incorporation of this preparation, created on the basis of a significantly widely known as well as checked chemical compound of plant beginning, is not only possibly really effective, however is not related to the risk of adverse effects regular of medicinal medicines? Is it even possible? Where’s the catch? Do you would like to know even more? Read this write-up In this short article we will cover: What is clinical depression? THC and also CBD cannabinoids – differences Depression as well as the endocannabinoid system What is depression? Official definitions recommend that depressive problems, likewise understood informally as depression, are identified by: unexpected clinical depression of a person’s state of mind, in the unfavorable direction, of moderate to solid intensity of the intensity of the experienced modifications, for greater than a few weeks. There may be several factors for the incident of changes. It likewise happens that it is challenging to determine any indisputable reason. We very commonly found the declaration that it is a world disease of the 21st century – it affects both older as well as more youthful individuals. Our education is not important for anxiety, not to mention our earnings – it can influence any person. Treatment of depression boils down to: pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and also psychoeducation, phototherapy, electroconvulsive therapy and even more natural activities connected to the accumulation of physical activity and the intro of considerable changes in the daily diet regimen. It is as part of natural approaches of dealing with and counteracting anxiety that the inclusion of marijuana preparations with cannabinoids normally happening in the plant in the daily diet regimen is gaining a growing number of appeal worldwide. Cannabidiol CBD, found in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, shows up in countless clinical studies as a possibly efficient cannabinoid in the treatment of depression. Notably, it is a 100 all-natural chemical compound of plant beginning. Remarkably, anxiety is among the 3 most common mental disorders in which people turn to CBD hemp prep work such as CBD oil, full range hemp oil with CBD or CBD capsules. Records from customers and their positive viewpoints on the effectiveness of e.g. CBD oil or full range hemp oil with all-natural CBD are growing at an unmatched pace. THC and also CBD cannabinoids – distinctions The primary cannabinoids in the cannabis plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). They show antagonistic impacts, which suggests that CBD minimizes the impacts of THC. What are these results? THC has an envigorating impact, causes a sensation of bliss, impacts cognitive features, however additionally loosens up. Huge, routinely consumed doses of THC are considered unsafe to the human brain. Too much consumption of THC can lead to psychosis, lack of motivation, and also also irreversible negative changes in cognitive function. Both THC as well as CBD impact the endocannabinoid system in the body. Their activity, as already discussed, is contradictory. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When writing images, CBD reduces the deficiency of anandamide resources, and THC speeds up this process. However, this does not indicate that THC is just a harmful cannabinoid and also ought to not remain in the preparation whatsoever. As a matter of fact. Its little presence in hemp preparations is also essential in order to obtain the so-called impact. synergy. THC in full range hemp oil is present in such a limited and, notably, legal quantity. This quantity is so small (less than 0.2) that it does not trigger intoxication. Collaborating, THC and CBD have better potential than either particle performing alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its value for individuals suffering from anxiety? Keep reading! CBD, Depression and also the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is an essential system in charge of the guideline of standard human physical procedures, such as power monitoring, neurohormonal and also neuroimmune connections, motor activity, state of mind as well as motivation, as well as fat metabolism. The endocannabinoid system consists of a natural chemical called anandamide (AEA). Anandamide is a natural chemical that is naturally created in the human mind. Its production is boosted by e.g. exercise, and also to a lower extent by the so-called deal with the body (massage therapy!). Its resources are “utilized” to preserve the appropriate performance of the body, including in the field of mental health and wellness. As displayed in this research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high levels of anandamide are connected with a lowered danger of developing psychotic symptoms. A high level of anandamide is also related to a favorable impact on the decrease of clinical depression and also stress and anxiety symptoms. This mechanism is still not totally recognized, however it seems logical that a strongly depressed state of mind in a specific time period for a details instance, and also with the simultaneous lack of activities aimed at its improvement, causes an intensification of the influx of adverse ideas. As depressive conditions establish, they can turn into a lot more unsafe kinds of problems, e.g. psychosis, delusions or schizophrenia. Slowing down this process as quickly as possible might become essential in the effective treatment of mental disorders of human performance.
Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the pictures on this blog loading?
I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.