First we want to say that we did not spend much time here this summer updating you on our adventures. Every once in awhile you have to step away and re-evaluate the direction you are going and ensure you are traveling in a direction that will give you balance and joy.
The break from blogging was nice and went on a little longer than anticipated.
Today we are back and that's all that really matters, we are here now and re-committed to sharing our travel journey with you here. We will update this post each day so be sure to come back to see what we are doing in prepartion to Depart Davenport Florida on June 11, 2023.
We stock up on the essentials.
Items that you may order online stock up with an extra to prevent you from having to search for or worry about ordering while traveling. Small esssetials are easy to store and won’t take up a lot of room.
Kirsten loves her Lume deodorant and has ordered extra to have on the road.
Today we are finalizing our first 10 stops and we cannot wait to share them. We have added a few cool Harvest Hosts locations along the way. If you have not joined Harvest host here is the link to join with a special discount: https://gr3f.co/c/53808/MDUMoand we will receive a lil something as well.
We do not route out our entire trip at once as we may want to switch things up as we travel.
We are into the single digits y'all 9 days until we depart on our 2023 journey and we are sharing some of how we prepare to hit the road.
We will be going across country in Big Baby our 24 foot Class C Entegra Odyssey and we have to make sure Big Bertha our 5th wheel is prepped and ready to be empty for a few months. These DampRid buckets along with a dehumidifier will keep the Florida moisture levels down inside of Big Bertha while we are away.
For us hitting the road means preparing our Class C for the adventure and preparing out Fifth Wheel to be empty.
We are truly living the fulltime RVLife !
8 Days and we will be hitting the road!
Today we received our Schwan's delivery they have some of the best frozen asparagus so we are stocking up to take it with us. One bag is enough for 4 meals. Yes 4 meals from one bag. We also got peas and cauliflower rice and jalapeno and cheese turkey burgers as well as a frozen triple berry blend for our smoothies. We now have our frozen favorites to take with us on the road.
Having Schwan's delivered is awesome. We were out and about yesterday so they left our order on the steps of Big Bertha in an insulated bag with ice packs. Its so awesome that they deliver to the RV Park.
If you want to give them a try here is our link and you will receive 25% off and we will get a lil something too:
Check out Schwan's it's one of the original home food delivery services.
These are not your typical RV prep updates There is a lot that has to be done when leaving for an extended time period that is outside of getting the RV ready and we wanted to give you an inside look at how we prepare.
We cleaned off all of our outside planters and put them in bags and packed them into Lil Baby and delivered them to Kirsten's sister's house. We are so thankful that she volunteered to take care of them for us while we are away. Thank you Penny D Smith !!!
It's getting down to the wire there are only 6 days left before we depart on our 2023 journey. One of the things we make sure to pack is our Kettlebells. You can take this one piece of equipment and have all that you need to stay fit while traveling.
Have you ever considered incorporating kettlebell workouts into your fitness routine?
Let us share with you three incredible benefits of using kettlebells that will make you want to grab one right away!
Total Body Conditioning: Kettlebell workouts engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, giving you a comprehensive full-body workout in a short amount of time. From swings and cleans to snatches and presses, every move challenges your core, glutes, legs, arms, and shoulders, fostering overall strength and endurance.
Functional Strength: Unlike traditional weightlifting equipment, kettlebells mimic real-life movements, making them perfect for functional training. The dynamic nature of kettlebell exercises improves your coordination, balance, and flexibility, translating into increased performance in daily activities and sports.
Cardiovascular Endurance: Kettlebell training is renowned for its ability to elevate your heart rate and provide an intense cardiovascular workout. Combining strength and cardio, kettlebell exercises create a unique training experience that improves your lung capacity, stamina, and calorie burn. It's a fantastic way to improve cardiovascular health while simultaneously building strength.
So, are you ready to unleash the power of kettlebells and take your fitness journey to the next level?
Grab a kettlebell and let's get moving! Remember, always start with proper form and gradually increase the weight as you progress.
There's only 5 days left, y'all before we hit the road.
We both are on our feet a lot and put a lot of miles under our feet so taking care of our feet is priority. A monthly pedicure works for us and we made sure that we got a pedicure before departing.
Who knows what city we will be in when we get our July pedicure but one thing we do know is that we will make sure to continue to practice good footcare when traveling.
Kirsten cashed in on the buy one get one half off sale at Sketchers so her feet are set for the many miles she plans to put under them this summer.
Our feet carry us through every step of our lives, so it's vital to give them the TLC they deserve.
Here's why foot care matters:
Pain prevention: Regular foot care can help prevent painful conditions like bunions, corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails. Taking care of our feet reduces the risk of discomfort and keeps us on our toes (literally!).
Mobility and independence: Healthy feet are crucial for maintaining an active lifestyle. By keeping our feet in top shape, we can enjoy walking, running, dancing, and exploring the world around us without limitations.
Overall well-being: Did you know that foot health can impact our overall well-being? When our feet feel good, we feel good. Proper foot care promotes better balance, posture, and can alleviate issues that stem from misalign
Remember to regularly wash and dry your feet, moisturize them to prevent dryness, trim your nails carefully, wear comfortable shoes, and give your feet a little massage from time to time. Your feet will thank you!
4 Day's until we hit the road.
We really have gotten quite a few things done to be prepared for our across country trip. Last week Kirsten met with her Doctor to get her meds adjusted and today we picked up her prescriptions. She had a thyroidectomy in 2011 due to thyroid cancer and her meds need adjusted CONSTANTLY!!! So we will depart with another adjustment of medications. We will be back in Florida in time for her next round of blood work.
Our thyroid gland may be small, but it has a big impact on our well-being and if you undergo a thyroidectomy medication is what keeps your body functioning.
Understanding how your thyroid functions is the first step towards optimal care.
Hormone production: The thyroid gland produces two essential hormones called thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are responsible for controlling the body's metabolism, which affects how the body uses energy, regulates body temperature, and influences heart rate and digestion.
Metabolism regulation: The thyroid hormones T3 and T4 play a vital role in maintaining the body's metabolic rate. They help regulate the rate at which cells convert nutrients into energy, affecting weight management and overall energy levels.
Growth and development: Thyroid hormones are crucial for proper growth and development, especially in children. They play a role in brain development, bone growth, and maturation.
Body temperature regulation: The thyroid gland helps regulate body temperature by influencing the metabolic rate. It produces more thyroid hormones when the body needs to generate heat, such as during cold weather or physical activity.
Heart and nervous system function: Thyroid hormones affect the heart rate and help maintain a regular rhythm. They also influence the functioning of the nervous system, including mood, mental clarity, and cognitive function.
When the thyroid gland becomes underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism), it can lead to various health problems and symptoms. Hypothyroidism may cause fatigue, weight gain, depression, and sluggishness, while hyperthyroidism can result in weight loss, anxiety, rapid heart rate, and tremors.
Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are important to monitor your thyroid health. If you experience symptoms like unexplained weight changes, fatigue, hair loss, or mood swings, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor for further evaluation.
Remember, each person's thyroid needs are unique, so it's essential to listen to your body and seek professional guidance when needed.
3 Days and we are out. Today Kirsten went to the Aveda school and went from frizzy to curls.
She received a deep conditioner, trim and shape, neck and shoulder massage and purchased a few products to help her curls stay hydrated.
Hair care on the road can be a challenge. Share with us how you maintain your hair when on the road.
🎉 We are super hyped to be leaving tomorrow and just received a text from our first stop to confirm our arrival time for tomorrow! 📲
🧽 Today we cleaned out the refrigerator in Big Bertha and transferred all of our food to Big Baby. 🚚🥦🥕🥩🥚
If you plan to leave your refrigerator empty for an extended period of time, there are several steps you can take to ensure its cleanliness and prevent any unpleasant odors or mold growth. Here's what you should do: 🧼✨
1️⃣ Remove all perishable food items: Start by removing all perishable food items from the refrigerator. Check all shelves, drawers, and compartments to make sure nothing is left behind. 🥦🍅🥪🥚🥕
2️⃣ Dispose of expired food: Check the expiration dates on any remaining food items. Discard anything that has expired or is unlikely to be consumed before you leave. 🗑️🚫
3️⃣ Clean the refrigerator: Thoroughly clean the interior of the refrigerator. Remove all shelves, drawers, and removable parts and wash them with warm, soapy water. Wipe down the interior surfaces with a mixture of mild detergent and water. Rinse with clean water and dry with a clean cloth. 🧽🧼💦
4️⃣ Defrost and dry: If your refrigerator has a freezer compartment, defrost it before leaving. Turn off the refrigerator and freezer and leave the doors open to allow any remaining ice to melt. Wipe away any water with a towel and ensure the interior is completely dry to prevent mold growth. 🌬️❄️🔥
5️⃣ Leave doors open or ajar: To prevent odors from developing, leave the refrigerator doors slightly open or ajar. This will allow air circulation and reduce the likelihood of trapped moisture. 🚪🌬️
6️⃣ Empty and clean the drip pan: Some refrigerators have a drip pan underneath to collect condensation. Locate the drip pan and empty it, then clean it thoroughly to remove any residue or mold. 🛢️🧽🌧️
7️⃣ Unplug the refrigerator: If you'll be away for an extended period, it's a good idea to unplug the refrigerator to save energy and prevent any electrical issues. 🔌💡
By following these steps, you'll leave your refrigerator clean, odor-free, and ready for use when you return. 🧼✨👃🚪