Apr 062016
 

Deep cleaning your RV via J5MM.com

We’ve had some pretty perfect weather around here in Washington.  Mid to upper 60’s and tomorrow, oh my — we are going to be in the 80s!  When the weather turns from dreary, rainy and grey to beautiful and sunshiney, I am all about Spring cleaning.  I put on some tunes, open up all the windows in the Airstream and get busy.

Spring Cleaning your RV via J5MM.com Spring Cleaning your RV via J5MM.comIf you’d like to see the method to my spring cleaning madness, head on over to GoRVing’s blog, The Scenic Route and see how it’s done.  Hope to see you there and I do hope you are having a lovely Spring!

Warmly,
Monica xx

Jan 252016
 

2016 Interior Design Trends - Geometric Wall Decor (1 of 5)

“Hi honey, what are you doing there?” hubby asks me . . .

“Oh, I’m making a little wall hanging for the Airstream.  Where the clock used to be.  What do you think?  Do you like it?”  I hold it up for him to admire . . .

“You should blog about that, it’s really nice,” he tells me.

What I didn’t tell him was that the redesign and craft bug that recently bit me hard, was all his fault.  But it was all his fault in the  most best possibly way of course.

2016 Interior Design Trends - Geometric Wall Decor (2 of 5)

A couple of months ago we had to move Grams and Gramps to an assisted living facility.  Hubby and his brother took care of cleaning out their house and while doing so, hubby came across one of his beloved rugs he brought back from Mexico in the 1970’s.  When I came home from work one day and saw it there, draped over the back of the sofa I was in awe.  It was sooooo beautiful.  The geometric lines and the neutral colors just made me swoon.

“Can I put this in the Airstream?  You know, just to see how it will look?” I sheepishly asked him . . . because I knew how much he loved that rug.

And well, this is where it all began.  You see, now that my new, modern-ish, geometric rug fit there perfectly, my cute little flower clock above the TV just didn’t sit right with me anymore. I ended up buying a stainless steel clock in its place, and even though I did like it, I didn’t LOVE it (I’m trying to keep only the things I love in the trailer nowadays).

So one day, during my lunch hour I paid a visit to The Container Store and found a geometric triangle shaped scarf holder by Umbra (find it here).  The idea is to hang it from a hook and display your scarves.  My mind immediately went to my hot glue gun and some Pacific Northwest foliage I’d adhere to it.  Kind of a modern spin on on a wreath.  Kind of.  Okay, maybe the wreath part is a stretch, but you get where my mind was going.  The next day I paid a visit to Michael’s craft store and bought some faux ferns and guinea feathers and went to town with the glue gun.  I really love how it turned out.

2016 Interior Design Trends - Geometric Wall Hanging (1 of 1)

For the kitchen counter, I bought a wood and cast iron tiered vegetable and fruit holder taking advantage of vertical space and I added a couple of copper pieces (copper mug, soon to be a mini-planter and a copper colander from Anthropologie).  The red frames on the fridge got a fresh new coat of copper paint and the photos have been swapped out to show beautiful trout and artistic feathers.  Those new photos and my mushroom tea towel remind me of the things I love in nature.

 

2016 Interior Design Trends - Geometric Wall Decor (4 of 5)

A little while ago I reached out to A Heirloom (oh they have some beautiful cutting boards I tell you — absolute beauties!) asking if they could make me a custom cutting board to replace my current one you see on the counter there next to the stove.  They were so sweet and we are still in talks back and forth but more IMPORTANTLY — I asked if they could create a custom Airstream shaped cutting board and they said yes.  Would this be something you would be interested in?  I’m purely curious!  I should also mention this company is not a partner/sponsor.  I just love their cutting boards and I can only dream of how an Airstream shaped one would look.  Okay, moving forward . . .

2016 Interior Design Trends - Geometric Wall Decor (3 of 5)

And while searching Etsy for a “Mushroom Shaped Salt Cellar,” (still looking) I came across this adorable little felted Amanita mushroom that I  absolutely couldn’t resist.  I tell you, my cute-0-meter exploded.  You should check out the artist behind these little felted treasures over at Portland based, The House Of Moss.

2016 Interior Design Trends - Geometric Wall Decor (5 of 5)And just look at this adorable apron my Auntie made me.  She is a seamstress extraordinaire I tell you and whenever I am presented with a gift from her, my heart is racing with excitement.   Oh and over to the right there is an embroidery hoop I decorated into a dream catcher of sorts.  The purpose is to hold my necklaces I like to wear exclusively during our trips.

Ahhh . . . all these little decorating projects equate to just too much fun ;)

DreamCatcherNecklaceHolderI hope 2016 has been off to a good start for you.  It’s hard for me to believe we are infact, in 2016.  Sounds so futuristic!

Oh and speaking of 2016, did I mention?  GoRVing invited me to continue blogging for their readers (and YOU).  It really is such an honor for me.  I can’t wait to share my very first 2016 post with you.  If you crave organization in the kitchen then just-you-wait.  You’re in for a sure treat!

Hugs,
Monica xoxo

Aug 182015
 

Glacier National Park via J5MM.com

After visiting Glacier National Park last week we took a trip to Whitefish, Montana where I happened upon the Meriwether of Montana shop.  Let me tell you something fellow campers, glampers and outdoor enthusiasts alike – this is the shop for YOU.   But good news here, you don’t have to travel all the way to Whitefish like I did to enjoy their goodies, simply click here and you’ll see what I mean.

Here are some of the things I brought home to my silver girl:

Fab Finds Tuesday Montana Style via J5MM.com // #Airstream #GoRVing

#1 is a darling little red rimmed enamelware pail.  Came in perfect for storing my fresh picked huckleberries from the Montana alpine wilderness ?

#2 is a cute little wooden plaque that says all it needs to say :)

#3 is a coffee percolator.  Very happy to find this!  

#4 is a bandana that I just could not resist.  It is designed by a local artist from Montana.  I’m going to make a pillow out of it, I happen to think it is just that cute.

I’m looking forward to sharing more about our trip through Idaho and Montana with you.   Can you imagine?  I took over 3,000 photos.  I will be busy here in the next couple of weeks.

Silver shiny hugs to you xoxo

PS I made a huckleberry pie during our trip and other goodies :)  Stay tuned for scrumptious recipes ❤

Huckleberry Pie via J5MM.com // #AirstreamKitchenMontana Camping via J5MM.com

Jun 192015
 

Storage Under Tow via J5MM.com // #Airstream

We hit the road this weekend and I am so looking forward to it.  I’ve had a crazy few weeks at work with deadline-after-deadline and even though I am very thankful for my career and enjoy it, I am also very, very ready for a road trip vacation.  We’re taking our Silver Girl to the mountains of Leavenworth here in Washington State and then onward to some dry camping over Blewett Pass and a riverside spot we scored at Salmon La Sac that is close to our property in Roslyn, Washington.  I’ve got a serious hankering for some catch-and-release fly fishing, a cracklin’ campfire and some relaxation along with some down home cooking in my silver kitchen. Continue reading »

Apr 142015
 

Airstream Movie Night via J5MM.com

Not too long ago, Hubby and I had some rare alone time together.  We relaxed in the Airstream watching the James Bond film, “GoldenEye,” while sipping on our favorite cocktails.  We both fancy martinis, mine being the Gibson while he prefers his extra dry with a twist.

While cuddling up to hubby and enjoying our time together, I couldn’t help but let my eyes wander about my silver girl’s interior admiring our surroundings.  I focused on our wet bar and thought about how well it has served us over the last couple of years.  I also thought it would be nice to share with you, what I have done to transform that little space under our sink.

Our 2012 Airstream International came with a built-in rubbish bin.  It lived under the sink on the lower shelf and I couldn’t help but think that every time I needed to toss something out, I would have to open the door to do so.  Not that opening a door is such an issue but what about when I am cooking?  Messy hands?  To constantly open the door would be a pain and also probably cause early wear and tear on the hinges.   Door hinges in the Airstream kind of bug me, they seem to always be unloosening and I struggle with how to refasten them. Anyways — that is a post for another day.  Additionally — there was a lot of real estate under there that was solely dedicated to the rubbish bin.  I knew that space could be better utilized, so bye-bye went the bin and in its place fit six glass bottles perfectly (vodka, limoncello, gin, dark rum, vermouth and Pellegrino).  Under the bottles I placed a single layer of non-slip shelf liner to help keep them from sliding around while under tow.  Before towing, I would stuff tea towels in between the bottles to keep them safe and sound from knocking into each other resulting in possible breakage.  That worked fine and dandy, but it was just another thing to remember to do before hitting the road.

Then one day as I was perusing my local Asian market, I discovered Japanese apple pears.  I know, really off topic here, but just hang on — these deliciously sweet and juicy crisp pears come individually wrapped in styrofoam netting that repurposes SO well as protective sleeves for our glass bottles in the wet bar.  They keep the bottles safe and really snug in our little spot under the sink.  Perfect!

Airstream Cocktail Lounge via J5MM.com // RV Lifestyle #Airstream Style

Then one day during my lunch break in corporate America, I happened to walk past a Mexican restaurant that had a beautifully lit up display of colorful liquor bottles in the window.  I took a step closer to see exactly how the bottles were lit up and discovered they sat upon a clear acrylic shelf that had string lights underneath.  “Very nice,” I thought.

Sooner than later I found myself driving to my local Michael’s craft store to pick up some battery operated fairy string lights to replicate the beautifully lit bottle display in that Mexican restaurant.  I could hardly wait to get back to my silver girl to see how the lights would work out.  Here is the result . . .

Airstream Cocktail Lounge via J5MM.com // RV Lifestyle #Airstream Style

A mobile wet bar wouldn’t be complete without cocktail accoutrements that are conveniently stored in a utensil caddy.   Here I have a cocktail recipe book, a selection of aromatic bitters, whimsical cocktail decorations from plastic colorful mermaids to paper umbrellas, straws, tongs, mini whisk, hot sauce and more.  Basically whatever tickles your cocktail fancy would be right at home in this caddy.

Utensil Caddy for Cocktail Accoutrements via J5MM.com // RV Lifestyle #Airstream Style

What’ll You Have? 

Airstream Cocktail Lounge via J5MM.com // RV Lifestyle #Airstream Style

I hope this post brought you some inspiration.

From the very bottom of my heart,

Thank you for being here,

XOXO
Monica Bennett via J5MM.com

My Sleepy Silver Girl Under the Moon & Stars via J5MM.com // RV Lifestyle #Airstream StyleOh and here is where I keep the rubbish bin now – right there in the kitchen next to the pantry:

Rubbish Bin Location On The Airstream via J5MM.com // RV Lifestyle #Airstream Style

Mar 152015
 

Washi Tape Door Accent via J5MM.com // RV Lifestyle #Airstream Style

Washi tape is a thin, papery tape that comes from Japan.  It comes in hundreds of different prints and widths and has so many uses.  It also removes easily without leaving a residue behind which is perfect for home decorating.

I was quite pleased with my little door experiment — the magenta pop of color made my heart sing.

I also use Washi tape to hang sentimental items, like these napkin roses B made me ❤

Washi Tape Door Accent via J5MM.com // RV Lifestyle #Airstream Style

. . . and his Valentine’s day card to me ❤

Washi Tape RV Decor via J5MM.com // RV Lifestyle #Airstream Style

It also adds some interest to the white shades.

Washi Tape Shade Accent via J5MM.com // RV Lifestyle #Airstream StyleWashi Tape Outlet Cover via J5MM.com // RV Lifestyle #Airstream Style

After having fun decorating the little details in my silver girl, it was time for a snack.

Did I mention my obsession with radishes?  I eat them almost everyday.  A sweet friend of mine shared his favorite way to eat radishes — he puts them sliced onto an “everything” bagel and then sprinkles a few drops of Yuzu Ponzu over the top. Have you ever tried Yuzu Ponzu?  It’s incredibly delicious!  I thank my sweet friend for introducing me to it when he sent me a package in the mail.  Just look at the goodies he sent me :)

In addition to his delicious bagel, another favorite way I enjoy eating radishes is placing them sliced on toasted rustic bread with cream cheese.  A pinch of Maldon sea salt and black sesame seeds finishes it off.   That’s what I enjoyed this weekend with Easter Egg Radishes (which happen to be my favorite).

Easter Egg Radishes via J5MM.com

Easter Egg Radish Tartine via J5MM.com

If you are a fan of radishes, I’d love to hear how you enjoy them.

I hope you are having a lovely weekend :) Spring is in the air, can you feel it?

With Love,
Monica xox

Mar 122015
 

Under Bed Storage Organization on the Airstream  via J5MM.com // RV Lifestyle #Airstream Style

Hello big storage space under my Airstream bed. How I loved you so when the salesman proudly lifted the bed up and exposed all of your precious real estate to me.

“Wow…” was all I could say as I stood there staring at *all that space*

“Yep! You’ve got lots of room under here Monica. Plenty of storage for anything you could possibly think of.” he went on.

Oh boy, did I ever utilize all that space under there and not very efficiently I might add.  I just threw things into big plastic containers and eventually, over time, things co-mingled with one another and it became a big mess.  An organization FAIL.  It was an “out of sight, out of mind” type of place and it ranked low on my “things to organize” list.  I mean, really, really low.

It ranked low on my list until my friend Holly from HGTV.com emailed me asking if I had any “hidden” storage photos I could share with her for an upcoming piece she was doing.  My mind immediately went to that black hole under my bed.

I guess it was time to finally get things organized.  Thanks Holly for the push!  And can I just say — I should have done this a long time ago . . .

Under Bed Storage Organization on the Airstream  via J5MM.com // RV Lifestyle #Airstream Style

I started by removing everything (and I mean everything) from under there.  I took a picture of the space and took a trip to the Container Store.  I picked up some plastic baskets and colorful round rubber bins.  I picked up a wicker container that had smaller containers within it as well as some mini drawers and got busy.

#1) A wicker container with smaller compartments within holds our napkins (contained in a ziplock), holding tank deodorizer, trash bags, sponges, scrubs, laundry and fabric softener (small packets), mason jar lids and Brita filters.  This sits atop a red acrylic tray which sits atop a set of miniature drawers that hold batteries, sticky notes, pens, Airstream parts (fuses, door latches, etc.) and other miscellaneous objects.  Since the side of the bed is open, the drawers are easily accessed through the opening.

#2) The red plastic hand basket holds two glass drinking bottles (for outdoor entertaining) and kitchen tea towels and more napkins.

#3) TP

#4) Beach Towels

#5) Vacuum Storage — we have the Dyson Animal.  It’s such a great little workhorse.

#6) Outdoor essentials — picnic table cloth, lantern, woolen blanket, paper plates & cutlery

#7) This remains the same — Oliver’s hideaway.  He loves it.  I used to store wine here in a wine crate but that is now located in our *bar* area — that post coming soon

#8) Over-sized platters for outdoor entertaining both enamelware and acrylic.  The big bowls are also awesome for washing dishes outdoors and store in here perfectly.

So that’s it.  I’m finally organized under here and it feels great.

If you have any under the bed storage tips for me, I’d love to hear!

Thank you for being here,
~ Monica xoxo

Oct 282014
 

Fab Finds Tuesday via J5MM.com

  1. I have hearted this sweatshirt for so long and especially now even more so since winter glamping is right around the corner.  Maybe I will put it on my wish list for Santa this year — I especially love the red color here
  2. I’ve got a serious love for icebox cake.  So simple to make and this “Pumpkin Mouse” version would be perfect after a hearty Thanksgiving dinner.  Find it here
  3. Yesterday while perusing the isles at Trader Joes, my coat belt loop snagged a display of these little cinnamon scented hand broom/whisks.  The entire display came crashing down and I was so embarrassed.  I am sure my face was as red as an over ripe heirloom tomato!  Luckily there was a mom with her two sweet kids who, after seeing my embarrassment, were gently coaxed to come over and help me pick up the bazillion little whisks strewn all over the floor.  It was then when the two kids remembered these whisks and happily reminded their mom about them.  “Mommy!  It’s the cinnamon whisks!  Remember?!”  Needless to say I was intrigued by their excitement, so for $1.00 I bought one.  I opened the package in the car and it smelled just like the holidays — cinnamon!  I can’t wait to hang it in the Airstream.  After reading this blog post about the whisks I’m thinking I would love a broom too!
  4. If you’re a winter glamper, flannel sheets in your RV/trailer are-a-must.  When nighttime falls and the outdoors are super chilly, there is no better feeling than crawling into your warm soft bed made so by flannel sheets.  To compliment the winter glamping experience, I think these sheets would be perfect :) Find this cute set here

Three more days till Friday!

Thank you for being here ~

xoxo
Monica

Sep 302014
 

An Airstream Travel Blog // Fab Finds Tuesday via J5MM.com

  1. Glamping fashion at its finest — add this darling fleece neck warmer by Skida to your winter fashion repertoire. With a gentle reminder of summer flowers inspired by Monet, it will surely brighten up any winter day.
  2. I’ll be making this warm skillet bread and artichoke spinach dip this winter.  No question.  It not only seems as if it would be time saving but also an incredibly delicious appetizer or dinner even — served up with a salad.  Find the beautiful recipe here
  3. This is my new perfect coffee making vessel called the Chemex.  I love it for its versatility in multi-use from a coffee maker to start, to a flower vase and lastly, a wine decanter anymore?  Plus it’s beautiful . . .
  4. I can never stop obsessing over cute cutlery for my trailer.  Thanks Anthropologie for this new release.  Gold dots or black ones.  Your choice and oh so lovely!

Peace & Love XOXO

~ Monica

Chemex Flower Vase via J5MM.com