Aug 252015
 

Birthday Flowers via J5MM.com // #GoRVing #Airstream

It’s official.  I am 44 years old.  And for the record, I am very much enjoying my 40s.  Living, loving, working, exploring, cooking, laughing, learning (always learning), being . . .  it all seems to just get better with time.  I am also much smarter than I was in my 30s, 20s, etc.  Thank goodness.

My boys are good to me on my birthday, always have.

“Honey, what would you like to do for your birthday?” hubby asks . . .

“I’d like to go and visit our Airstream and spend the weekend with her,” I replied.

Continue reading »

Jul 232015
 

Thousand Trails Leavenworth Camping via J5MM.com // #Airstream #GoRVingThousand Trails Leavenworth Camping via J5MM.com // #Airstream #GoRVing Oliver, smile for the camera :) via J5MM.com #CanineWanderlust #AirstreamBlended Margaritas via J5MM.com // #Airstream #VitaMix Bumblebee via J5MM.com Flowers along our hike via J5MM.comThousand Trails Leavenworth Camping via J5MM.com // #Airstream #GoRVing

Waffled Raspberry Lemon Curd Angel Food Cake // #AirsreamKitchen #GoRVingdaisies Leavenworth via J5MM.com // #Airstream #GoRVing Icicle Creek Fly Fishing via J5MM.comMorel Mushrooms via J5MM.comFlowers along our hike via J5MM.comIcicle Creek in Leavnworth Washington via J5MM.com#CanineWanderlust via J5MM.comThousand Trails Leavenworth Camping via J5MM.com // #Airstream #GoRVingSalmon la Sac via J5MM.com

Oliver and Hubby via J5MM.com // #Airstream #FordF350 #Caninewanderlust Salmon la Sac Campground Site #44 via J5MM.comMother Nature's Gold via J5MM.comStarry starry night via J5MM.comCoal Miners Cabin in Mountain Country via J5MM.comlightening

Road Trip to Leavenworth

Campsite By The Lake

Warm Summer Days

Wild Flowers Galore

Icy Cool Margaritas

Majestic Mountains

Catch and Release

Coal Miners Cabin

Lightening Show

These words briefly describe my recent trip with hubby, B and Oliver to Leavenworth, Washington and then further onto our little piece of property in Roslyn, Washington where my silver girl now waits for my return.

Just one more week now, until we hit the road to Idaho for two full weeks of adventure.  I can hardly, hardly wait I tell you.  Until then I motor on working hard in corporate America and enjoying sunsets like these.  That’s Seattle there in the distance.  The sky, isn’t it amazing?  This is only one picture out of about 50 I took that night.  I couldn’t get over the colors.

Thank you for being here and I am sorry I have been so absent ❤  I have been working extra hard in corporate America and then I was dealing with a spider bite on my leg, which now, thankfully is healing.

Seattle Skyline via J5MM.com

My spider bite, if you want to see:

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Hobo Spider Bite via J5MM.com

May 172015
 

Kalaloch Beach State Park on the Olympic Peninsula via J5MMM.com // RV Lifestyle #Airstream Style

“Mommy?  Mommy, are you still sleeping?” B is whispering this into my ear as I sleep  . . .

I don’t say a word, hoping he will take pity on his poor tired and sleepy mom and let me be, for at least a moment longer.

“Mommy?  Mommy?”

This boy of mine.  No matter what time he goes to bed, as soon as the crack of dawn is upon us, he is up and at ’em.

“B — we are on vacation — you can sleep in if you want . . .” I try and convince him.

He is still standing next to me, I can feel his presence — he is probably pondering his next move . . .

Then hubby says, “Good Morning B,” with all smiles (I can hear him smiling, does that make sense?)  and he is next to rise and now it’s official, our day has begun.  But after the fog clears from my sleepy head, I am grateful for the early morning wake up call.  I look outside and see that the clouds moved out overnight and a beautiful pastel sunrise is on its way.

These two posts of mine covering our trip to Kalaloch Beach State Park is proof of the Olympic Peninsula’s moody weather behavior.  Cloudy, cozy and drizzling one day and the next?  Nothing but blue skies.  I took at least a million pictures.

Hubby and B headed down to the beach for a game of soccer while Oliver and I pulled ourselves together and made a skillet breakfast fit for an Olympic Peninsula king :)

Kalaloch Beach State Park on the Olympic Peninsula via J5MMM.com // RV Lifestyle #Airstream Style

Continue reading »

May 152015
 

The Road To Kalaloch State Park on the Olympic Peninsula via J5MM.com // #Airstream #GoRVing

Hwy 101, as it meanders around and occasionally hugs the Washington coastline takes us to our last stop during our road trip through the Olympic Peninsula not too long ago.  I have shared our OP trips on GoRVing’s blog up until this one.  This one, I’ve been saving for J5MM.

Here is a map I designed detailing our road trip in visual detail with our three stops:

Map of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State via J5MM.comj // #Airstream #GoRVing

My first post for GoRVing shared our experiences at the Waterfront at Potlatch . . . Continue reading »

May 042015
 

Meal Planning for RV Trips via J5MM.com // #AirstreamLifestyle

Back when I was a stay at home mom with B, I would carefully plan out our monthly menus.  Every first Sunday of the new month I would seek out my recipe books looking for new culinary adventures I could introduce to B.  Some recipes were a success and others, well, not so much.  Live and learn.  Cook and learn.  Either way you had it, I really had my act together as far as organization and getting things done around the house. Continue reading »

Apr 282015
 

Chocolate Waffles via J5MM.comLast summer in Rolsyn, Washington I visited the farmer’s market quite often.  Just a short walk from where my silver girl was camped, I felt very spoiled and so lucky to have it so close.  From the farm fresh veggies to culinary artisanal delights such as a totally indulgent cheddar cheese spread and fresh baked baguettes, the market was Heaven on earth for any foodie for sure.  In addition there was a darling waffle stand with the sweetest lady making waffles.  I will never forget her summery pink dress, long silver hair braided into a bun on top of her head and her infectious smile that she gave me when my curious self went over to check things out.  There was a small group of young children before me, watching with big eyes as she poured the batter into the waffle iron. Continue reading »

Mar 182015
 

basemap

Come travel with me to the breathtaking Olympic Peninsula as we embark on a seven day journey visiting three idyllic campsites.  We begin the first leg of our trip with a visit to The Waterfront at Potlatch RV Park along the Hood Canal.  We spend our first day in the cool misty mountains that are just a hop skip and a jump away from camp adventuring in the rainforest.  After we return to camp along the waterfront where we dig for clams that will soon become our delicious dinner.  B makes new friends, I make a refreshing oyster appetizer with Oliver by my side and hubby relaxes.  We experience pastel sunsets unparalleled anywhere else all while in the loving company of each other and our sweet silver girl.  I hope you can join me at my new writing venue with GoRVing // The Scenic Route.

Shall we go?

“The Magic and Beauty of the Olympic Peninsula”

xoxo
Monica

PS  I hope you enjoy the trip :)

 

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

Feb 032015
 

Orange Curd Breakfast Parfait via J5MM.com // RV Lifestyle Airstream Style

I adore this time of year which brings us the celebration of Valentine’s Day.  As I walk around town I see in storefront windows sweet chocolates for sale, heart shaped candies and sentiments of LOVE all around.  I see a handsome young man cross the street with the biggest bouquet of red roses and a pink package under his arm, surely intended for his love.  My heart feels warm and fuzzy and I am struck by cupids arrow which gets me in the mood for Valentine’s Day ❤

Love Lives Here via J5MM.com // RV Lifestyle Airstream Style

What better way for hubby, B, Oliver and I to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with a trip with our silver girl to the romantic snowy mountains of Montana.  I decide with B to decorate her for our trip with hearts and pink bunting and other Valentine’s day goodies while cooking up a small batch of a heavenly sweet orange concoction in my kitchen.  We are crazy for citrus and having a bushel of oranges leftover from our Super Bowl party has led me to become obsessed with figuring out the best way to use them up.  A lemon curd is one of our favorite accompaniments to breakfast yogurt so why not create an orange version (recipe to follow).  I should also say this is particularly delicious spread on buttered toast !

Today we enjoy it layered in a breakfast parfait of plain Greek yogurt, strawberries and chopped hazelnuts. Perfectly bright and delicious :)

Valentines Day Airstream Style via J5MM.com // RV Lifestyle Airstream StyleOrange Curd Breakfast Parfait via J5MM.com // RV Lifestyle Airstream Style

We make an “I Love You,” bunting and I can’t decide where to hang it.

“Maybe we should make another one mommy,” B suggests  (he understands my OCD with things like this)

Valentines Day Airstream Style via J5MM.com // RV Lifestyle Airstream Style

Valentines Day Airstream Style via J5MM.com // RV Lifestyle Airstream Style

I design on the computer a small Valentine’s Day banner/flag.  We print it out, fold the top edge over the back a bit, tape it closed and slide a pipe cleaner inside for support.  We then string happy colorful string from which it will hang.

We hand stamp and decorate home made cards to give and have a truly enjoyable morning crafting.

Valentines Day Airstream Style via J5MM.com // RV Lifestyle Airstream Style

We soon leave on our trip and I am excited to share with you here on J5MM all about our travels and experiences when we return.  Hopefully the roads won’t be too bad getting there and hopefully there will be plenty of snow in the campground and on the mountain.  The boys will be skiing and I’ll be keeping the home fires burning while they are away.  I have been invited to take a snow shoe hike through Glacier National Park by an on-line friend I recently met and can hardly wait.

I plan on actively tweeting, instagramming and facebooking if you would like to tag along.

Valentines Day Airstream Style via J5MM.com // RV Lifestyle Airstream Style

In the meantime, if you would like to add some Valentine’s Day charm to your RV and you like what I have designed, you can print this out :)  Simply click on the image below to download the PDF.  Cut out the banner, fold the top over the back by about 3/4 inch, tape shut and slide a pipe cleaner through the opening and tie string to hang.  Et Voila!  Instant RV decor for Valentine’s Day.

All You Need Is Love // Valentines Day RV Decor via J5MM.comAirstream LOVE via J5MM.com // RV Lifestyle Airstream Style

With all my heart,
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

Love,
Monica xoxo

Orange Curd

Ingredients

  • 2 medium (organic because you will be using the zest)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 6 egg yolks (beaten)
  • 1/2 cup lime juice
  • 8 tablespoons butter (1 stick)

Directions

Step 1
Zest your two oranges and squeeze the juice adding both into a small sauce pan.
Step 2
Add the rest of the ingredients, whisking to combine.
Step 3
Turn on the heat to medium and stir continually until mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Around 7 minutes.
Step 4
Remove from heat and let cool. Mixture will thicken even more as it cools.
Step 5
This delicious concoction will stay good in your fridge for about a week (covered)
Step 6
Bon appétit!