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Our December's #Expenses While #RVing

Saturday, December 31, 2016



Did up our usual expenses for December. We don't calculate everything in- like doggy daycare if Jake needs it when we're out of town or hair cuts or internet. We only are watching a few catagories for our own benefit. 


We will list in US $$ below our month's expenses in various catagories for December as well as what we spent in November. ( Expenses for 2 adults and a Yorkie that can eat us out of house and home somedays!)

Groceries:
December- $421.23 US-                              November- $426.94 US

Gas for RV:
(This is really dependant on where we travel of course)
December- $300 US                                     November- $430.13 US

Gas for SUV:
December - $111 US                                    November- $85  US

Camping:
December- $0 ( anywhere we found to park and camp was free)             November- $162.29 (Vegas)


Propane:
December- $93.28 US ( was cooler and used furnace more)                    November - $31.15

Laundry:
December-$15                                                November-$24.75

Take out:
December $86.89 ( this I'm not proud of- I think it's Gerry eating too much-LOL)                             November- $26.23


Wishing Everyone a Very Happy New Year

Wishing everyone a nice New Years Eve and all the best in your New Year 2017!

12 #Security Tips When Traveling and Living in an #RV

Thursday, December 29, 2016


Living and traveling in an RV is a cool way to visit great sites, experience the outdoors, and lead a free and independent life. Because it doesn’t require property taxes, mortgage payments and expensive maintenance costs, having an RV offers a relatively cheaper cost of living than owning or renting a house. As a means of traveling, RVing is also considered to be relatively safe. However, if you’re not careful, the cost can be high and you can easily become a victim of crimes like burglary. Here are 12 effective ways on how to keep safe when living in RV.

1. Research about the park and campground


That you will be traveling from one place to another can be both a pro and a con in RV living. It’s a con if you don’t arm yourself with information and reviews about the RV park and campground. But if you do your homework and research online about the location and security, your RV travel is likely to be safe and enjoyable.

2. Discuss security concerns with the management

You should discuss any safety and security concerns with the management. Ideally, you should do this prior to your arrival. Ask the management about the park layout and if there will be nightly patrols. You should also clarify whether it will be hard for non-guests to enter and exit the premises. Remember that safety should be utmost on your mind and the management’s.

3. Get to know your neighbors

Your fellow RV traveler can be your ally. Having your neighbor look after your mobile home can make you feel more safe. If you have to leave, say, to go on a hike, ask your neighbor to keep an eye on your property. Even if you’re only having a short stay, being in friendly terms with your neighbors will send the message that you also have their best interest.

4. Choose well-lit areas and busier locales for overnight parking



Well-lit camp parks and locales are safer for a quick rest or overnight stay. Places like travel plazas, parking lots, and truck stops are good options. There is safety in number. Park with other RV travelers in busy areas with proper lighting. This will help deter sinister activity and reduce your chances of becoming a target. Avoid roadsides and vacated rest stops as these can be risky.

5. Ensure your RV has proper locks

Making sure that your RV has proper locks is one of the security tips that’s often overlooked. Did you know that most RV storage compartments have the same type of locks and keys? Bolster your safety by changing or reinforcing them with additional locks. Check if your locks are on factory default. If that’s the case, it’s better to install aftermarket locks in your compartments.

6. Rely on your instincts and common sense

Common sense and basic instincts should never be underestimated. If something doesn’t feel right about the place, you’re free to leave and drive on. Of course, there’s a difference between vigilance and paranoia. Be observant. Do what you would when traveling in general. Stay alert, avoid putting yourself in dangerous situations, and have the presence of mind to leave if need be.

7. Lower the blinds

The place could look serene and charming, but it doesn’t mean nothing could happen. Property theft is a common crime encountered by RV travelers. Get in the habit of lowering the blinds of your motorhome so outsiders can’t see your items through the window. This also has the benefit of keeping the sun off items like fabrics, which reduces fading.

8. Get a safe or leave expensive items at home

Consider getting a safe to stow or lock valuable items. These items include cash, credit cards, and jewelry. If you’re worried about traveling with valuables, just leave expensive items at home in a secure location. You can feel more at ease traveling if you have less to lose to begin with.

9. Properly illuminate your RV



Your RV should be properly illuminated. Decorative lights are good for their function and appearance. At night, keep the lights on when you’re away. Interior lights left on can discourage criminals. You may also consider exterior motion sensors. They are good deterrents that can scare off burglars.

10.  Have a property theft insurance

Sometimes, crime is inevitable despite your best efforts. Having an adequate theft insurance can go a long way towards easing the impact of a criminal act. Before you hit the road, discuss with your RV insurance agent the property theft coverage. Assess if you will need to upgrade your insurance to compensate you in the event of property damage or loss.


11.  Consider security devices

Including security devices to your RV is a fantastic idea. You can focus on tried and tested devices from Honeywell Alarm System such as motion-detecting lights and Wi-Fi enabled cameras. A vehicle alarm system from Honeywell also provides robust security when you are away. All these should be enough to repel would-be thieves and intruders.

12. Guard the homefront

One disadvantage of RV traveling is you leave your home unattended. But even while you're away from home and having a wonderful time, make sure that the homefront is well protected. Installing security systems at home is always a great idea. Also, make your residence appear lived-in by entrusting your neighbor, friend or relative to pick up mail and paper subscriptions. Lights-on timers are also useful to make your home appear occupied. You may also want to call the police and ask if they could pay special attention to your property while they are on patrol.


The joys of traveling and living in an RV can only be sustained if you ensure your security. It’s better to be prepared than sorry. With planning and smart preparation, you can experience the best the journey can offer without being saddled by safety and security issues. 

Review: Dometic RV Window Awnings

Tuesday, December 27, 2016


With our RV parked to take full advantage of the sun to charge our batteries daily, and being in the Arizona desert, we found we were getting ALOT of sun on one side of the RV.


We already had covers for our tires to prevent cracking, but the heat was really warming it up in here most days through the windows. We had bought foil sun shades for the side windows to keep the heat out but, then we couldnt see out. Regular blinds still allow the heat in.The sun stays out but the heat is so intense at times, that it still heats up the glass and therefore then the interior of the RV.
With me sitting on the side where the table is to blog, which is also the side where we get the most sun for the day, we needed a better solution to keep things cooler in here on those hot days, as well as have the ability to see out.
We had seen other RV's with window awnings in the camping area and thought that was something we really needed for ours.


We turned to a company called Dometic. Dometic provides a full range of durable patio, window and door awnings. Their products come in a variety of durable and stylish fabrics – each with its own characteristics.






As you can see they look great on the RV, and Gerry installed these himself. He said the install was pretty straight forward. For anyone wishing to look into this for their own RV, camper or 5th wheel, please see more info here. We are very pleased and impressed with ours.









Our Dogs LOVE Their New Nest Beds from Van Ness

Monday, December 26, 2016

Reviews by: Erika and Myself- pet owners to "Be" and "Jakey"

Erika and I love our dogs and for that reason we love for them to be comfortable. We were both quite happy that we had the opportunity to review some awesome dog beds from Van Ness.



"Be" loves her new Ecosleeper nest pet bed from Van Ness!! It is the perfect size for her and allows her to curl up or stretch out. It is made from soft, comfortable materials and has a cute pattern. Not to mention, is it earth-friendly, sustainable and high quality. Be's Ecosleeper nest pet bed is her new favourite spot, without a doubt!!



Jakey loves his own Ecosleeper, deluxe medium, donut pet bed. He loves beds that he can rest his chin on an edge- prefering those over the pillow beds. He has a bed in the RV and one in our SUV. He always loves laying in a bed over just laying on the floor, carpet or my lap!

Family owned and operated for over 70 years, Van Ness has been a leader in providing quality, pet-caring products that fit the needs of pets and provide a great value for you, the pet parent. They are more than just pet beds so please check out their site!



EcoSleeper™ Facts & Figures:
      Made from 100% recycled / reclaimed materials diverted from landfills
      Made 100% in USA by American textile workers, subject to Made in USA NAFTA free-trade benefits
     Made from Poly-Cotton spun premium yarn & filled with high loft poly-cotton batting

      Reversible designs maximize product flexibility and extend product life, further increasing value








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A RVer's Review of the Solavore Solar Oven

Sunday, December 25, 2016

If you like being outside and like cooking outside, there`s more to it than just your bbq!

We had the opportunity to review the Solavore Sport Solar Oven.
It was quite easy to use and fun to eat foods cooked by the sun. 









                                   ( macaroni and broccoli cooked in RV) 

We also learnt of many benefits of solar cooking with the Solavore Sport Sun Oven and found many great solar recipe ideas on their site as well!
  1. Fuel-free, planet-friendly: The only fuel ever required is sunshine.
     
  2. Easy: If you can use a crockpot, you can cook with the Solavore Sport.  No burning. Food is tasty and clean up is a breeze.
     
  3. Feed a crowd:  With the Sport’s two 3-qt pots you can feed 8-10 people.  Or use one pot for spicy jerk chicken and the other for savory long grain organic brown rice.  Or bake a two-layer carrot cake from scratch (we’ll share our recipe).
     
  4. Healthy:  Food cooks slowly, no boiling.  No vitamins leached away.  And you’ll notice the taste difference: moist, tender, and intense flavors. CLICK HERE FOR SOLAR COOKING RECIPES
     
  5. Safe: No fire or smoke. It won’t tip over or blow over.  Curious little hands won’t get burned.
     
  6. Portable: At just 9 pounds, take it with you. Dinner’s ready before you get your hiking boots off!
     
  7. Fun: Nobody is stuck in the kitchen.  The Sport - and the sun - do the work.
     
  8. Be prepared:  The Solavore Sport can pasteurize water and cook dinner in the event of a disaster or emergency.
     
  9. Proven: We’ve used the same design for over 15 years.  It’s the favorite among solar cooking experts around the world.
     
  10. Doing good:  When you buy a Sport you help to put out an indoor cooking fire somewhere in the world.  Save trees, make a family healthy.  Now that could be the most important reason of all to buy a Solavore Sport.



Tips for Successful Wintertime Solar Cooking

Skeptical about solar cooking in sub-freezing temps with snow on the ground?  Fret not, with the insulating powers of the Solavore Sport.  Solavore Dave Gillmore shows us how in his winter cooking video, filmed in December in 5º F.  Dinner and dessert without burning a drop of fossil fuel!

Three tips to successful wintertime cooking with your Solavore Sport: 

1.      Use your reflectors.  ‘Tis the season to capture every ray you can.
2.    Get an early start.  This month the sun is at its lowest point all year; don’t wait until after noon to start cooking.
3.    Experiment with using the Sport in its winter angle (Solavore Sport logo down).  The “floor” measures 8” x 18” in this position, so loaf pans work great, as does my 7 ½” x 11 ½” metal casserole from the discount store; squash can simply sit on the floor of the oven, halved and cleaned; root vegetables, roasted garlic, onions - wrap in foil and bake away!

An End to a Probably Long Life

After a few days of rain and wind we've been having, this cactus finally met it's match. Gerry and I had always said we didn't see cactus that had fallen over anywhere, but this one had some bad spots on it before, and guess with the weather we have been having, it was enough to knock it over.



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Merry Christmas Everyone!

Saturday, December 24, 2016

To all our followers of The One Income Dollar- Let the spirit of Christmas warm your home with love, joy and peace.



Have a blessed and safe Christmas holiday!
Gerry, Monique and Jakey
and Staff Reviewers: Erika, Ria, Jon, and Cynthia


The Perfect #Gift For the #Man Who Has Everything

Friday, December 23, 2016


With the holidays upon us, now is the time to find the perfect gift for everyone on your shopping list. While some people can be easy to shop for, others are not so simple. In many cases, you probably know a man in your life who doesn’t really want anything, because he already has “everything he needs.” How do you shop for someone like that? 

Fortunately, these days’ men are more into personal grooming than they have been in other decades. Where this really shines is in beard management, as more and more males are opting to grow full, thick beards. Even if your man doesn’t ask for anything in particular, beard products are something that he can use and will thoroughly enjoy. Here are two items that you should look at, either as a stocking stuffer or as a whole package deal. 




Organic Beard Oil
Whether he is rocking a full logger beard or a tight goatee, every man wants his facial hair to be thick and robust. Unfortunately, that can lead to beards that are fuzzy and unruly, which makes him look less like a productive member of society and more like a crazy old hermit living in the woods. With organic beard oil, however, he can moisturize the hair and make his face look vibrant and give it a healthy sheen. Instead of being wild and messy, his beard can be tame and subdued, no matter how big it is. 

Best Beard Balm
For some people, beard balm and oil are interchangeable. However, that is not always the case. While oil is meant to moisturize the hair and give it a sheen, balm is usually used for beard sculpting or to help keep the hair soft. Think of it as a combination of shampoo and hair gel for your beard. With the best beard balm, he can make sure that his hair stays on point all day long, and it won’t be too scruffy or scraggly, thereby warding off potential mistletoe mates. 

Overall, as long as you get him some all natural beard care products, he should have a smile on his face come Christmas morning. Every man loves a well-shaped beard, so help him get the most out of his facial hair. 

A Night In the Desert

Weather has been "cooler" and raining for a few days. Not something we are quite used to around here! Usually always a blue sky and the sun out!










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The Twelve Grapes of Luck - A Fun New Year's Eve Tradition

The Twelve Grapes of Luck is a fun New Year's Eve tradition that originated in Spain. When the clock strikes midnight you eat twelve grapes; one for each month of the year ahead. Some say that sweet grapes are a sign of good months while sour grapes are a sign of not-so-good months, but it's only all for fun and perhaps a new tradition!

Creamy Grape Salad Recipe




Ingredients
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 pounds seedless red grapes
  • 2 pounds seedless green grapes
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons chopped pecans
Directions
1.      In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar and vanilla until blended. Add grapes and toss to coat.

2.      Transfer to a serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Sprinkle with brown sugar and pecans just before serving. Yield: 21-24 servings.

*( guest submitted)

Review: Nellie’s All-Natural One Soap

Thursday, December 22, 2016

I will say when I buy dish soap, laundry soap, hand soap, etc., I'm all for the smell. I want to enjoy cleaning whatever it is I AM cleaning! I sure found that with Nellie's All Natural One Soap. I really wanted to review this soap as a dish liquid, but upon seeing the bottle more closely, saw it was also good for cleaning Jakey if I wanted to, or just to use as a hand soap.Gerry and I tried it out for doing dishes. 




They carry a peppermint, melon, water lily and fragrance free. We tried the peppermint and the melon. The bottles are a fair size at 19oz, as well as color-free, SLS, SLES and toxin-free formula effortlessly stripping away food and grime. We loved both of these. It was nice to wash dishes and inhale all wonderful scent coming from the water. See their complete line of natural cleaning products @ Nellies All Natural.



December 21st

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

More of #California- Day 2 #Travels

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

I had some clothes to exchange today at Eddie Baurer, at the Outlet Mall, in Cabazon, so that was our first stop this morning. We then packed it up and headed into Cathedral City, Ca. Since we didn't want to be driving the RV all over the city, we stopped at Walmart, parked the RV there and unhooked the SUV. We drove Jakey after that to doggy daycare, and then headed out ourselves.


Our first stop was over to Desert Hot Springs, Ca. about 25 minutes away to see the Cabot's Pueblo Museum. We took one of the hour long guided tours, and went through the home, as well as did a walk through his yard and gardens. Cabot’s pueblo spreads 5,000 square feet, divided into 35 rooms and adorned with 150 windows and 65 doors. It was an impressive place.



No photos were allowed inside the home however. The yard also was equally impressive, with it's BIG hand carved indian head in the lot.. great photo!






After we left there we drove to Thousand Palms, Ca., to the Coachella Valley Preserve - that also is where the San Andreas Fault line sits! 






This place is free to visit- donations welcome. Walking trails as well but most were at least 2 miles and we just weren't up for a long walk so we just walked throughout parts of the area, took some pictures of the California Fan Palm, which were amazing to see, and of Gerry walking on the fault! ( You don't see it of course- they just tell you it's there!) 



Very cool place.. you see desert for miles and in the middle of it is this oasis of tree and trees! It reminded me of what a Gilligan's Island could have looked like-LOL

Once we got back into town we had Arby's to eat for supper, picked up Jakey and headed out. Tonight we'll stay again in Indio, Ca for the night, do a few things in the morning and then head back to Quartzsite till our next adventure mid January!


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2016 Holiday Gift Guide for Kids


Children's gifts are the easiest and the funnest to buy for during the holidays. I personally love seeing all the new things out every year just for kids! Most kids too are happy with just about any new toy or gadget. Gift buying for kids is fun! Here are some favorite picks for the kids on your holiday gifting list this year.


BAND-AID Brand Adhesive Bandages





BAND-AID Brand Adhesive Bandages decorated prints are a fun, inexpensive AND practical last-minute stocking stuffer. As many parents know, no matter what journeys and adventures kids are exploring, being prepared to heal everyday cuts, scrapes and wounds quickly is a necessity. With the help of fun, decorative BAND-AID Brand Adhesive Bandages – which have been clinically proven to help heal cuts, scrapes, and burns five days faster as opposed to leaving a wound uncovered – moments of hurt are transformed into moments of healing. From Frozen to Star Wars, Peanuts to Paw Patrol, BAND-AID Brand Adhesive Bandages come in an array of designs that children will want to use.




Scavenger Hunt for Kids


The Amazing Indoor Search Game-


Players: 2 to 4
Ages: 6 and up
It's the classic game of search and find for kids! Players have two minutes to search for silly stuff like a purple shirt, a funny hat and other items around the house. Kids move ahead one space on the game board for every item they find and additional spaces for putting everything back where it belongs (so the house stays tidy). The first player to move his or her pawn across the finish line wins!


Chicken Charades-
Players: 3 or more
Ages: 8 and up

Think fast! Act out Charades with a squeaky chicken! You only have 10 seconds - bend it, balance it, twist it, pull it, feed it, love it - use your imagination! Contains over 1,000 charades (84 cards), one die, one sand timer, and one squeaky chicken.




Kid Made Modern -
Kid Made Modern is on a mission to inspire kids and parents to find and enjoy creativity everywhere. Everything KMM does is dedicated to giving kids opportunities to feel their creative spark; to be imaginative, self-expressive and resourceful.

Kid Made Modern started out as a love letter that renowned designer Todd Oldham wrote to his parents, thanking them for bringing him up in a home filled with creativity. Todd's childhood helped turn him into the award-winning designer he would later become, and KMM aims to provide kids with the high-quality tools they, too, need to connect to the magic of their own inventiveness.






Gifts for All Occasions!
Award-winning personalized books and gifts that are truly unique and created especially for each child. Children love seeing their names and photos in print!

If you are in need for a special gift for a young child, browse through our selection of award-winning books customizable for any occasion! Our lovingly customized storybooks make ideal presents for birthdays, births, baptisms, holidays and more. You can include a photo of the child and a printed dedication from the gift-giver for an extra personal touch.

I See Me! offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, as we are confident that your children will love receiving these keepsake story books. Order today for a unique personalized gift that your child will cherish for a lifetime!

*** My niece got one of these books for Christmas and everyone, including her was so excited by it! 



Teletubbies 8" Talking Laa Laa Plush Toy-


Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po are back with 60 brand new episodes on Family Jr.! 


The new episodes stay true to the original series but is designed to captivate the hearts and minds of today’s digital toddlers with updated elements and visual CGI enhancements. To celebrate, new Teletubbies plush products are available like the 8" Talking Laa-Laa Plush Toy! Made from super soft plush, and with realistic speech and sound effects, children will love the 8" Talking Laa-Laa! Simply squeeze her tummy and listen to her talk.

Funrise:





Funrise Sing-A-Ma-Lings -




Silly, huggable, singing plush characters that are entertaining for kids of all ages! Each character has 3 different modes of play! 






PLAYMOBIL Groomer with Pony:
Groom your pony to perfection with the PLAYMOBIL Groomer with Pony. Brush the mane and tail and decorate them with barrettes and other accessories. Available in four different sets: Bloom, Heart, Star and Butterfly.




Storytime Huxley-
Incorporate story time to any bedtime routine with Storytime Huxley, the interactive story bear. Children will fall in love with this charming companion as he reads five classical bedtime stories whenever they want; play it, pause it, or even change the volume with a simple squeeze of a paw. Kids can also follow along with an illustrated storybook, written just for Huxley. Children will love snuggling up to their cuddly friend for a good night’s sleep. 

Features:            
  • Reads Five Classic Bedtime Stories
    • Billy Goats Gruff
    • Goldilocks and the Three Bears
    • Beauty and the Beast
    • The Ugly Duckling
    • The Tortoise and the Hare
  • Exclusive, lllustrated Storybook
    • 44-page colour storybook for both parent and child to read along
  • Sound Options
    • Press Huxley’s paws to play and pause a story
    • Adjustable volume controls
  • Timer and Features
    • Auto shut-off after 10 minutes of no interaction
    • Requires 3 AA batteries; batteries are included
Age recommendation: 3+ years
MSRP: $44.99
Available at independent toy, gift and baby stores across Canada



Rubik’s Spark-





Rubik’s have created an amazing, new electronic cube that offers hours of fun, and six games in one.
Designed for ages 6-11, the Rubik’s Spark is a new, high-tech evolutionary game platform, using lights, sounds, and ‘Bubble Control’ Technology to challenge the senses and unleash your inner competitive self.
Players tilt turn shake and flip the Spark to complete digital puzzles, games, mazes and challenges.

The flashing cursor will always try to ‘float to the top’ making game play a balance between speed and skill.



**Watch this spot for more upcoming gift ideas for the kids.
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