Ready to Go Full Time RVing–Cooking Series–My Secret Weapon

I love real cream in my scrambled eggs (regular milk just isn’t the same). . .and if you’ve ever watched a cooking demonstration, they always tell you to use one TBSP of heavy cream per egg. . .but how do you keep heavy cream available when you may not use it that often?

 

I discovered a fabulous substitute. . .stays fresh much, much longer than fresh cream. . .and I can also use it in my oatmeal. . .are you ready?

 

Here it is. . .



That’s right my friends. . .canned whipping cream. . .you won’t even be able to tell the difference once you get your eggs seasoned. . .one big squirt per egg. . .perfect. . .you gotta try it!

 

 




From Blogger Pictures



Dave and I have lived in our RV Full Time since 2003, when we sold the house and everything in it, and have traveled fulltime since 2009. Follow our tales by signing up to follow our blog, and check back often as we share the tips and tricks of living the lifestyle.

Connect with us on our FACEBOOK Ready To Go Full Time RVing Page. . .where you’ll meet lots of other RV’ers just like you. . .traveling and enjoying this great adventure.

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Full Time RV Living-Making Life Easier-or I Don't Think I Can Live Without It!

I loved this article – Ten Things That Make My Life In An RV Easier and I agreed with the premise of most of them. . .which made me think. . .

What are some things I consider absolute necessities?  Hmmmm. . .

ELECTRIC PRESSURE COOKER



an absolute necessity. . . especially if you plan to cook beans, rice, or pasta at altitude.  Ya can’t get water to boil up there. . .

but I use it even for everyday cooking.  It makes an awesome deep fryer (without the pressure portion of course.)

I excel in one pot meals, so I use it for that. . .often!

It’s just one of those things I’m glad I discovered. . .this is by RIVAL. . .and I found it at Big Lots for about $57. . .something like that.

INDUCTION BURNER



A glorified, and expensive hot plate, that requires pots, pans, and skillets that a magnet will stick to the bottom of, but I love it because, the pan heats up immediately. . .to a specified temperature that you can set. . .the burner itself does NOT get hot. . .I can use it inside or outside. . .and because I hate my RV stove, I can cook on it almost exclusively.

Induction Burners love, love, love cast iron, and I have a small round cast iron griddle to grill steaks on. . .fabulous combination.  I would love to have more cast iron to use on it. . .but alas. . .the weight. . .so. . .only the griddle. (sigh!)

LOCK N LOCK CONTAINERS



In my opinion, the ultimate in storage containers. . .they have a seal that prevents leakage, so they are fantastic for storing saucy items in the fridge. . .nothing’s gonna splash out!

Sometimes I can find them at Walmart, but lately I seem to have better luck finding them at those specialty Kitchen Stores in the outlet mall. . .you know which ones I mean!

Our gate guard friends have been writing about having a mouse invasion. . .they, the mice, especially love their doritos. . .as you can see, what’s left of my doritos are safely ensconced in plastic. . .not that I’m doing it to keep them from the mice. . .but just in case!  Our nemesis seems to be sugar ants. . .sometimes they pop up everywhere. . .keeps them out too!

I can’t think of any other “can’t live without” items at the moment. . .but I’m sure as soon as I push the send button, I’ll remember several more. . .

What are your “I can’t be without them” items. . .everyone’s list is different. . .so please share!

We always appreciate you sharing our blog with other RV'ers. . .so if you enjoyed this article, please pass it along. . .

From Blogger Pictures

Dave and I have lived in our RV Full Time since 2003, when we sold the house and everything in it, and have traveled fulltime since 2009. Follow our tales by signing up to follow our blog, and check back often as we share the tips and tricks of living the lifestyle.

Connect with us on our FACEBOOK Ready To Go Full Time RVing Page. . .where you’ll meet lots of other RV’ers just like you. . .traveling and enjoying this great adventure.

If you would like to receive our blog updates, just enter your email below.

As a bonus, you will receive a link to our Seasonal Job Listings Page, and a follow up email linking to a sample copy of our personal Seasonal Jobs Resume.

We respect your privacy, and never share your email address

 

Ready To Go Full Time RVing-How do you find a full timer rig?

This was such a great question, that I thought I would share IT. . .and my answer. . .as my blog post today. . .leave a comment, and tell me your opinion. . .

We are looking to buy a 350 or 3500 4x4 truck and 5th wheel for fulltiming. I have been reading blogs and sites like IRV2 and can never find anyone to give direct advice. My question to you is, if you went today to buy a truck and 5er, what would you buy? I read where you said that the 5er you got was on your list and you knew it was of good quality. I have no way of knowing which ones are good quality. I would love to have your thoughts on this as you have been there and dont that. Thanks so much.

First off, let me say, thanks for reading our blog. . .and second off, let me say that as a FEMALE, anything I may tell you should be verified. . .ha ha. . .and you may be sorry you asked the question! : )  I ask hubby's opinion, but we've discussed all these issues so many times. . .he says exactly what I know he is going to say!

Now IMO, you should not pull anything longer than 30 feet with a 350 or 3500. . .yes I know it will pull it. . .that is not the question. . .will it STOP it?  and the second part of that discussion is. . .the insurance companies, at some point, are going to start cracking down. . .and if you are over your GCVWR and are in an accident. . .you probably are going to end up in court to get your claims covered. . .everytime we pass a truck weigh station, one of us will pose the question. . .How much longer before we hafta start pulling through those?

Next. . .if you are going to be a true Full Timer, as opposed to having a home to go back to, you need some space.  This is going to be your house. . .opposing slides in the living room are a necessity on our list. . .and at least one slide in the bedroom. . .a decent size shower that you can stand up and turn around in. . .full size closets, not shirt closets. . .and a pantry, or something that will serve as a pantry. 

Brands of full timer models. . .hard to say. . .so many have gone out of business. . .but Mobile Suites builds a beautiful rig, Montana (upper end only) are still building, I believe. . .we don't pay new prices for anything. . .but if you are going to, you may as well research the custom builders, and get exactly what you want.  You can find several listed in the back of Trailer Life Magazine

If you are searching for used, we liked Alfa, Hitchhiker, King of the Road, Newmar, wow, it's been so long ago. . .I'm kinda blank. . .I’m sure others can share choices in the comments section. . .

All rigs, including brand new, have their issues. . .it’s all part of the learning curve. . .so if you think you are going to buy a brand new one, and everything will be roses. . .think again. . .bouncing down the road at 60 mph shakes things loose. . .and some roads bounce more loose than others. . .plus rattle your teeth!

Hubby took a RV Inspection Class online from Mobile RV Academy. . .which taught him how to check out all the systems and look for problems.

I'll just throw this out there. . .we are currently in the process of purchasing a Class A Diesel Pusher. . .so our entire rig, 2002 Ford F550 Custom Thoroughbred RV Hauler, and 2003 Alfa Ideal 36 foot fifth wheel are going on the market. . .we're thinking our asking price will be about $52,000 for the entire package, and we will work from there.

If you are interested in more info. . .I will be happy to share all the particulars.  We always knew we would eventually go to a motor home. . .and it seems there are such great deals right now on used ones that the time is getting closer. . .

Wishing you all the best in your adventure. . .and please don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions.

Safe travels,

Janice and Dave Evans

From Blogger Pictures

Dave and I have lived in our RV Full Time since 2003, when we sold the house and everything in it, and have traveled fulltime since 2009. Follow our tales by signing up to follow our blog, and check back often as we share the tips and tricks of living the lifestyle.

Connect with us on our FACEBOOK Ready To Go Full Time RVing Page. . .where you’ll meet lots of other RV’ers just like you. . .traveling and enjoying this great adventure.

If you would like to receive our blog updates, just enter your email below.

As a bonus, you will receive a link to our Seasonal Job Listings Page, and a follow up email linking to a sample copy of our personal Seasonal Jobs Resume.

We respect your privacy, and never share your email address

Ready To Go Full Time RVing-Cooking Series-Faking It-Stuffed Bell Peppers

Anyone who has read my blog very long knows that I despise the range in my RV. . .and because I’m not willing to replace it for something that may not be any better. . .I’ve learned to adapt. . .thus my RV Cooking Series on Faking It. . .One Pot Meals that may not look like the real thing. . .but certainly do taste like it.  Here’s my newest edition:

 

STUFFED BELL PEPPERS

This recipe makes four servings. . .adjust your ingredients according to number of servings desired:

 

Brown a half pound of sausage or hamburger and a cup of frozen pepper/onion blend

Clean, core, and quarter two large bell peppers

Add peppers to meat mixture, lower heat, add lid, cook until peppers are tender. . .about 20 minutes

Depending on seasoning in meat, you may want to re-season at this point. . .especially salt

Add a bag of frozen rice, any flavor you like, (this is my favorite). . .check seasoning, replace lid, heat rice mixture through

Done. . .finished dish. . .not beautiful, but delicious. . .

If you need to make your dish beautiful, you could leave your peppers halved. . .once they are to the tender stage, you could remove them to a casserole dish. . .finish the meat mixture with the rice. . .stuff the peppers, add some cheese to the top, and pop it in the oven for a few seconds. . .

If I were serving company, I may take the time to make it beautiful. . .when we just want something tasty. . .this serves very well.

Enjoy!

From Blogger Pictures

Dave and I have lived in our RV Full Time since 2003, when we sold the house and everything in it, and have traveled fulltime since 2009. Follow our tales by signing up to follow our blog, and check back often as we share the tips and tricks of living the lifestyle.

Connect with us on our FACEBOOK Ready To Go Full Time RVing Page. . .where you’ll meet lots of other RV’ers just like you. . .traveling and enjoying this great adventure.

If you would like to receive our blog updates, just enter your email below.

As a bonus, you will receive a link to our Seasonal Job Listings Page, and a follow up email linking to a sample copy of our personal Seasonal Jobs Resume.

We respect your privacy, and never share your email address

Full Time RV Living–So What Do You Do About Church?

This is a question we are often asked by friends and family. . .but for us, attending church has not really been an issue at all.  We, well Dave, will usually just google our denomination, and the town we will be in, and there are usually even choices to be had.

We’re not really picky. . .I mean we believe what God said about, where two or three are gathered in My Name, there will I be in the midst of them. . .so even in the smallest, tiniest places, at least two or three show up. . .so we just join in, and enjoy the fellowship.

I was thinking about all this, because this past weekend, we had the golden opportunity, and privilege to be with friends at one of our favorite places, New Life Church at Round Rock TX.  Since we’ve known all them forever, we were discussing our summer trip, and all the different churches we had attended.

I admit, I actually hafta log the names and locations on my calendar, so I can look back to remember where we were, when. . .but some make a lasting impression. . .and the amazing thing is, once you start talking to folks, no matter where we’ve been, there are usually mutual acquaintances somewhere in our background. 

One guy stated, he felt like if he kept talking to us long enough, he would have found out we were kinfolk! LOL. . .we got a kick out of that one.  And we’re all God’s family. . .so in a sense. . .yes, we are kinfolk!

What about you?  What do you do about church while traveling?

Full Time RV Living–Are you a GREEN RVer?

I was reading a blog post titled How To Make Your RV Travels Greener,  which made me think of my camping experiences growing up.

I never knew we were “green” campers.  I was just taught,

• You take out more than you brought in
• Leave your campsite cleaner than you found it
• Going to the store will not be an option, bring everything you need
• Be considerate of your neighbors

And now, all these years later, I find out that I was being “green.”

How about that?

Tips for Green RVing | RV Blog from RVT.com | Tips and Articles for ...

Many RV campgrounds provide recycling bins and practice green campsite management. Here are some things you can do to go green when you RV: – Follow recommended tune-up, maintenance and oil change schedules ...

Publish Date: 09/26/2011 6:08

http://www.rvt.com/blog/going-green/tips-for-green-rving-2/

Rv Solar Panels | Green Rv Living |Solar Battery Trickle Charge

Living in an RV can be a challenge or freedom, however you look at it. You can go anywhere anytime and stay there for whatever time you think you want to enjoy the place.

Publish Date: 08/05/2011 20:28

http://business.ezinemark.com/rv-solar-panels-green-rv-living-solar-battery-trickle-charge-7d2fd10bbd68.html

RV Green – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: An Eco-Friendly RVing Guide ...

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle is a system RVers can use to protect the environment. Help the great outdoors by following these green RVing tips for eco-friendly camping,

Publish Date: 03/22/2009 13:24

http://thomas-alan-gray.suite101.com/rv-green-reduce-reuse-recycle-a104171

From Blogger Pictures

Dave and I have lived in our RV Full Time since 2003, when we sold the house and everything in it, and have traveled fulltime since 2009. Follow our tales by signing up to follow our blog, and check back often as we share the tips and tricks of living the lifestyle.

Connect with us on our FACEBOOK Ready To Go Full Time RVing Page. . .where you’ll meet lots of other RV’ers just like you. . .traveling and enjoying this great adventure.

If you would like to receive our blog updates, just enter your email below.

As a bonus, you will receive a link to our Seasonal Job Listings Page, and a follow up email linking to a sample copy of our personal Seasonal Jobs Resume.

We respect your privacy, and never share your email address

Full Time RV Living–Progression over the Years

I often receive notes from newbies who are just starting out in the lifestyle, or from wannabees who are anxious to get started in the lifestyle.  These notes always take me back to that nostalgic place that I lived in for about three years, that place where I researched the lifestyle, absorbing everything I could find about it, so I know exactly how these folks feel. . .the excitement. . .the fear. . .the feeling of not knowing exactly what we may be getting ourselves in to. . .oh yes, it all comes back.

Now we had camped for years, starting out in tents, progressing to pop ups, then to an 18 foot bumper pull, and finally, our ultimate vacation rig. . .a 30 foot Jayco Fifth Wheel with a slideout.

We were uptown then, living the good life. . .so when we decided to sell everything we owned, and it all happened a little quicker than we anticipated, we determined that we could live in the Jayco while we continued researching and shopping for a full time rig.

Oh my goodness. . .that WAS a transition. . .going from a four bedroom, three bath home to a less than 400 square foot rig that was designed to go on vacation in. . .and while it was the ultimate for what it was designed for, we quickly decided that having NO closets, NO storage. . .and especially, NO washer, dryer. . .just was NOT going to work.

We were both still working full time jobs, hubby on rotating shifts, and I worked a rotating week which almost always included working Saturdays.  Going to the laundromat was not on our list of fun things to do on our day off, so I started dropping the laundry off at one of those full service laundromats.  Oh I can feel the eyes rolling. . .LOL, but that was what we needed to do to survive, and we quickly decided living in survival mode was just NOT going to work.

Had we already been retired, we may have coped a little better, but in addition to our jobs, we also volunteered at our church and were in charge of a large Children’s Ministry Department and staff, so adding a lifestyle change in the midst of our other responsibilities was probably not the smartest decision. . .however, we had been researching FULL TIME rigs for quite a while, and had narrowed our choices down to about four brands which met our criteria.

Our criteria list consisted of basement air, two refrigerators, or at least one oversized one, washer/dryer, and a built in desk.  Not much to ask for right?  Dave would make the rounds of the RV lots on his day off, looking, looking, looking. . .as you can imagine, in Houston TX there were a lot of choices. . .and then, by the grace of God, there it was. . .the perfect rig. . .a brand that was on our list.  We knew they built quality full time rigs that would stand up to the rigors of the lifestyle. . .with absolutely everything on our wish list. . .and MORE.  God is so good! . . .and although we were looking for used,  this one was their RV show model. . .had never been lived in. . .but was being sold as a used unit. . .only took a few minutes to make that decision. . .and take that miracle home.

Now, almost ten years later, in the next phase of our RV journey as we begin searching for a motorhome, we still know we made a great decision. . .even with the trials and tribulations of the constant maintenance that comes with living in an RV full time. . .it has been the perfect “home”. . .and we would do it all over again. . .in a heartbeat!

What about you?

How did you get started in the lifestyle?

Did you make the right decision, or do you have regrets?

Have you reached a transition mode, where you are thinking of bigger or smaller, or perhaps even a more permanent address? 

I would love to hear your stories!  Please share your comments below and feel free to email me any time at JaniceLEvans1015@gmail.com

Safe and Happy Travels,

Janice

From Blogger Pictures

Dave and I have lived in our RV Full Time since 2003, when we sold the house and everything in it, and have traveled fulltime since 2009. Follow our tales by signing up to follow our blog, and check back often as we share the tips and tricks of living the lifestyle.

Connect with us on our FACEBOOK Ready To Go Full Time RVing Page. . .where you’ll meet lots of other RV’ers just like you. . .traveling and enjoying this great adventure.

If you would like to receive our blog updates, just enter your email below.

As a bonus, you will receive a link to our Seasonal Job Listings Page, and a follow up email linking to a sample copy of our personal Seasonal Jobs Resume.

We respect your privacy, and never share your email address