Buccaneer State Park on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is lovely in itself but is also close to several nearby attractions.

Over the past few years, we have visited quite a few campgrounds.  During this time, we have camped from North Mississippi to the Gulf Coast.  Each place we have gone has provided some unique opportunities and experiences.  Where are our favorite campgrounds in Mississippi and why did they make our list?

Campground Review - Monte Sano State Park, Huntsville, Alabama

The lookout at the top of the park has beautiful views.

                                  

While our home state is Mississippi, we find ourselves camping in neighboring Alabama a lot.  Sure, Mississippi has great state parks and camping, but Alabama is a unique state in many ways.  Alabama has rocky, mountain terrain.  There are many beautiful lakes as well as beaches.  It is a nature lovers dream in many ways.  We recently camped at Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville, Alabama.  We loved it so much that we are already planning a return trip.  What made this park so special?

Build a Better Campground Waffle

Waffles and sausage are a winning breakfast combination that everyone loves!  It is also easier than you think.

One of my favorite breakfast treats is waffles.  While pancakes might be a campground staple for your bunch, we have waffles regularly on the road.  I've made lots of different kinds over the years.  As I have started experimenting with sourdough, I have found a superior waffle recipe that is easier than you think.  If you don't plan on starting your own sourdough, no problem.  Keep reading!   I have a similar option that yields almost identical results.  

Let's Get Toasted - Camp Life Crate Fall 2020 Box

The Camp Life's Fall 2020 Box centers around the theme "Let's Get Toasted".

It's no secret that I love a subscription box.  Camp Life Crate is not a new camping subscription box.  But, if it is new to you or you have been considering giving it a try, now is the time.  The fall 2020 box may be my all-time favorite.  What was in this box, and why should you give it a go?

6 Favorite Soups for Fall

Nothing says love like a bowl of soup of a crisp fall day!

Have cooler temps and shorter days made you start craving comfort foods?  Me too!  I actually enjoy soup year-round.  I may be the only girl south of the Mason Dixon line that loves soup no matter the season.  But, in the fall and winter, I really love soup!  I have six favorites that my family loves, and I think yours will too.  

Pie Irons - Make A New Camping Tradition Around the Fire

Pie irons are a great way to get everyone involved in cooking at the campground.

I have toyed with the idea of pie irons over the past three years.  We recently purchased a set, and this is such a fun way to cook around the campfire while getting everyone involved.  From breakfast to dessert and everything in between, there are so many meal time and treat options.  If you too have been considering a set of pie irons for your camping gear, fall is the perfect time to give them a try!

Fall Gear Guide 2020

The cooler temperatures at the campground make this an appealing time of year to get outdoors!

For many, fall is a favorite camping season.  The temperatures are starting to drop.  You can pull out that flannel and cuddle up around a campfire.  As you transition from summer to fall, be sure to get your gear in check and ready to hit the campground!  Take inventory of what you have.  Clean out what is broken or no longer being used.  And, make a list of things you want or need.  I have a few suggestions to get you started!

Cast Iron Cooking - Tips and Tools Camping Meals

My Dutch Oven was my first piece of camping cookware, and I still love it as much now as I did then!

I've long since had a love for cast iron.  I grew up cooking in a cast-iron skillet that is older than I am.  Early in my marriage, my father in law commented that "you sure do cook in a cast-iron skillet a lot".  I have continued my love for using cast iron at the campground, and I've also learned some new things over the past few years that have improved our meals and my cooking techniques.

RV Sticker Club - Get In on the Latest RV Craze

This RV lifestyle is something that our family has enjoyed this year more than ever before.  It is an affordable and fun way to travel.  The memories we make on the road together as a family are the highlights of our year.  Many others have embraced this lifestyle just like us.  We never meet a stranger at the campground.  I also enjoy following other RV'ers on social media.  It is so much fun to connect with other RV enthusiasts that have the same passion for travel and exploring new places.   RV Sticker Club is a new way to do just that!

Better Bedding - 3 Tips for Your Best Night's Sleep at the Campground

Peggy Sue, our pop up camper, will probably always be my first love.  The interior was so cozy at the end of the day!

No matter what type of RV you own, your bedding is going to have a huge impact on your overall camping experience.  I read social media posts weekly where campers are inquiring about comfy bedding solutions for new campers as well as RV renovations.  If you aren't happy with your current set up or even how to set things up, keep reading.  I'm sharing tips for RVs, pop up campers, and tent campers alike.  You can get the best night's sleep no matter how you camp.  

Campground Meal Ideas - 5 Tips to Inspire Your

Are you looking for new meal ideas and inspiration for the campground?  I've been a campground cooking rut lately.  The meals we cook at the campground do work, but I also feel like I've been making the same things on a repeat.  It has started to feel a little stale, and I needed some new recipes.  I've got a new plan for our upcoming Labor Day Weekend.  I'm sharing that with you today!

Our Cooler Quest - Is There Just One for the Job?

Finding the "right" cooler is a unicorn hunt.  I don't know that it actually exists.  There are coolers that are just right for a particular job or event.  We have several coolers, and each one serves a different purpose.  How do you find the best cooler for you?  And, is there a singular cooler that does it all?

Shampoo and Conditioner in a Bar - A Better Way to Bathe on the Road

When we still had Peggy Sue, we used the bathhouse at the campground.  I went for the simple approach to toiletries we used because of having to transport these items to and from our camper through the campground.  I felt like I had this nailed until I recently discovered shampoo bars and conditioner bars.  Yes.  You read that right.  Regardless of the RV you own or your campground set up, these items are a game-changer and you want to give them a try!  

5 Tips for Safe Travel During COVID-19

Traveling to the beach may seem out of reach, but these trips can be done with a little planning.

I feel like I spend an inordinate amount of time talking about the coronavirus.  We all do.  However, most of us are more than a little stir crazy.  But, how can we get out of the house to travel without putting our family at risk?  Can we?  I feel like we have managed fairly well during these past few months.  No travel is without risk.  This is true even without a global pandemic.  So, what have we done differently that makes us feel okay with our choices?

Sit Back and Relax on Sandy Shores - A Portable Beach Set Up You Will Love

If the sound of the waves hitting the shore is calling your name, grab your gear, and go.  Schlepping your own gear to the beach is work.  The work is worth it when you are relaxing in the sand!  We returned from our week at the beach, and I love the set up we have.  

Summer Camp - Camp Life Crate's Summer Box

Camp Life Crate is a subscription box specifically curated for camping enthusiasts.  I've subscribed to this box for a little over a year.  It is filled with camping themed items every season.  Summer Camp is the theme for this season's box, and this season's theme and items were winners.  What summer camp items were in my box?

How to Avoid RV Buyer's Remorse

When we camp, many times we find ourselves talking to other campers about their RV's.  It is interesting to hear their stories and what the love or dislike about their set up.  I enjoy the stories of tent campers that bought their first RV or families looking to upgrade or downsize.  Everyone has a different story.  How do you buy an RV that you love for the long haul?

July Links and Loves - More Summer, More Fun!

This summer has been a strange and fun season for us.  We have settled into more family time than ever and seem to be thriving there.  We have spent a lot of time outdoors in the sun and are soaking up every single minute.  So what are we enjoying both at home and at the campground?

Towing Safety 101

Add caption

Towing an RV can be a scary prospect.  For some camping enthusiast, this may be what is holding them back from upgrading to a larger RV or just buying that first RV.  Towing fears also hinders others from that solo adventure of their dreams.  Towing doesn't have to be scary.  With a little thought and planning, you can safely tow an RV.  

A Better Skin Care Routine for Active Lifestyles

Athia is a product line made in the USA and is cruelty-free.  It is developed for active women.  I have loved using these products this summer!

In Mississippi, temperatures and humidity are soaring.  Regardless of the weather, we spend a lot of time outdoors in the summer.  I work out regularly both in the gym and outdoors.  I love the benefits of being active, but these activities and the sun can be harsh on my skin.  This summer, I've tried a new routine that is geared toward the active lifestyle that I lead.   I've noticed a difference, and I'm glad I made this switch.

How to Properly Clean Your Reusable Bottles

Reusable water bottles are great, but they can also get really gross over time if you don't clean them properly!

Most of us have those handy reusable bottles for water.  We cart them to the gym, hikes, on road trips, to the office, and anywhere we go.  But, how we clean these bottles is lacking much of the time.  What might be good for our environment might not be great for you if you don't give these bottles a truly thorough cleaning.  So, how do you keep these bottles clean with all of the little pieces and parts that aren't always easy to reach?

Camping Meals - 3 Easy and Delicious Breakfast Ideas

You may think pancakes are the natural choice for a campground breakfast, but venture out and try some new options!

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day.  I am happy to eat it in the morning, mid-day, or even at night for dinner.  When we camp, I take a few staple items and use them to create a different breakfast meal each day.  Today I'm sharing my favorite camping breakfast meals.

Take Your Own Gear to the Beach

If you are hitting the beach, take your own gear to the beach to save money and stay safe!

Until COVID-19, I never used hand sanitizer.  I taught public school for 15 years.  I still work in pubic schools providing professional development services and am around lots of people and germs weekly.  So, my fear of germs is minimal at best.  I just wash my hands a lot, get a flu shot, and move about my business.  Now, insert the current coronavirus, and I'm in a whole new phase of life.  

7 Favorite Snacks for the Campground, Road Trips, and the Beach

Our favorite snacks include several dips and homemade options.

If you are hitting the road this summer for the campground or the beach, packing your own snacks can save you money and provide you with healthy and yummy options.  Avoiding crowded gas stations and stops is just another added bonus.  I have several staple snacks that give an option for everybody on your list.  Revamp your snack selection with some of these options my family loves!

Visit Asheville, North Carolina

The view of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the grounds of the Biltmore is spectacular.

Asheville, North Carolina is a unique town nestled into the Blue Ridge Mountains.  While some may be quick to label this town as "too touristy", I think this is a snap judgment and doesn't really speak to the charm and possibilities to explore here.   

Glamping Style: Farmhouse Tray for under $15

This farmhouse tray cost less than $15 to make with one singular board!

If you admire pretty farmhouse trays at local fairs and shops, you could easily make one for yourself for a fraction of the cost.  You could also make one (or several) for gifts.  This would be perfect to accent the decor in your glamper or at your outdoor table set up or serving station.  This tray is lightweight, simple and could be customized to any color scheme you like.

Why update a brand new RV?

You've done all of your homework and bought a brand new RV.  Right out of the gate, it seems like there a laundry list of changes and modifications that people will suggest to you for your new rig.  Why?  Is it necessary to make these changes?  And, how much is just too much?  We made several updates to our travel trailer, but I have been cautious and slow in executing these decisions.

RV Upgrade - Install a New Shower Head

The Oxygenics Fury Showerhead is quick to install and provides improved water flow and pressure.

When we bought our travel trailer, my friend Christy quickly told me that I needed to replace my showerhead.  What?  It's a brand new RV.  Why would I possibly need a new showerhead?  Improved water flow and control are just two reasons to make a change.  This RV upgrade is an easy and inexpensive switch.  

Camping Gear - Summer Gear Guide 2020

No matter how you plan to spend your summer, there are good times to be had!

Summer 2020 has become unrecognizable and far more confining than I would like.  Ours has completely shifted and changed, and I'm learning into it.  We don't really have a choice, and I'd rather not fight it mentally.  We are still going to enjoy our summer if that does mean putting a blow-up pool in our backyard and living our best life at home.  We will make a few short trips close to home, but we won't be venturing quite as far this year.  Even with a more local summer plan, we will celebrate the season somehow.  My summer gear guide for this year includes items that you can enjoy either at home or on the road.

  

RV Updates - 3 Projects You Should Do Now

RV updates and projects don't have to be scary.  They can be easier than you think to do and will you money!

If you have a little time on your hands, now is the time to tackle a project or two that you might have been putting off.  Use that time to save some money and pull out a few tools for those upgrades that can make a big difference in your RV.  Over time, we have gotten pretty brave and are willing to do both big and small projects.  Today I'm sharing three that can easily be completed at home!

RV Remodel - Peel and Stick Tile Backsplash

White subway vinyl tiles make a big impact in this small RV.

If all of the brown in your RV is giving you a case of the blues, give your interior a lift with peel and stick tile.  This is an easy way to brighten and customize your RV to make your home on wheels reflect your personal style. For less than $50 and under 2 hours, you can have an appealing backsplash (pun intended) in your kitchen or bathroom.  

RV Repair - Calling a Mobile RV Technician

The leak in our sink was a minor one, but it still needed to be repaired.

Owning a used pop up has prepared me for making lots of repairs.  On Peggy Sue, we repaired everything from the city water inlet to the roof.  By the time we sold her, I felt like I had earned a degree in RV repair.  Now, that we own a travel trailer, I feel confident in making decisions about repairs and basic upkeep.  Recently, I repaired a leaking hose under our sink.  Or so I thought, and what I thought was one thing turned out to be something else.  I finally called a mobile RV Technician.

Campgrounds Closed? Driveway Camping 101

I'm hoping this is not what my little dude thinks is what a camper should look like!  These Calico Critters are a little too close for me!

You don't have to go far to enjoy your RV.  Depending on your set up at home or your Home Owners Association rules, you could "camp" right at home.  Why not?  Its a break from the day to day routine in your sticks and bricks home.  We have been doing this some this spring, and it has been a great weekend break for us!  Today I'm sharing some easy tips to enjoy camping in your own back yard.

S'more Glamping Gear - Unpaper Towels

These double-sided towels will replace the need for paper towels and are super easy to make!

I have slowly reduced the number of disposable paper products that we use both at home and on the road.  In our RV, we use real plates, flatware, and cloth napkins.  Yes, you may be rolling your eyes, but washing dishes or clothes does not bother me.  And these items don't really add to my workload overall.    I finally decided to make a set of towels to replace my paper towels.  I love this set so much that I am going to make a set for home next.  This is a beginner level project that anyone can do, and I'm going to show you how.

Links and Loves - The Quarantine Edition

We have spent as much time as possible outdoors when the weather is nice.

I haven't been home for this many consecutive nights in over 10 years.  I have finally settled into my new normal, filled with Zoom meetings, baking bread every single week, and lots of games of UNO on the weekend.  Life isn't all bad.  I'm trying to make the most of this time.  And while not every day is wonderful, I'm trying to accept life's challenges as opposed to fighting it.  Its a much better coping skill.

RV Maintenance - Wash and Wax at Home plus more tips!

Washing your RV at home can save you a lot of money and is easier to do than you think!

An RV wash and wax could cost you a hundred dollars or more.   And while I'm willing to pay for some maintenance, there are just some things that we can and will do at home.  Right now, there is no better time to do things yourself.  I mean, where else do you have to go?  So, take your time and do the job right while you can and save some money too!  Today I'm sharing three easy things you can do now that will pay off big time over the life of your RV.

Natural Deodorant - My Favorite Brands and How You Too Can Make This Switch

I tried three brands of natural deodorant.  Which one came out the winner?  And did it work for me?

You may be wondering what deodorant has to do with camping.  Nothing besides the fact that body odor can offend others in close quarters.  I have been making conscious efforts to use products that are better for my body and environment.  I think overall health and taking care of Mother Earth go perfectly with camping.  We are well into quarantine life at our house, I decided to jump in and make a switch to natural deodorant while I had the chance.  If you have considered this option but are fearful that natural deodorants won't work, this is an excellent time to change your hygiene habits.  As an added benefit, offensive body odor right now might buy you some much needed alone time from your family while your body adjusts.

Our 3 Favorite Camping Chairs

Pull up a chair and enjoy some time around our table.  

Every camper has a favorite camping chair.  You can purchase chairs in any price range, style, and size.  It all comes down to personal preference and comfort.  We have three that we have really loved over time, and these are the ones that I recommend based on comfort, function, and durability.

Camp Life Crate Subscription Box Spring 2020 Review

The Camp Life Crate Spring 2020 box had a theme of Life is a Picnic!

Subscription boxes are not new, but Camp Life Crate has a new owner and a whole new vibe.  Formerly Out of the Box Camping, this themed subscription box has totally been revamped for spring 2020.  For $49.95 subscribers are treated to carefully curated items to enjoy on your next camping or outdoor adventure.  The spring box for this year has several custom ordered items that showcase well and make this box really special.

10 Things You Can Do While You are Not Camping This Spring

Don't can still enjoy your RV and do other things even if you aren't at the campground.

Everyone is talking about the Coronavirus (COVID-19).  There all of the Negative Nancy's out there that are angrily posting on social media.  Then, there are the Positive Polly's that have the lemonade stand full of positive saying and quotes.  Either way, we are all experiencing a drastic change in our lives.  And, for many of us, this means camping plans have been canceled or are on hold at least for now.  This unwelcome change has us all filling our time with new things. The abundance of unfilled time and canceled plans can be overwhelming, frustrating and depressing.  But, it doesn't have to be this way.  What could you be spending this time doing?  I have a few suggestions to help you beat the quarantine blues!

RV Life - Spring Gear Guide 2020

Every season brings new adventures.  The journey fuels the need and interest in new things to make life easier and better on the road.  I've been curating a list of items that are practical, functional, fun and even pretty.  Today I'm sharing 10 pieces of gear for spring.  What made my list?

RV Bunk Bed Mattress Replacement

The Tochta mattress is custom made and provides amazing comfort.

Last Labor Day Weekend, we talked my mother into camping with us for one night of our trip.  While we had plenty of space, hot water and every comfort we felt she needed, my mom described our bunk bed mattress as "like sleeping on a soft board".  We may have given her permanent campground anxiety and nightmares of that bed!  I hope not.  But, I knew there would be a day that our young son would feel the same as he grew bigger.  It was just a matter of time.  We bought our RV with the plan to hopefully have a friend camp with us or even my mom joining us occasionally.  This mattress situation was a problem!

Glamping Style - Outdoor Table Set Up

Our outdoor table set up is practical, flexible and pretty!  What more can you want?

Eating outdoors is synonymous with camping for our family.  Unless the weather is rainy or cold, we almost always eat outdoors.  And, we have been known to eat outdoors when it is raining.  We just eat in our chairs under the awning.  Our table set up is many times festive, but it is also practical.  And, it is most definitely used often.  If you want to take your table from basic to brilliant, you can achieve this task with less effort than you think.  Today, I'm sharing my glamping table set up tips!

Freshen the Air Naturally in Your RV with Essential Oils

A small essential oil diffuser will work just fine for a small RV.

How do you keep your RV smelling fresh?  I find that air fresheners just mask smells and have limited effects.  Also, the heavy perfumes can be an irritant in small spaces.  I prefer essential oils.  You can choose scents to relax, refresh and repel unwanted insects.  Today, I am sharing how I like to use essential oils both at home and in our RV.

Urban Camping in Jackson, Mississippi

Timberlake Corp of Engineer Campground on the Ross Barnett Reservoir offers a convenient location for camping near Jackson, MS.

Jackson, Mississippi is the capital of my home state.  This centrally located city provides a variety of options for camping, dining, and sightseeing.  We took advantage of this capital city for an urban camping adventure for our first trip to 2020.   If you are looking for a new place to visit or might be stopping in Mississippi on a cross country adventure, maybe our experience could help you plan.

Odor-Free Tank Maintenance with RV Products - The Great Tank Debate: Part 2

These are my favorite RV specific products for keeping our RV clean and maintaining our tanks!

Last week, my friend Christy Rogers, shared about using the Geo Method for keeping RV tanks clean and odor-free.  Tank maintenance is a highly debated topic between she and I.  RV specific products are my preference for keeping our tanks clean.  Today, I'm sharing the product I use and why these are my preferred method.  My strategic method may end the great tank debate.

The Geo Method - The Great Tank Debate: Part 1

Guest blogger Christy Rogers is a big-time believer in the Geo Method.  Find out why today!

Today, Christy Rogers shares a guest post on her thoughts about the Geo Method for keeping her tanks clean and smell free. This is part one of a two-part series. Next week, I'll share Part 2 where I share my thoughts on only using RV specific products in your tanks.

Level Your RV - How and Why

The first time we parked our RV on our new parking pad at home and were level, I couldn't believe the difference this made!

Our home is not the ideal spot to park an RV.  There are no Home Owner Association rules that prohibit us from doing this.  We have plenty of space on our property, but our yard has a slope going downward.  There is literally no level space to park our RV at our home.  Over time, this is a bad plan.  So, we addressed this problem recently.  However, having a level RV is important when in storage at home and at the campground.  Even if your campsite or parking space is not sloped, there could be a need to level your RV.  And, it can be less complicated than you think.

Camper Decor - Fab Finds For $40 from Dollar General

Dollar General's expanded home collection has lots of choices that can be used at home and your RV.

I love to decorate.  I have enjoyed sprucing up our new RV this past year.  One of my favorite places to find finishing touches for May Belle is Dollar General.  If you have not shopped at Dollar General, you are missing out!  This general store has been serving others since 1939 and is my go-to place to purchase inexpensive and trendy holiday decor.  Regardless of your budget, Dollar General is an excellent resource for designer flair.  It is practical and can help you complete your camper decor.

Charcoal Cooking - Be Your Best Campfire Chef

Lump charcoal vs. briquettes - when and how you should use each of these varieties of charcoal.

Charcoal grilling, at one time, was restricted to picnics and campsites.  However, grilling became a popular backyard activity after World War II in the 1940s.  The woody smell of burning charcoal means dinnertime, summertime, parties, and delicious meals.  Cooking with charcoal isn't limited to one season or meal.  Charcoal serves as a heat source for both the grill and Dutch oven.  The type of charcoal and cooking vessel make a difference in your cooking experience.  Over time, I have improved my charcoal cooking methods to make grilled meals and Dutch Oven cooking easy and full of flavor.