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How you define glamping is up to you. And anyone can enjoy this style of camping. |
Glamping Gear - A Dozen of My Favorite Things for the Campground
Monday, December 30, 2019
Friday, December 27, 2019
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The Out of the Box Camping box for this winter had a boondocking theme. |
Out of the Box Camping is a quarterly subscription box for campers and RV enthusiasts. Subscribers receive a curated box of items based on a theme. Boondocking is the theme for the 2019 winter box. So what was in this season's box?
Monday, December 23, 2019
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A used pop-up camper was our first RV. This was our very first camping trip in her. |
Friday, December 20, 2019
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Camp out under the stars in the new year. Find your way to the campground and find new adventures around every turn! |
As we near the end of one year and peek into the new one, life seems to naturally gravitate towards reflections and goal setting. The two go hand in hand for me. We have had a busy and fun year camping as a family, but we are looking toward new adventures and places. As I think about these things, I'm asking myself a big question. What kind of camper are you? Keep reading because this might help you to seek out new places to explore in the new year.
Monday, December 9, 2019
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Christmas breakfast is not complete without crisp waffles and buttery fruit topping. |
I love a lazy and indulgent breakfast on a holiday. These are the mornings when there is no rush. We are taking our time to ease into the day. As you plan for upcoming holiday meals and celebrations, take the time for an easy morning with a yummy breakfast or brunch. I have two favorite waffle recipes and a sherried fruit that are festive and delicious treats.
Friday, December 6, 2019
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Enjoy more adventure on the road by staying healthy! |
Monday, December 2, 2019
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Our DuraFlame Cube heater provided plenty of heat in our pop up camper on nights in the early fall. |
Have you put your RV to sleep until spring? Regardless of where you are, camping can be a reality during the cold weather months. Certainly, in warmer climates, four-season camping is much more of a reality. But, with the right gear and planning, you can sneak in a weekend trip to enjoy nature's beauty during those short gray days ahead. You might even have the campground to yourself! Today, I'm sharing 7 essential pieces of gear for cold weather camping.
Monday, November 25, 2019
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What will be under your Christmas tree this year? |
We've spent another year camping. There were big changes in our camping game, and that meant new gear. What did we discover as these changes took place? And what should be on your list for Santa? I've paired down our new favorites to 10 items for the ultimate Christmas Wish List for Campers.
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
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We have perfected our outdoor kitchen over time. Learn from our winning moves and missteps. |
Some RV's come with an outdoor kitchen as part of the design. But, there are quite a few that don't. If you want an outdoor kitchen but the RV you own or one you are interested in purchasing doesn't have one, hold on. You can create an outdoor kitchen set up that will be functional and just as good a pre-configured one.
Friday, November 15, 2019
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When you buy a new RV, there are several things that you will need to budget for after the sale. What are they and how much do they costs? |
When you buy a new RV, you may think that the cost you negotiate is the final cost. But, don't be fooled. That is only part of the cost. And while it is the biggest part of the cost, you need to allocate in your shopping budget for all of the additional items and gear you will need after the sale. So, if you bought a new RV, do you need to buy so much stuff?
Monday, November 11, 2019
When we moved from a pop-up camper to a travel trailer, we wanted an easier setup and pack up process. Sure, pop up campers are lightweight and inexpensive. There is also a lot of work in setting one up. No matter how you camp, however, there is work involved. Three things never change - prep, set up and takedown. So, why change if you are still doing all of the same things? Well, its a lot of things really that can and do change when you transition from a pop-up camper to a travel trailer. For us, it was the next logical step.
Friday, November 8, 2019
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Last-minute camping trips can be fun if you think through the details and set yourself up for success. |
The freedom of owning an RV is being able to just hitch up go. Every trip does not have to be a bucket list extravaganza. Sometimes, it is fun and worthwhile to plan a spontaneous adventure. It may seem like it is not worth the work, but you can do this with much less effort than you think. What are my tips for a last-minute campout?
Monday, November 4, 2019
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Set your table with delicious comfort food this fall at the campground. |
Friday, November 1, 2019
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Our Alpine Slide Awning from Carefree of Colorado is perfect for our new RV. |
Monday, October 28, 2019
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The Kentuck Art Festival offers unique pieces from artists all over the country. |
Just outside of Tuscaloosa, Alabama is the town of Northport. This community began as the settlement of Kentuck. In 1871, Northport achieved its name as the northernmost point of the Black Warrior River. So, where did the name Kentuck come from and how did it become the art festival that it is today?
Friday, October 25, 2019
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Deerlick Creek Corp of Engineers Campground is located outside of Tuscaloosa, AL. They have water but no sewer hookups at the site. |
Monday, October 21, 2019
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The RV Lock Keyless Entry system has been one of the best upgrades that we have made to our RV. |
Friday, October 18, 2019
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Our new RV mattress for our Murphy bed from Tochta. |
I tend to painstakingly make decisions about RV upgrades and projects. I research, read reviews, look at numbers, and mull it over in my head. I will make a decision but wait to pull the trigger only to change my mind. This may happen several times. Then, it is go time. And, when a decision is finally made, I am glad I waited. Our RV Murphy bed was no different. I wanted easy bedding and a comfy mattress. But, not any mattress or bedding works best for the unique set up. I finally have everything just right and want to share it with you.
Monday, October 14, 2019
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Our RV Medicine cabinet includes the basic items that we need on the road. |
Several months ago, I went out and purchased a few standard items to keep in our RV medicine cabinet. I thought we had everything we needed. But, after a yellow jacket sting to my face over the weekend, I realized that I might be short a few things. I took a little time at the end of our last trip to re-evaluate our current stock and made a list of what we need to add. What do you need to keep on hand when you travel?
Friday, October 11, 2019
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The decorations for our son's camping themed birthday party was easy and festive. I found these little lamps at Dollar Tree. |
I've seen quite a few posts on social media lately about hosting a camping themed birthday party. There are so many different ways that you could make this theme a reality. We recently celebrated our son's birthday with this very idea. I felt like it was a huge success, and it was an easy party to do! If you love camping, glamping, camping decor or just being outdoors, this party could be just right for you or your loved one. Once you see how I pulled this off, you are sure to agree.
Monday, September 30, 2019
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My camp kitchen is a mix of pretty and practical. |
Even if you have plenty of storage in your RV, this can be a relative concept. Let's face it. RV's are smaller than our homes. And, the bigger your RV, the more stuff you will have to fill it all up. We transitioned from a pop-up camper to a travel trailer. While there is more space, it has filled up quickly. There is no way that any home cook can mirror their sticks and bricks kitchen without overfilling your RV to maximum capacity. How did I organize my RV kitchen? And what are my kitchen essentials?
Monday, September 23, 2019
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Our Coleman camp stove set up. |
We have all seen the iconic green 2 burner camp stove from Coleman and the matching green lantern. Those two items are synonymous, in my mind, with camping. Its how many families started camping, and they are reminders of nostalgic adventures. Regardless of having a full indoor kitchen, I still love camping outdoors and classic Coleman gear will get you there.
Friday, September 20, 2019
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Fall 2019 Out of the Box Camping - Around the Campfire |
By now, you may have heard of Out of the Box Camping. It is a camping themed subscription box that I have tried twice now. The cost is $55 per box, and I think it is well worth the cost. Each box contains well-curated items that I might not have discovered on my own. What was included in the fall 2019 box?
Monday, September 16, 2019
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Our Grand Design 19BWE has the features that love and enjoy on the road all under 25 feet. |
Friday, September 13, 2019
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Our sunset view at Yogi on the Lake from our campsite. |
Monday, September 9, 2019
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Homemade graham crackers and marshmallows made these s'mores a Thanksgiving favorite a couple of years ago! |
I have a slight obsession with s' mores. Over time, I have experimented with homemade marshmallows and graham crackers (which are delish by the way). They are crunchy, sweet and gooey. Making a dessert over an open flame can bring sheer joy. We have been experimenting with some new flavor combinations. While I love a classic graham cracker and milk chocolate s' more, there are so many other options to discover!
Friday, September 6, 2019
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Fall camping is the best! There is nothing better than waking up surrounded by colorful foliage. |
If you think the end of summer means the end of camping season, some of the best camping is in the fall. As the temperatures start to cool, this is the prime time to enjoy the crisp air, colorful foliage and nights around the campfire. Get your gear in check and ready to hit the campground for one of my favorite seasons of the year. What made my fall gear guide for 2019?
Friday, August 30, 2019
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Our Grand Design Imagine XLS 19BWE follows both the trend of a smaller RV and a Murphy bed. We love both! |
The words RV and trendy don't seem to go together for me. Classic or travel are words that come to mind when I think about RV's. But there are trends in every industry, and the RV industry is no different. Sales were on the rise in previous years. Even with the current decline in sales, manufacturers do have a pulse on what the buyer wants. When we were shopping for our new RV, we noticed several trends over and over.
Monday, August 26, 2019
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Take care of your RV, and it will be part of your family for a long time! |
We are nearing the end of the hottest days of the year. As we transition from Pina Coladas at the pool to pumpkin spice lattes and flannel, pause for some end of the season maintenance. What can you do now to protect your investment?
Friday, August 23, 2019
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Wise planning decisions can have you hitting the open road like a boss! |
Monday, August 19, 2019
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Welcome to our Air BnB! |
I've had more than one person tell me that I'm crazy to rent out our new RV. It certainly is a risk. No one is going to take care of your personal property as you would. Some renters may do a better job, and others may disappoint you. If you are nervous about letting someone pull out of your drive with your RV, Air BnB could be a way to rent your rig at home!
Friday, August 16, 2019
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Hose bins make it easy to separate sewer hoses from freshwater hoses. |
Monday, August 12, 2019
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Our finished farmhouse wallpaper lightens up walls behind the bed and sofa. |
Friday, August 9, 2019
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What are the RV items you need that are beyond basics? |
If you are a new RV owner, there are some things that everyone will tell you that you need like basic hoses and RV toilet paper. But, what are the things beyond the basics that you are going to need and want? We felt like we knew what we needed because we were moving from a pop-up camper, but we quickly learned about new items that were not on our original list.
Monday, August 5, 2019
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Safety at the campground is more than just having a first aid kit. However, this Surviveware First Aid Kit is handy, and I recommend it! |
Camping can feel like this bubble of good times and fun. Children latch onto this feeling of freedom as they race through the campground on bikes, scooters, and foot. They can play outdoors after dark and enjoy running free for hours. But, you also have to encourage some good habits and solid rules so that everyone is safe.
Monday, July 29, 2019
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This is my shelf over the bed. When I pull the Murphy bed down, it's like a little hidden surprise here. I picked up all of these things from Dollar General. |
Friday, July 26, 2019
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Welcome to our new RV. |
When our family started out with a pop-up camper, our intention was to test the waters and see how much we enjoyed camping as a family. Over time, we started thinking and talking about a possible upgrade. And our factory tour at Grand Design last fall, it was all over. An upgrade was going to happen. We considered waiting, but why? There wasn't going to be a perfect time. So, this spring we started looking and finally pulled the trigger! Meet May Belle. I'm pronouncing it just like Mabel. She's our new Grand Design, and we are in love.
Monday, July 22, 2019
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We made a few mistakes when purchasing our new RV that added up to unexpected costs after the sale. |
If you are about to purchase a new RV, you may or may not find the camper of your dreams in your home state. No problem. These kinds of things happen all of the time. However, no matter what you purchase and where you purchase, taxes are a fact of life. Don't get stuck holding the bag when you get to your home state's tax office.
Friday, July 19, 2019
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What souvenirs do you collect on your journey? Are they just collecting dust? |
Monday, July 15, 2019
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These are the items that we used on our first night in our new RV. |
I'm all about the decorating and color schemes, and I can't wait to start putting our new camper together. But, there are some things far more important than the pretty palette you have selected. What do you actually need to take your camper out for that first time?
Friday, July 12, 2019
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The beaches along 30A in Florida are my absolute favorite in the Southeast. |
Maybe you have already taken your family vacation for this year. Or maybe you will take a late summer trip. But, if you are planning a trip to the beach, I'd like to share a few tips from over our years of traveling both as a couple and as a family.
Monday, July 8, 2019
If you have ever been through the RV shopping experience, you could probably tell a story or two. Shopping through individual listings and dealerships can leave you either scarred or elated. We rode this roller coaster for several months, and I'm glad to be done. I'm also thankful that we didn't rush through this process. It was a tremendous learning experience for both my husband and I. So what is the best way to score the camper of your dreams?
Friday, July 5, 2019
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We replaced our old bag awning with a new Shade Maker bag awning this year. Keeping the awning clean and preventing stains from day one makes a difference over time. |
Monday, July 1, 2019
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My outdoor drinking water station complete with a collapsible Wolverine Smart Bottle and Zero Water Pitcher. I always have clean water right when and where I need it! |
Friday, June 28, 2019
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Guest blogger, Christy Rogers, keeps her camper on a seasonal site at Logan Martin Lake in Alabama. |
Friend and guest blogger, Christy Rogers shares about her experience of upgrading her camper. She made the decision to move to a bigger and more accommodating floor plan this year. Christy keeps her RV on a seasonal site and loves everything about the lake life. Find out more about why she felt like upgrading was the best decision for her.
Monday, June 24, 2019
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Pop up camper bedding can be a challenge but it doesn't have to spoil your sleep. |
One question I get regularly is about what direction we sleep in our pop up. There isn't really a right or wrong answer to this question. It comes down to how big your beds are and how tall each person is that is sleeping in the bunk ends. After all, size does matter!
Friday, June 21, 2019
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Summer desserts with fresh berries make some of my favorite treats! |
If you are gearing up for the 4th of July, I have 3 easy and festive options! Summer fruit is plentiful this time of year, and you can incorporate it into your menus for colorful options. Some of the best places to find seasonal fruits are at roadside stands as you travel. Today, I am sharing some dessert ideas, but I am also adding a few ideas for additional options for other meals.
Monday, June 17, 2019
Peggy Sue the Pop Up right before her sale.
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Making the decision to sell your RV is a big one and how to do it is an even bigger decision. You may get way more selling your camper on your own rather than trading it at the dealership. I would recommend this route if at all possible. This is especially true if you have done a big remodel. It can be a lot of work, but you can do it! So, what did I do to get Peggy Sue ready to sell?
Friday, June 14, 2019
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Out of the Box Camping Subscription Box Summer 2019 |
Subscription boxes come in almost any flavor. From beauty products to children's gear, I've tried quite a few. When that box arrives, it's like unwrapping a present for no reason. This is one of the appeals for me. Call me silly or childlike, but it's true! Out of the Box Camping is a subscription box for camping enthusiasts. This quarterly box contains 6 to 8 camping related items that are practical and fun. It's a great way to try out new products. So what arrived in my Summer 2019 box?
Monday, June 10, 2019
A trip to Giant City State Park is a welcome change to the ordinary pace of life. We love how green it is here along with the abundance of outdoor activities.
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**Updated June 2019**
When our family first started camping, a couple of hours from home seemed like a trip around the world. We finally are venturing outside of our comfort zone and geographic region. It has been exciting to be more confident campers. For Memorial Day Weekend, we camped at Giant City State Park in Southern Illinois for two years in a row. I think this might become a family tradition.