If you're like me when it comes to dinner, I often am challenged trying to come up with something my family will like and also not making the same boring things every night. I have a husband who loves tacos and a son who loves Mac and Cheese. ;)
Here are my top 5 favorites that are easy, delish and most importantly, don't take a whole lot of planning or work.
1) Tacos: We love tacos in this house. We usually cook up chicken or ground turkey. Combine with onions, cilantro, cheese, guacamole and tortillas. Rice and beans make easy side dishes too.
2) Turkey guacamole burgers: Take ground turkey, bread crumbs, avocado and a little tomato paste and make patties. Cook up in saute pan or on the grill.They taste so good!
3) Chili: I will take 2 cartons of beef broth and add it to a pot. Combine different types of beans like pinto, kidney, chili beans, along with cooked and drained ground turkey or ground beef. Add your favorite spices like cumin, pepper, garlic, salt, etc.. Simmer until done! You can throw some cheese in to make it even yummier.
4) BBQ chicken: I usually just take chicken breasts, cook until done and add in some BBQ marinade and simmer. Serve over rice and have a side of veggies like salad, green beans, peas or mixed veggies.
5) Loaded baked potatoes: These make the perfect easy dinner meal! Top with your favorite toppings like chives, sour cream, butter, cheese, bacon, pesto, salsa. Add your favorite salad on the side for a light meal that is energy packed.
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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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Hi Friend!
Having a basic Mamas Emergency healthcare kit for home is so much easier than you may think!
Having an at home resource that supports you physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually is so helpful.
If something were to happen like a natural disaster, the grid going down,, an earthquake, just having that peace of mind and knowing you've got a way at home to holistically care for your families needs in case of a crisis or sudden emergency is so comforting.
Here are my daily must haves in my Mama toolkit.
Oils:
Thieves: this blend is a powerful combination of Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus Radiata, and Rosemary essential oils. It is a great blend for keeping your immune system fully supported.
Peppermint: digestive support, cooling, repels pests, energizing, soothing for muscles, etc. This is a powerful oil that can be used for many things.
Frankincense: all things skin, for calming and grounding and focus, relaxing, many more things but I need to stay compliant. :)
Lemon: Add to your water for detoxification purposes. Use it to remove sticky stuff. Add it to recipes for enhanced flavor.
Peace and Calming: I love this oil for so many reasons. It is my go-to when I am feeling extra anxious and stressed. It immediately relaxes my mind and allows me to focus on the task at hand.
Stress Away: Just like Peace and Calming, it is so soothing and the smell just makes me think of vacation and that feeling of just a cool, relaxing day at the beach. It is "vacation in a bottle!"
Release: This is a powerful oil that helps release emotions and helps you process your feelings. I rub it on my liver which is where many of our emotions are stored.
Joy: "The oil of gladness" I call it. It always makes me feel happier and more joyful. It smells amazing!
White Angelica: this oil helps promote a feeling of protection and security and helps to guard against negative energy.
En-r-gee: For that mama fuel that we all need, It is uplifting and energizing and gives you that pep in your step and boost of energy you need during the day.
Endoflex: For all things hormonal. It is very balancing to the endocrine gland and supports hormones. It also helps our mood during those special times of the month and for older women as well.
Cedarwood: This oil is really high in sesquiterpenes and has so many uses. It supports good, restful sleep, is calming for the body, helps with focus.
Lavender: Known as the "swiss army knife" of oils, Lavender has hundreds of uses. Skin support, sleep, calming and so many other uses.
I would be happy to help you have your own First Aid kit. It is really easy to sign up. I have my own personal referral link here: https://www.youngliving.com/vo/#/signup/new-start?sponsorid=2108472&enrollerid=2108472&isocountrycode=US&culture=en-US&type=member
When you join my community, I will make sure you have ongoing, absolutely free education and share with you lots of ways to use your oils. I will add you to my community FB group as well as our team group for support and encouragement.
There is never any pressure to continue to buy or to sell but you may find that you love the products so much, you can't help but share. Totally up to you!
You will also receive for FREE a pocket reference guide!
There is a convenient monthly shipping program called Essential Rewards that is optional that you can sign up with too. It will deliver the products you choose that fits YOUR budget. You can cancel anytime and pick your shipping date each month. You earn up to 25% back every order to be able to get FREE products., plus get free oils at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months and an exclusive oil at 24 months.
I strongly recommend adding Thieves Household Cleaner to your order. You will use it way more than you expect. It cleans everything! If you sign up for Essential Rewards with your kit order and add the Thieves cleaner via "Customize your order", you will immediately start earning those points.
I am excited for you to get started! I will be sending you a WELCOME email once your order processes. You will also receive the invite to our group. I will be sending out your desk reference immediately! Please ask me any questions at all. I want to help you get started on the right foot!
In His care,
erika
xo
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We are big thrifters in our house and shopping secondhand has been one of my favorite things to do since high school. It has also saved me a ton of money over the years. There is something about the thrill of the hunt each time you go, even if it's the same store in the same week. I remember getting all my cardigan sweaters in the men's section, cute handbags and putting together outfits in a snap. Paul always finds Bibles and cool signs and knick knacks. My son will get pretty excited over an old candy machine. It's always an adventure. If your goal is sustainable living, this is one way to get your clothes and basics without breaking the bank plus then they wont end up in the landfill.
Clothing Basics
Start with some accessories, a cute hat, a stylish scarf, an inexpensive bag that you can use with anything. I have found great leather bags for under $10.00 that work with every outfit. A basic cardigan like black or navy or red can be thrown on over a tee with jeans for a chic, simple look. Add some fun beaded bracelets, some dangly earrings and a simple silver necklace. Or you could add a chunky bead necklace and go simple on the bracelets. Grab some basic tees, a good comfy pair of jeans and a fun pair of sandals. For summer, dressy or basic tanks are usually pretty cheap. For winter, you can pick up a great pair of boots or a warm winter coat.
If you're traveling, hit up the thrift stores for those little things you may have forgotten. Tupperware, dishes, home and kitchen goods.
Charity shops
I highly recommend checking out the charity thrift stores in more high end districts as they typically have really great selections, designer wear and good condition garments.
Online Vintage stores
The one downside to shopping online is that you can't try anything on so it's a bit more risky. Measuring your waist, bust and hips can help with getting the right size. Many garments online too have been altered so it's a good idea to keep this in mind. You can though find some really cool stuff from the era you're looking for so that is a bonus.
Clothing swaps
This is another fun idea! Host a get together with friends and bring over everything you no longer need in your closet. Not only could you get FREE stuff but it's a great excuse to get together, chat and compare styles.
Junker markets
These have been all the rage lately and a great way to see vendors not only from your area but sometimes across the state and beyond. You'll often find many booths with different handmade or repurposed goods so you just never know what you'll find. Clothing, handmade signs, vintage furniture, farmhouse decor, homemade soaps, jewelry and so much more. Search online for local markets and traveling "events" in your area!
XO,
erika
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