June 2021 – See New Places

My van home is so cool, it should come with a pair of sunglasses! 😎 I absolutely love having my home with me wherever I go. I mean, who else can brag about fixing a snack, taking a nap, working on websites, or just watching a movie in their wheeled “girl cave”? Talk about multitasking!

I’m a huge fan of the ocean, and let me tell you, parking by a beach with my doors open while I go through my day is shell-tastic. 🐚 It’s like having a beach house on every beach across the country without the sand getting into unmentionable places. With so many beautiful places to park, choosing a favorite is like trying to pick a favorite ice cream flavor – downright impossible. Although, I’ve got a few top spots on the West Coast; Casper the Van hasn’t floated over to the East Coast yet – we’re saving that adventure for later!

Thanks to my trusty solar panels and batteries, I’ve got enough power to work all day long… as long as the sun’s doing its job and not lounging behind the clouds. Once the sun decides to clock out, I’m a bit more cautious. There’s still plenty of power for lights and charging electronics, but let’s just say I’m not running a laser light show after dark!

If you’ve always dreamed of a place to escape daily chores without your mom calling to ask if you’re doing your laundry, a converted van might just be the answer! And hey, the cost is relatively low – think “DIY beach house meets budget travel.” With a flexible mindset (and maybe a weekly yoga sesh), you can be comfy and enjoy life absolutely everywhere. I love camping all the time and not having to pack and unpack every time. Plus, living in perpetual coziness? That’s the real dream! 🏕️

Kelly 😊

Food has truly become a cherished part of my life. No worries, I’m not talking about anything growing on me like a fungus! 😊 What I mean to say is that it took some time for me to appreciate food as more than just a daily interruption. Funny enough, I used to feel the same way about the Holidays. All those days filled with fireworks and fried chicken while putting everything else on hold—it drove me a bit nuts! I had tasks to complete, and those pauses felt a bit frustrating back then. Ah, the carefree days of youth!

Somewhere along the journey, a delightful discovery changed my perspective: real, exquisite food. Picture a perfect steak, fresh sushi, and the one dessert that has won my heart—creme brûlée. Of course, this is just a glimpse into the longer list of goodies I adore, but you get the idea.

I’m a lover of all kinds of food, as long as it’s crafted well with quality ingredients. My philosophy is simple: if I’m going to treat myself and spend money on it, I want the best out there. That doesn’t mean breaking the bank for every meal, but it does mean that I seek out those exceptional culinary experiences. For instance, I’ve enjoyed some scrumptious hot dogs, and when the craving hits, I don’t hesitate to seek out the best ones available.

Growing up on cattle ranches meant that savoring a delicious steak was pretty much a regular affair for me. It was only after we moved away that I realized just how challenging it can be to find a great steak. My ideal picks are organic and cooked to perfection—rare to medium-rare. I know, I know, not everyone will agree with my preference, but that’s just a slice of life from the ranch!

Sushi swept me off my feet when my then-husband introduced me to its delights. We were in Mildenhall, England, having a marvelous dinner on the grass by a beautiful, slow-moving river. Everything we tasted was delectable, but it was the sashimi that stole the spotlight. Unlike the usual sashimi in the US (which I still enjoy!), this one was cut paper-thin in sheets as large as my open hand, with five types of fish beautifully splayed out. It nearly melted in my mouth, creating a taste-bud tango I’ll never forget!

Now, when it comes to creme brûlée, I can’t quite recall my first one exactly, but I do remember my husband and I embarking on adventures to find the best ones during our vacations. Jake’s in Portland, Oregon, and the Marriott’s restaurant in St. Thomas are tied as favorites. And when paired with a warm glass of Grand Marnier, it’s simply heavenly.

Month: June 2021

Casper The Cave Van

I Love Food!