Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Choosing a Tent

When purchasing your tent we suggest poles that are shock corded for quick and easy set up. Shock corded poles have a stretchable cord inside or in some cases aluminum poles with chain, keeping all the pieces to each pole together. There are basically three types of family tents. A cabin style that you can stand up in, these are great when changing clothes or when you have children. These also can come with dividers to make separate rooms. Dome styles are also good, lightweight, but have way less headroom with sloping walls. And some of the newer tents can have screen rooms attached and awnings, I even seen some that look like a log cabin. Choose wisely, purchase the best quality that you can afford. A quality tent will last for years. It may be best to borrow or rent first to see which type suits you.  
If your a first time camper and you have purchased a new tent or borrowed one. There are a few things you should do before you go.  
Open and set up your tent to confirm that all the parts are intact. 
Familiarize yourself with the set up, this way you'll know what your doing when you reach your campsite, this is especially true if you may arrive after dusk. If your lantern is new, set that up as well to confirm that it too is in working order.
View our video on lanterns and read last seasons article on what to bring and how to shop at home. Remember, the more prepared you are the more fun you'll have when you get there.
The Camping Consultants

Monday, June 28, 2010

Sunset Magazine July Issue




This months Sunset Magazine is featuring several camping articles and one is about CAMPING IN STYLE. Not all of these articles can be found in the magazine.

Here is a list of a few articles and links, If your reading this prior to July 2010 you can still pick up the magazine.


El Capitan Canyon by Thomas J. Story

 
Glam camping: Rethink the pitched tent Camp in style with a new generation of streamlined trailers and deluxe tent cabins.


Go into the wild (in style) Swap your sleeping bag for a feather bed at one of these luxurious campgrounds



Find the right campground for you. We play matchmaker, pairing your camping personality with places you're sure to love


Last-minute camping around the West - 25 favorite no-reservation campgrounds from California to Colorado



Teardrop Photo by E. Spencer Toy


Portable feasts: 21 great camping eats

Sunset Magazine Link

SEE RETRO CAMPING
SEE LIGHTING FOR GLAMPING IT UP
SEE GLAMPING CAMPING BREAKFAST















Sunday, June 27, 2010

FUN FIND - Pillow & Chair Wondawedge






The WondaWedge is an inflatable pillow made of sueded vinyl with an attached plastic ground sheet. It lays at various angles, which makes it versatile for many activities. Use it at camp, on the beach, reading in bed or anywhere where you want to recline in comfort. Available in 6 colors. MSRP: $24.00


http://www.wondawedge.com/

I will be trying out the WondaWedge in a few weeks on our next camp trip so I'll let you know what I think about it.


SEE CAMPING CHECKLIST
SEE WHAT IS GLAMPING
SEE CAMPING WITH SOUL

Friday, June 25, 2010

How I Glamp It Up Water Side

OK I'm about to turn 45 and am no longer a size 9. But I still love to swim and love camping near water. As earthy as I am I still want to feel my best when I hangin' out half naked. I did grow up at the beach and even though I'm camping or Glamping Light I want to feel stylin'. This is how I do it.
Suit by Land's End not a photo of Ruth



A solid black one piece from Lands' End that flatters my figure and FITS right, comon' ladies and gents you know what I mean by waring a suit that is too big or too small.
Also NOT ME or my BUM



A black cover up also Lands' End to keep the sun off me and well let's be real, cover up my tummy hugging itself when I sit down. Especially in a low beach chair.

A pair of black sunglasses, just to add a pinch of Hollywood to the whole enchilada.



A pair of cute but comfortable water shoes, something that matches the look. And if I can swing it painted toe nails, that's if I can swing it, but at least they are trimmed.
Oh yeah a rockin' Peter Grimm hat I bought in Truckee last year ties it all together and makes me feel goooooood.






Here are a few other items that are Glamp for the Camp!



















  

Thursday, June 24, 2010

RV Cooking Show - RV Kitchen Pantry Items & Great Grilling

Greetings campers,

It’s official…summer is here…and you know what that means…grilling season is upon us! Many of us can’t wait to pack the camper, set up in our favorite RV park or campground (found at Go Camping  America, perhaps?), break out the grill and kick back. Several of you have written asking me about what I pack in the RV Cooking Show kitchen. We’ve already seen what pots and pans I like have on hand, now we’ll talk about the eats.

In this episode I’ll give you a sneak peek inside my RV kitchen pantry and spend some quality time talking about what I find essential to carry with me in my RV kitchen cupboard. I’ve even developed a checklist that you can print out and make your own. You can find it here.
 
Once we get everything put away we’ll go outside and grill. On the menu today is a terrific grilled portabella mushroom "burger", amazing "stewed" grilled blue cheese tomatoes, and a potato chip salad. Watch this episode of my RVTV below and go ahead, try a test batch before you hit the road. I won’t tell!
 


Spend some quality time finding your perfect camping spot or picking up some helpful RV and camping tips on the tabs at the top of this page. 'Tis the season!

Evanne
http://www.rvcookingshow.com/


PS – Print two copies of the recipes – one for your camping trip and one for your home recipe box.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Glamping/Camping Breakfast - Fresh Fruit Crepes w/ Honey Greek Yogurt

I know this sounds crazy but really it's not. Crepe pancakes can be frozen and reheated easily. Just add fruit and some yogurt, preferable Greek w/ honey and you have a decadent but easy breakfast.

Here is a basic recipe for crepes


Glamping Breakfast - Fresh Fruit Crepes w/ Honey Greek Yogurt

Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour

2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions


1.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and the eggs. Gradually add in the milk and water, stirring to combine. Add the salt and butter; beat until smooth.


2.Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each crepe. Quickly tilt the pan with a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly and as thin as possible.



3.Cook the crepe for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is light brown. Loosen with a spatula, turn and cook the other side. Fill crepe w/ fruit of your choice, roll, top with yogurt, more fruit, nuts, go to town with what you like.



NOTE ABOUT FREEZING: To freeze crepe pancakes, layer between wax paper and stack 4 crepes maximum. Then gently roll and wrap in plastic wrap, freeze for up to 30 days. When packing for camping be sure to keep dry and do not crush. Thaw first, gently unwrap and place one crepe in a heated pan on medium heat, and add a few drops of water and steam with lid for just a minute or two. Add toppings and serve.

SEE CAMPING CHECKLIST
SEE CAMPING WITH DOGS
SEE CAMPING RECIPES



Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Myths about Black folks and the sun


I recently read an article that I want to share. As an African American who uses sunscreen regularly,  I often get strange looks from other African Americans when they see me slather on the lotion. I've even listened to snickering and comments like (is she trying to get a tan)? And my favorite, black folks don't need that stuff. But having experienced the itching and peeling for myself I'm not about to forgo the products, not to mention the control of just how dark I get each summer. I'm brown sort of a caramel color and with sunscreen and a lot of sun exposure I'll turn a nice tropical tone. Without it I'll just get darker but that's when the skin burns.  Science has confirmed that we can also get skin cancer and have a far shorter survival rate than Caucasians. So protect your children and yourself. Enjoy time outdoors but don't forget the sunscreen because the ultra violet rays won't forget you. Be safe not sorry.

Here are the recommendations from American Medical Associations annual meeting.

Skin Cancer Prevention in Communities of Color

The five-year survival rate from melanoma is lower in African Americans (58.8 percent) than Caucasians (84.8 percent), and the incidence of melanoma among Hispanics over the past 15 years has risen to rates comparable among whites. Hispanics and African Americans are screened less frequently for skin cancer and mistakenly believe that their chance for developing skin cancer is lower compared to Caucasians. Today, the AMA passed policy to support and encourage efforts to increase awareness of skin cancer risks, skin cancer screening, and sun-protective behaviors in communities of color.
“All patients regardless of race or ethnicity should use the same sun protection measures including sunscreen of at least SPF 15, avoid the sun during peak hours and regular exams,” said AMA Board Member Peter W. Carmel, M.D.  “However, African Americans and Hispanics are much less likely to practice these behaviors, and the AMA supports efforts to increase awareness.”



Sunday, June 20, 2010

RETRO Glamping

 I know I'm stretching the meaning of Glamping here. But to me Glamping is any non-traditional camping moving up the scale on the comfort meter. Take a look at a few places around the world that bring modern camping together with retro travel trailer style.








How about this............................ your ready to rest your tiered old 1940's travel trailer tin can and find a place to plug in. Your in France by the way.................. just turn into The Bel Repayre Airstream & Retro Trailer Park. Yes you will be in like company here because you won't be the only vintage on wheels.
The park sports a Lounge/Bar and host a slew of events like rallies and other vintage themed RV events. You can rent a trailer or park your own.




Now if you find yourself in South Africa you might want to untie your shoes here at The Grand Daddy. You got that right............... check out a few the the Airstream's for hire.


The Shady Dell is an American favorite. Here you have 11 different vintage trailers to choose from. Located in Bisbee, Arizona. A virtual tour might be what the doctor ordered.


 




Lastly I'm loving The Starlux in New Jersey. This is a retro hotel with an option for an airstream room starting at $79 a night depending on when you stay. They appear to have a roller coaster park near by and swimming pool. Check it out


 


SEE WHAT IS GLAMPING
SEE CAMP COCKTAILS
SEE RETRO CAMP KITCHEN


go to site for images 

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Camping With Soul


Hand Painted Tables From India - by Camping With Soul Image

This is what I'm talking about as far as Glamping Goes my style. This site it from the UK called Camping With Soul.


Poster - From Camping With Soul

Here is what they say:

Camping with Soul is for people who love flopping back somewhere calming at the end of a dirty day at a festival; for people who like to camp soft with fresh pillows, a duvet, a self-inflating mattress and a martini; who decorate their camp with ruined Persian rugs, sheepskins and silky drapes they picked up somewhere hot; who always have a hubbub of friends giggling in their tent.
Who hunt out exquisite beauty spots and negotiate a couple of nights and some fresh milk in the morning with the local farmer; who love lying in dappled woods with their kids, and watching the shadows stretch at sunset; who daydream about wilderness fishing in cool Norwegian summers; who leave no trace when they pack up camp.

Wood Stove - by Camping With Soul


Touareg Tent - by Camping With Soul


Sunday, June 13, 2010

Lighting For Glamping It Up

When thinking of lighting remember you need some practical items like flashlights and a camp lantern but don't forget you can GLAMP things up with any solar lighting as well. Just make sure your solar lights have an on and off switch so you can turn them off when you go to bed.

We tried out a strand of solar butterflies that we got for our children's garden for a recent camping trip and they were super cute around the the tent and didn't take much space to pack.


Click on image to go to link.

Just a thought, what do you think?


The AMAZING 95 LED Aluminum Flashlight
Ling Ling The Panda Pink Flashlight
Coleman Table Battery Powered Deluxe Table Lamp
Coleman Family-Sized Rugged Rechargeable Battery Lantern
Round Portable Camping Tent Light with Wide Angle 48 LED Lantern 9314
Smart Solar 3705MR20 Solar Light String, 20 Multi Color LEDs with Translucent Butterfly Covers
Decorative Small Butterfly String Solar LED Lights
Decorative Small Daises Flower String Solar LED Lights
Solar Powered String Lights In Nectar
Solar Powered Yellow Sun Flower String Solar Light
 

Cyclops CYC-ULH1-CB Atom Miniature LED Headlamp, White LED, BlueColeman 8D LED Pack-Away Lantern
Smart Solar 3730WR30 Solar Star Light String, 30 White LEDs with Star Covers




Aurora Glow - Glass Solar String Lights - White (White) (3"H x 12"W x 3"D)Solar Sun JarRechargeable Flashlight - Catdon't for
get the kids with this one, our friend had this and it was cute and rechargeable by pressing the side, the kids loved it.

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