How you define glamping is up to you.  And anyone can enjoy this style of camping.

Glamping is camping done with fabulous flair!  I don't know that I'm necessarily a glamper in every sense of the word.  I have a little boy and husband in tow everywhere I go.  This brings about a lot of dirt, frogs and general messiness.  I do enjoy pretty camping decor, creating delicious meals and relaxing at the campground in style.  Anyone can be a glamper, and you don't have to go over the top to do it.  Today I'm sharing my favorite glamping gear that anyone would love to have at the campground.

Out of The Box Camping Review - Winter 2019

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?

Why a Starter RV is the Right Place to Begin Your Camping Journey

A used pop-up camper was our first RV.  This was our very first camping trip in her.

If you are considering a first time RV purchase, you may lean toward the easy and brand new camper.  I'm not going to tell you not to buy a brand new RV for your first purchase, but I do think that you should explore basic, starter models.  What is a starter model and why should you start there?  Today, I'm sharing 7 tips for that first time RV owner.  If you shop wisely, you will love your RV no matter what the size, design or age.  There is an RV for every budget and owner.  Now is the perfect time to shop for a model that will get you outdoors as soon as the temperatures start to rise this spring.

Glamper Goals - What Kind of Camper Are You?

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.

Christmas Breakfast: Waffles and Hot Sherried Fruit

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.

Winter Travel Tips: Boost Immunity and Stay Healthy

Enjoy more adventure on the road by staying healthy!

Its that time of year when there seems to be no shortage of sneezes and sniffles.  I'm around so many people each week as I travel for work.  There are days that I want to spray a Lysol fog into a room as I listen to the evidence of sick people around me.  The struggle to stay healthy increases with travel and holiday parties and crowds.  This year, I have been taking some extra precautions and will hopefully benefit from these efforts.  Today, I'm sharing my favorite tips for staying healthy just in time for the holiday season!

Fall and Winter Camping Gear Essentials

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.

Camping Gift Ideas: 2019 Christmas Wish List

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.

How to Create an Outdoor Kitchen that is Just Right

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.

You Have a New RV - So, Why Do You Need to Buy So Much Stuff?

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?

What Changed When We Moved from a Pop Up Camper to a Travel Trailer

While we were sad to see Peggy Sue, the pop-up camper go, we love our new travel trailer.  It was the right decision for us!  You can see Peggy Sue in the background as we were camping with our friends that bought her that weekend!

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.

Tips for those Last Minute Camping Trips

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?

Favorite Fall Camping Recipes - 7 Comfort Meals We Love

Set your table with delicious comfort food this fall at the campground.

Some people are putting their RV's to sleep with bottles of 'pink drink'.  In the deep south, we are still camping.  Sure, temperatures are diving into the '30's at night, but the days are still nice and fairly warm.  In many ways, this is the perfect camping weather for us where sweltering days last for months.  The break in the heat is the perfect excuse for cozy nights by a fire and comfort food.

Installing an RV Slide Awning

Our Alpine Slide Awning from Carefree of Colorado is perfect for our new RV.

My husband and I have completed both big and small RV projects.  We started out with our pop up camper that we remodeled.  Over that process, we decided to pay to have some things done professionally.  For some projects, it is worth the money.  However, there are some projects that just make sense to take the DIY approach.  We made the decision this fall to install our RV slide awning.  So, how hard was it and was it worth the time and effort?

Kentuck - A Utopian place and home to a heavenly art festival

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?

Does Tank Size Really Matter?

Deerlick Creek Corp of Engineers Campground is located outside of Tuscaloosa, AL.  They have water but no sewer hookups at the site.  

Campground amenities and hookups vary from one to the next.  If you camp solely at sites with full hookups, you may not think that tank size matters on your RV.  However, having the ability and capacity to camp at a variety of locations will open up the doors for many different experiences.  In the end, tank size does matter.  Even if you don't think it will now, you don't want to limit your camping abilities from the start.

How to Install the RV Lock Keyless Entry on Your RV

The RV Lock Keyless Entry system has been one of the best upgrades that we have made to our RV.

Right after picking up our new RV, we closed the door with both sets of keys sitting on the counter.  We found ourselves locked out with a malfunctioned lock.  $50 dollars and a locksmith later, we were back inside of our RV, but who wants to risk that?  A keyless entry lock is an excellent upgrade that is easier than you think!  And it can help keep you in business with or without a set of keys.

Sleeping Comfortably in Your RV Murphy Bed

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.

RV Medicine Cabinet - What Do You Need Now?

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?

Host a Camping Themed Birthday Party

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.

Organizing Your RV Kitchen

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?

Why You Need Classic Coleman Camping Gear

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.

Out of the Box Camping - Fall Box Review

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?

4 Family Friendly RV's under 25 feet

Our Grand Design 19BWE has the features that love and enjoy on the road all under 25 feet.

You may think that you have to go big to get a family-sized travel trailer, but we know that good things come in small packages.  When we set out to upgrade from our 2001 Jayco Qwest Pop-Up Camper, Peggy Sue, we knew that we didn't want a huge RV.  We wanted bunk beds, a designated bed for us (mom and dad), a contained kitchen and bathroom.  This all needed to fit into less than 25 feet.  I had several people tell us what we were crazy, but there are so many RV's out there that its crazy to think that you can't find what you want.  We found what we were looking for as well as some other floor plans that might fit your small trailer needs.

Yogi on the Lake - Campground Review

Our sunset view at Yogi on the Lake from our campsite.

We visited Yogi on the Lake in Pelahatchi, MS, for Labor Day Weekend.  This Jellystone campground located in central Mississippi has lots of amenities and provides accommodations for every camper.  From tents to cabins and RV sites, anyone could come to Yogi on the lake and have an excellent time.  As a private campground, how did this resort-style camping experience stack up to our expectations?

S'more Ideas for Fall Camping

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!  

Fall Gear Guide 2019

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?

3 RV Trends Worth Watching

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.

3 Easy Steps to End of Summer Maintenance

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?

Tips for Planning Big RV Trips

Wise planning decisions can have you hitting the open road like a boss!

Are you dreaming about new places and locations to explore?  Don't put off those bucket list trips.  There is no time like the present.  Planning ahead and being organized can help you get there and feeling like your own personal travel agent!  A successful trip can make anyone feel like a total boss.  If you are feeling overwhelmed by the long haul, you can do it. 

Renting Your RV Through Air BnB

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!

Organizing Your RV Storage - Hoses, Cords and Gear Oh My!

Hose bins make it easy to separate sewer hoses from freshwater hoses.

All of those hoses and cords in an RV can become a tangled mess!  You know the scene, all of your hoses for connecting your RV somehow ending up tossed into a bin or a box.  They can become unsanitary and difficult to find.  How do you tame the tangle of cords and hoses in your RV?

Adding Farmhouse Flair to Your RV

Our finished farmhouse wallpaper lightens up walls behind the bed and sofa.

 Adding decorative touches to a space is something that I have loved as long as I can remember.  As a child, I spent hours making paper snowflakes to hang from the ceiling of my room to create a "winter wonderland" theme.  I am no longer in the business of making snowflake scenes, but I love decorating all the same.  How can you make customize your RV with little time, effort and money?  I'm going to show you how to add a little farmhouse flair to your RV that anyone can do!

10 Things You Didn't Know You Needed for Your New RV

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.

Safety at the Campground - 4 Tips for Your Children

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.

Top Tips to Spruce Up Your RV

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.

If you have a new RV, whether it is new to you or a brand new off the lot, most people want to personalize that space.  Three years after a complete remodel of Peggy Sue, we are starting over with a new canvas.  One person a few years ago said that she wished she had a used RV so that she could make it a little more customized.  I think you can customize any space you are in with some creative touches.  Where are my spots to grab the best decorative touches for our RV?

Meet May Belle - Our New Grand Design

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.

Pay Your Taxes - 3 Tips for Purchasing Your RV Out of State

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.

Commemorating Your Journey with Souvenirs

What souvenirs do you collect on your journey?  Are they just collecting dust?

Even though I've been accused of having a love for useless things, I'm not a fan of collecting junk.  We have a small camper and a small house.  I'm not trying to fill up either with stuff I don't need and love.  After reading Marie Kondo's book "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up", I began to take a different approach to the things I purchase and bring into our home.  This includes souvenirs.

Your First Night in a New RV

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?

13 Lucky Tips to Make Your Next Beach Trip the Most Memorable Yet

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.

Shopping for a New RV

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?

How to Care for Your Awning

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.

Have you gone out on a camping trip and unrolled your awning to discover mold and mildew?  Awnings are great for providing extra shade and outdoor living space, but they can also trap a lot of moisture that sits and breeds gunk.  Giving your awning a good scrub with the right tools can make all the difference.

Prepare for Summer Heat and Camping with an Outdoor Water Station

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!

If you are camping without full hookups, you may be limited on water supply.  Or, maybe you are tent camping.  You might even want to keep kids from running in and out of the camper over and over.  Whatever set up you have, you can create an outdoor water station that will make life easier at the campground.  I've created an outdoor water station for both drinking water and washing dishes.  Be prepared for the summer months ahead with this simple set up.

Upgrading your rig—is it worth it??? ABSOLUTELY!!!

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.

Directionally Challenged! - And Other Pop Up Bedding Lessons

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!

Yankee Doodle Dessert Ideas for the Fourth of July

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.

Tips to Get Your RV Ready to Sell

Peggy Sue the Pop Up right before her sale.

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?

Out of the Box Camping Review

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?

Giant City State Park

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.

**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.