Vintage Camper Bathroom Remodeling Challenges

The bathroom in the Pink Paradise (1972 Frolic) was in horrible shape and it has required (almost) a complete tear out and rebuild.  It needed some new studs, insulation, wallboard, plumbing, and electrical work.  Some of which we are still in progress of finishing.  But in the meantime, I thought I’d give you a little glimpse of before and during.

Frolic bathroom (above) before cleaning.

Frolic bathroom (above) after cleaning.

Frolic bathroom (above) during tear out.

Frolic bathroom (above) after tear out.

Frolic bathroom (above) with new insulation.

Frolic bathroom (above) with new studs, Luan plywood, electrical work, and insulation.

Working in there hasn’t been what I’d call a real joy either. For starters, it was so dirty and nasty that I was initially leery about going in there to clean it.  Yes, that bad!  We’ve since been faced with the dilemma of what kind of materials use in it too.  There are very limited choices of building materials available for use in a camper where there will be a functioning shower in use in a very small space.  No nice fiberglass shower kits to choose from…  And while we did think about using tile and grout, we decided against it since the camper will be moving and shifting as it is pulled down the road.

Originally, I thought we were going to end up using a waterproof white plastic wallboard that I felt was quite utilitarian looking and I wasn’t particularly excited about.  Instead, we have spent some time looking for another option – which we’ve found and I’m very happy with.

As soon as the bathroom is finished I’ll be posting pictures of it, and won’t you be surprised!

Star Bright

I was digging through my baking cabinet the other day when I happened upon these pretty little star decorations.   I had just finished taking pictures of the Sweet Chocolate Cupcakes that I’d made but something told me not to put my camera away.  These pretty little stars were begging me to take their picture.

And since they were begging me; I obliged.

Do you enjoy taking the pictures for your blog, or do you dread it?  And do you think your mood at the time you are taking pictures helps or hinders your creativity?

Sweet Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Whipped Cream Frosting

Baking doesn’t have to be a complicated process.  Does it?  No, it doesn’t.  Sometimes you should just pick a recipe out of your tried-and-true recipe box and make a sweet treat without over-thinking it.  That’s exactly what I did when I made these chocolate cupcakes.  My mind had settled on something chocolaty, and something that I knew I was comfortable baking.  No new recipes, just tried-and-true.

Sweet Chocolate Cupcakes

1/4 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted

1 1/4 c. granulated sugar

2 eggs

1/2 c. margarine, softened

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. espresso powder

2 tbsp. cocoa powder

1 c. all-purpose flour

1/2 c. sour milk

1/2 c. hot water

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Line 1 to 1 1/2dozen cupcake cups with cupcake papers.  Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In a large bowl, add butter, sugar, eggs, and melted chocolate chips. Mix until completely blended with electric mixer. Add baking powder, baking soda, salt, espresso powder, and cocoa; mix again. Add flour, milk and hot water; mix thoroughly. Add vanilla; beat again until batter is light and fluffy.

Fill cupcake papers about 2/3 full.  Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until toothpick comes clean when inserted into the center of a cupcake. Remove from oven and cool on bakers rack.

Baker’s note: This is a thin cupcake batter, but don’t worry, the cupcakes will turn out just fine.

Chocolate Whipped Cream Frosting

1 c. heavy whipping cream

3 tbsp. chocolate pudding mix

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Place ingredients in a chilled bowl and beat on high until cream thickens.  Spread frosting on cooled cupcakes.  Keep cupcakes in refrigerator prior to serving.

If you’d like to see what these cupcakes look like on the inside, check out this link.  I  have posted these cupcakes before, but the last time I made them I added cinnamon, and eliminated the espresso powder.  I also frosted them with a buttercream icing that favored a hint of cinnamon.

What’s the last tried-and-true recipe you made?

Tips for Buying a Vintage Camper that Needs Renovating, and the Chandelier

A couple of posts ago I told you I was finally back working in the Pink Paradise (1972 Frolic Camper) and I promised to post regular updates on our progress.   With this renovation process I feel (at times) like we are moving at what seems like a snails pace.  Sometimes we take two steps forward only to take three steps backwards. 

And just so you know, the Pink Paradise has become quite the celebrity.  She’s become popular on my blog, as well as on Pinterest.  I’ve even been asked if I’d be willing to sell her. This makes me a little nervous, and quite proud, all at the same time. 

I thought I’d take this opportunity and share what I feel are some important tips with you – just in case you’re thinking of buying and renovating a vintage camper.  If you’ve never scouted out vintage campers (which are usually found in the rough and need quite extensive rehab) then you might have a hard time appreciating the sweat and tears that actually go into a renovation.  There are a lot of things to consider when you are thinking about purchasing a camper that needs renovating. 

As with any purchase, the first thing to consider is your budget.  How much are you willing to spend on a camper and it’s renovation?  Once you decide that, let your search begin!  After you’ve located a camper you should consider the following: What is the overall condition of the camper?  Is the floor solid?  Are there signs of water damage?  Has the roof been coated and maintained properly?    Is there any indication of bug or rodent infestation?  Dry rot?  What is the condition of the windows, screens and doors? Are the appliances working or non-working?  Are the plumbing, heating, electrical service, and gas lines working and safe?  Has the camper been winterized when necessary? Are the cushions all there? Do they need re-upholstered? How about the curtains, can they be washed and rehung, or do they need replaced? Does the camper have any offensive odors? Will you need a carpenter for any of the work, or will a fresh coat of paint or refinishing simply do the trick?  How about the underbelly, are the axels and springs safe and intact?  What is the condition of the tires?  Have the wheel hub bearing been packed?  How about the exterior siding?  Is it missing, dented, need patching, or painting?  Is the tongue and hitch in good shape? Do the exterior lights work like they should?   Is there a clean title for easy ownership transfer?  Does the current owner have any of the original paperwork concerning the make and model?  And lastly, do you have a supplier where you can purchase the replacement parts that you’ll need for project like this. 

These tips can be applied to purchasing a vintage camper, or any used camper for that matter.  The bottom line… You are the only one that can decide if you have the time, skills, budget, and know how to undertake such a project.

Now for the very best part of this post.  The showing off of the most adorable chandelier I had my hubby hang for me over the dining table.  I just love it!

I also found a cute light to replace the wall light behind the kitchen sink.  The old fixture was missing it’s original cover and I haven’t had any luck finding another one.  The only option I had at this point was to use what was readily available.  I’m still looking…

 

Would you feel comfortable renovating a vintage camper?  Or, would you rather buy one that is done and ready to use?

Sharing this post with BeBetsy – one of my favorite on-line lifestyle magazines.  Check out, or join in on their Linky Party!

The Best Vanilla Coconut Cake Ever!

My daughter’s birthday was last week and she wanted me to make her a coconut birthday cake.  I’m not a huge coconut fan, so my first thought was “well, I’ll just make two cakes.”  Like I need my own cake – not!  And then reality set in.  I wasn’t about to make two cakes.  Instead, I decided to make a coconut cake that I would like as much as she did.  And… mission accomplished!

This recipe is slightly more time consuming than most.  This is because the recipe requires the making of a pudding filling, along with a homemade whipped cream frosting.  I can assure you though – this cake is worth the extra effort.

The Best Vanilla Coconut Cake

3 eggs

1/2 c. margarine, softened

3/4 c. sugar

3/4 c. sour milk

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1 1/4 c. sifted flour

2 packages (minus two tablespoons of the mix to set aside for the frosting) Jell-O brand coconut pudding & pie filling (cooked version); one package (minus the two tablespoons) will go directly into the cake batter; the other will be prepared according to the package with the addition of 1 tsp. of vanilla extract.

Frosting

2 c. heavy whipping cream

2 tbsp. dry coconut pudding & pie filling (reserved from earlier)

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Line two 6” round cake pans with parchment paper and generously grease both pans.

In a large bowl, cream together eggs, margarine, and sugar.  Mix in remaining ingredients, including the box of coconut pudding mix that is missing the two tablespoons.  Beat thoroughly and pour equal amounts into each prepared pan.  Bake for approximately 27-30 minutes, or until toothpick comes clean when inserted into the center.  Immediately remove cakes from pans and allow to cool.

Prepare the other box of coconut pudding according to the package; add 1 tsp. of vanilla. 

Place first cake on a cake plate and poke holes into the cake using a straw or wooden stick.  Spread coconut pudding over the top.  Add second cake layer and repeat.  I put a wooden stick into the center of the cake to help prevent the cake layers from sliding around.  Place the cake in fridge for about 15- 20 minutes.

In a chilled bowl, add 2 cups of whipping cream, 1 tsp. of vanilla extract, and the two tbsp. of the dry (reserved) coconut pudding mix.  Beat until cream thickens to desired consistency.

Remove cake from refrigerator and frost.  Remove the stick and return to the fridge until ready to serve.

This cake is so moist and dense.  It has a mild coconut flavor, and the vanilla flavor shines through too – a perfect match.  I think this just might be my favorite cake now. I wouldn’t change a thing about it.  They say “the proof is in the pudding”.  What pudding?  It’s gone!

What is your favorite cake flavor?  

Got a minute?  Stop over at Katherine’s blog to check out tons of great bloggers who are participating in Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop.

Frolic Travel Trailer -Pink Paradise Update – 2013

At last, I’ve made my way back to the Pink Paradise!

If you’re new to my blog,  you might be wondering what the Pink Paradise is.  The Pink Paradise is a 1972 Frolic Travel Trailer that I decided to rehab early last summer.  When this little travel trailer is finished, it will be all that I expected, and then some.  The best part is knowing that I salvaged a camper that might have otherwise ended up in the scrap yard.

When I buttoned the camper up last Fall it was plagued with a nasty leak in the bathroom.  My husband and I have tracked the leak and we hope we’ve gotten to the bottom of it.  Now, it’s time to proceed with the bathroom rehab, finish a few things on the punch list that still need to be done inside, and then outside here we come!

I am so excited to finish her up and go glamping.  Today, I hung curtains (that I made) and started the decorating process.  I’m also sharing a picture of the bench seat that hubby built.  The bench hides the ugly wheel well and still allows for some practical storage and more seating.  My father in-law is going to make a cushion for the bench seat that will match the booth cushions.

There is a lot more in-store for the Pink Paradise.  So,  subscribe to my blog, or follow me on Pinterest or Twitter to stay updated.

If you want to read more about the transformation of the Pink Paradise CLICK HERE. 

What color would you paint the inside of a camper that you were going to rehab?  If you’re re-doing a camper then we’d love to see your handy work too – be sure to leave a link to your latest post in the comments section on this post. 

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies–No Fuss; No Flour

Have you ever made flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies before?

If you have, then you already know how good they are.  And if you haven’t – what the heck are you waiting for?

These cookies are a great (no fuss) alternative for those who are looking for a tasty gluten free cookie.  In fact, if I served you one of these cookies and didn’t tell you they were flourless, you’d probably never know the wiser.  And what’s even better about this recipe?  It doesn’t call for shortening either.  This means eliminating a lot of unnecessary calories. 

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 large egg

1/4 c. brown sugar

1/4 c. granulated sugar

1 c. creamy peanut butter

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 c. chocolate chips

Makes 2 dozen cookies.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. 

In a large bowl, add all ingredients except chocolate chips.  Cream together with electric mixer.  Fold in chocolate chips.  Roll dough into small balls and place onto ungreased cookie sheet.  Using a fork, make crisscrosses in the top of each cookie.  Bake for 12 minutes.  Remove from oven; cool cookies on cookie sheet before moving them to airtight container.

Enjoy!

 

I’m sharing this post at the Scoop, BeBetsy, and A Peek into my Paradise.  Check out all the great recipes and crafty ideas at both places!