Hey mama,
Is it pouring down rain today and the kids are going crazy? Your sanity is slipping and you just need some ideas that will help them have fun and also learn some new skills? Here are some!
1) Cook something..
Is there an easy recipe that has simple ingredients you could bring out where your kids could do it on their own? My son loves making mini pizzas using pita bread, shredded cheese, pepperoni and sauce. There are many great websites with kids recipes and we all know Pinterest is FULL of 'em! You can also find great recipes for slime and playdough.
2) Build forts..
Blankets, pillows, tape, string, rugs, comforters, tables and chairs... these all can be used to build forts. Make tunnels into different rooms! They might even bring a book in there and start reading. :)
3) Dance..
Throw on some silly music and dance. Make up your own dances! It'll get those wiggles out, get them to laugh, help them relax and maybe even lead to a nap. Even dancing to household chores makes them that much more fun.
4) Play games..
There are so many great games. Or why not make your own game? Use what you have! Obstacle courses, hopscotch, craft stuff, make costumes with the clothing they have and really get creative. It doesn't take much to throw a makeshift game together :)
5) Bring out all the toys and decide what you can sell or purge. This can be a family effort and the money they can make they get to spend on something they want. Win, win! Who has the most toys they are selling or donating? Make it a contest!
6) 10 questions: Ask them made up questions to get them thinking. What is their favorite... ?
They can draw pictures of their favorite things or create a mini magazine of all of their favorite things.
7) Gifts: They can get a jump start on holiday gifts by getting the craft supplies out! Paint, draw, write...
8) Backyard scavenger hunt: rainy days are perfect for exploring the backyard for rocks, leaves, worms, twigs.. you can make some neat projects out of these things. They can find a certain number of one item and practice their math skills too.
9) Popcorn and movie time: Is there a new release out that you haven't seen yet?
10) DIY craft videos: You can learn so many new fun crafts by watching quick DIY videos. Many of these crafts you can do with stuff around the house or dollar store items.
Have fun!
xo erika
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Ready to HIT THE ROAD?
Have you dabbled with the idea of purging all your stuff, selling the house and hitting the road? Well, that's what we did in late 2016!
You may have wondered..where do I start? You might have a zillion questions about everything from where to stay, memberships, costs, what type of RV to get, etc...
After 3 + years of travel, I hope Paul and I can answer some of those questions for you!
Here are our top 12 tips for full-timing or just for planning an RV road trip!
1) Where to stay and boondocking/age restrictions/kids/pets
Once you decide where you want to travel to and the destinations you'd like to see, the next step is booking your reservation. I highly recommend booking ahead of time because spots and RV parks tend to book fast, especially during peak travel times like Spring and Summer. They will require a deposit in most cases and then you just pay the balance while you're there. Again, this is where checking out FB groups is helpful for spot ideas. Keep in mind too, some parks have age restrictions ( think 60+), some may not allow children ( I know, that is ridiculous to me that any would be against having children there), some say no pets. Many places we've found do take pets though and ,most allow kids, thank goodness but good to be aware. Ask ahead of time. Another option on the road when your budget is kinda tight is to boondock. Some big box stores like Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes, etc will let you stay in their parking lots way in the back but you have to call them and get permission. We boondocked a few nights while traveling through Utah and ID. They don't charge at all but again, call first. The downside is you won't have hookups. Its a great way to save a good $50 bucks a night.
2) What type of RV do you want?
A new Rv can be pretty expensive so going newer used may be the way to go. Keep in mind that while you might enjoy the luxury of a new RV, when not traveling, it will be sitting in storage or your garage or your driveway, unless you are full-timing.
Questions to ponder as you decide what to get..
How big is your family? How many beds will you need?
What is your budget? If you can get a used RV but in good condition, I'd recommend that.
Do you plan to tow?
Do you have a truck ( for a fifth wheel)?
If you are getting a motorhome, keep in mind you will be towing a car or have a family member driving behind. Or you could decide to rent a car when you arrive at the city you're heading to. Just something extra to consider, cost, etc..
Do you want a travel trailer?
Do you want slide outs? How many?
Diesel or gas?
Will you be in a colder climate, spending more time indoors?
Or warmer climate? Maybe taking bikes along?
Are you taking pets?
3) Monthly living expenses
RV living and traveling does have many advantages in terms of living on the cheap. While you don't have a mortgage payment, you will have to pay nightly, weekly or monthly rates. Typically, a monthly rate would be the way to go because nightly rates really add up. They could potentially add up to be twice a monthly rate. Rates also depend on location of the park, ( think a warmer popular climate vs a smaller town) amenities, etc. Resorts are nicer but will cost you more. We were paying over $900 a month plus electric in San Diego vs about $600 in AZ. A few other costs to consider: fuel ( diesel vs gas), propane for heat and cooking if not using electric, satellite cable ( direct tv), internet, phone service, insurance costs. When your RV is stored, your payment will be less because you can list it as stored and not being used. When you begin to travel again, you will need to update your plan again.
Will you be in a hot climate? Think of extra utility expenses like AC. A cooler climate you may need heat. If you are living on the road, you will need to decide how to handle your mail. We purchased a PO Box and had a friend pick up our mail and send it to us at our RV parks. It typically runs about $60 every 6 months and over $100 for a year. Food is another main expense obviously but there are places to get great deals. Costco for stocking up, Grocery Outlets, Gleaners, local farmers markets, even the Food Banks are always great too. I used to volunteer at one in WA and they were wonderful. Don't be afraid to check them out!
4) Follow RV FB Groups
There are many helpful groups on Facebook like Fulltime Families where you can find tips, memberships for sale, ask questions and just find the support of a great community that is on the road, been on the road or thinking of hitting the road. When we were in Tucson, one of the families in that group was in our same RV park at the same time so we said hello to each other. :) You can also ask for RV park recommendations and great places to see in the cities you are headed to! I also wanted to add really quick that traveling and staying in RV parks will let you meet so many people. It is neat to connect and meet people all over the country and frankly the world, hear their stories and backgrounds, where they've been and where they're headed next.
5) Pests
Rats, ants... oh my, we have seen it all! I'm just going to be real here. Some RV parks, even nice ones have pack rats. It hasn't been a huge problem but we have encountered it. Peppermint oil sprayed around the perimeter of our RV has helped. We have also used rat traps which helped as well. Hotter climates invite packrats which like to hide under the hood. They can chew wires so please be aware. Ants have been easy to control with spray.
Make sure that you keep food crumbs at bay and even dog food protected.
6) Repairs/leaks and maintenance
Giving your RV a thorough maintenance check prior to hitting the road is smart so you can avoid those unexpected expenses. Check wires, hoses, tanks, oil and fluids, the battery, tire pressure, etc. We had our water tank go out on the way to CA so we had to replace it just outside Salt Lake City. Trying to find a Camping World that was easy to get to off the highway or an RV parts place in the middle of nowhere is not fun. :)
7) Mail and License/taxes
As I mentioned above, consider where your mail will go while you are gone. If you are living on the road, also keep in mind how you will renew your license if it comes due in terms of what state you are living in at the time and how long you will be there. If you are working in multiple states, keep in mind that you will be filing taxes per each state, paying state taxes if necessary, etc.
8) Income/Work
If you are just taking a short road trip, you won't need to worry about making an income on the road but if you are considering full timing, here are a few great ways to make some extra income. Keep in mind, these are just a few!
-An online business
-Being a campground host
-Using your special trade skills ( electrical, plumbing, maintenance?)
-Taking online surveys for cash and gift cards ( Swagbucks, American Consumer Opinion, etc)
-Retail jobs
-Traveling jobs in the union, nursing, teaching, etc)
-Tutoring online
9) Memberships
Memberships like Thousand Trails, Good Sam Club, Escapees are just a few that help with discounts and life on the road. They are worth getting but if you can find them cheaper, all the better. Many FB groups have people looking to sell them at great prices.
10) Easy RV First Aid Kit
Check out my blog post here https://getoiling.com/erikamiller/blog where I share a thorough breakdown of my go to at home healthcare essentials that supports you physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
11) Schooling
If you have kids, homeschooling makes sense on the road. We had our son in private schools which looking back, really allowed him to experience different environments, meet new kids and learn different curriculums. He has done really well. Straight A's! With the pandemic we have homeschooled obviously too so he has pretty much done it all. :)
12) Weather/Climate:
Are you aiming for lots of sunshine? Don't mind cold weather? Plan according to the climate of where you're going. You will probably pay some extra for AC in hot climates and heat in colder ones as I mentioned above which adds a little to your utility bill.
Weather can also affect activities and outings you have planned. We will never forget when we were in Arizona in the middle of a crazy monsoon, thunder and lightning all around our RV, power went out and it was raining BUCKETS. It was pretty scary. An experience we will not forget!
The last thing I wanted to mention was finding activities in the towns you visit are easy! The RV parks will give you a brochure with ideas and there are typically stands in the office with lots of other travel brochures for the local area. Check out National Parks, lakes, hiking, outlet malls, best places to eat or get an ice cream, the downtown area for walking, fun thrift and vintage shops or specialty shops, parks to stroll or have a picnic lunch. Check out local museums too to learn the unique history of the area! Google best places in the area or even check out that city's FB page!
I hope these have been helpful! Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Just send me a message, comment or email me.
With joy,
xo
erika
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20 Simple Ways to THRIVE in the midst of a Pandemic
I see you, mama. You may be waking up each morning trying to figure out how to keep your kiddos and you from going stir crazy. Or perhaps, you are waking up excited to start the day thinking of all the ways you can spend this quality time with your loved ones. Or a combination of both?
We are living in unprecedented times, that's for sure. But it doesn't have to be stressful or feel claustrophobic. Can you thrive during this time and come out the other side with your sanity and even JOY intact?
YES!
I have compiled a list of some ideas you can utilize to see you through this trying time and I hope you enjoy them! Learn, grow, spend time outdoors and just BE. Know you are not alone and we are all in this together!
#1. Pray. Ask God for His mercy and grace and direction each morning. Spend devotional time with your children and read His Word. Look up your favorite verses and talk about them together. Pray for family and friends that don't know Jesus.
#2. Learn a new skill. Is there something you have been wanting to learn? Maybe knitting or learning French or Spanish. Is there is DIY you have been wanting to try? A craft you want to learn? Pop on some You Tube videos for you and the kids and learn together!
#3 Great New Courses. Have you seen those Facebook ads for Great New Courses? It is an amazing website that has videos and documentaries for every category imaginable. National Parks, Cooking, Mathematical Probabilities, how-to's for everything. Check it out! I think it is about $10 a month and has unlimited things to watch, good for the whole family.
#4. Gardening. Have you been putting off that weeding? Find a space outside to build a small garden or prep your existing space for Spring. Make it a family project today! Being outside has a way of changing our attitude and perspective around so quickly.
#5 Trail Walks. Walking is so therapeutic and the benefits of exercise for the body and the brain are many. Getting outside in Gods creation feels so good and it takes your mind off of being cooped up. It releases those endorphins and helps manage those anxiety and stress levels!
#6 Play catch up. Are there things on your mental to do list that you can cross off? Do you need to write next months calendar or balance your checkbook? Do you have bills to pay? Things to mail? Appointments to schedule for future dates? Make a list if you don't have one of things you can catch up on.
#7 Purge and declutter. This one is huge! Put those kids to work in their own rooms. They can help get rid of things they are done playing with by selling them or donating them to a local thrift store or Goodwill. Go through cabinets in the bathroom or kitchen and purge. Prep those closets for the next season by clearing out this seasons clothes. Just keep a few staples and put away those things not needed. Donate what you know you won't need next year.
#8 Outdoor play. Why not play an old fashioned game of outdoor tag or hide and seek. Create an obstacle course with outdoor items. Paint, draw, sketch things in the fresh air if you have an outdoor table!
#9 Have a picnic. Have the little ones make their lunch and have an outdoor feast. They can create their own menu!
#10 Write letters or cards to loved ones. Kids can create handmade cards or letters for their friends, grandparents or teachers. They can use stamps, paint, colored pencils, markers, scissors, glue. They can even cut magazines up and add fun pictures.
#11 Deep clean with Thieves. This one isn't all that fun but it can be a family affair! The whole family can clean with Thieves ( hello, NO poison in it so it won't harm anyone!). It doesn't have to be all in one day but one thing a day can make a big difference. Add a capful of Thieves cleaner to spray bottles and go to town. Diffuse some Peppermint or Lavender or Peace and Calming. The house will smell AH-mazing!
#12 Pin new recipes on Pinterest. Tired of the same old dinners? Look up some new recipes!
#13 Watch family movies together. Make some popcorn!
#14 Clean out the cars. Wash and vacuum ( again Thieves does the job). You can even pay the kids a few dollars to help out.
#15. Kid questionaries. These are fun to do. Ask the kids a series of questionaires then discuss and document their answers in their baby books for memories. :)
#16 Watch Bob Ross paint videos. So fun to help the kids learn painting techniques!
#17 Video chats with friends and family. Making sure we stay connected with our friends and family is important. Check in on them during this time and see their face onscreen.
#18 Tell jokes, laugh and DANCE. Put on some silly dance tunes and be goofy together! Or Build a fort!
#19 Make gifts for the holidays. DIY gifts are fun. Just make sure you have the supplies. Look up on You tube and see if you have everything you need and get a jump start!
#20. Hugs! Just being affectionate with each other and sharing your love for each other goes a long way towards having a positive attitude in the midst of uncertainty. Supporting each other and talking things out too will create memories they will treasure forever.
Enjoy today and don't worry about tomorrow. This too will pass!
XO,
Erika
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