1972 Frolic Camper Restoration Project

I’ve been tracking down (affordable) paint for the exterior of the Pink Paradise and as soon as she’s painted I’ll be sure to share her new coat with you.  I’m pretty certain that this will be the last post you will see about her interior restoration.  It’s been a long haul; and she took more time, money, and determination than I originally expected to put forth to finish her up, but I’m so happy with the “new” her.

I couldn’t resist sharing a few before and after pictures of her with you before I close out this chapter of the Pink Paradise.

Tell me, from the pictures below do you like her made into a kitchen or a bedroom better?

As I’ve mentioned before, the bathroom was the biggest challenge since it required a complete tear out, new plumbing and electric, and a remodel.

And what do you think of her new bathroom?  The cedar was hubby’s idea and I absolutely love it.  Smells great and looks so cute!  I’m still looking for the perfect mirror to put in the bathroom. Any ideas?

Thanks for all of your interest in the transformation of the Pink Paradise.  She is a celebrity in her own right.

I’m thinking of turning my love for these old campers into a small business.  If you’re in the market for your very own glamper then please contact me and let’s talk!

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My First Night of Glamping!

Ready or not – glamping here I come!

Just so you know, I’m writing this post from the Pink Paradise!

With today being the last day of July, I was slightly discouraged because the camper remodel isn’t completely done.  Of course there are a number of legitimate reasons for this.  The extreme heat this summer has slowed us down, family emergencies, illness, broken down vehicles, and lack of money are just a few of the things that have kept us from finishing her up.  Hey, it happens.

And then I had an epiphany… Why does she have to be completely finished to enjoy her?

With that thought bouncing around in my head I quickly tracked down some bedding that would fit the camper bed.  I then asked hubby for a few minutes of his time so we could convert the dining table into the bed; he graciously obliged.  As he disappeared to work on another project that was calling his name, I lit my new Yankee Camping Out candle, poured a glass of wine, cranked the tunes, and hopped up on the bed with my computer to write.  Yep, it’s just me and PInky.

Between the smell of the fresh linens and fresh air I am in heaven. The temperature inside is perfect, the dimmed lights in the camper project a warm and cozy feeling, and looking outside all I see is darkness.

I  remind myself that one of these days soon we will finish this project.

In the meantime, I will sit back, relax, and enjoy using her just the way she is.

I only wish that all of you could be here glamping with me.  What fun we’d have!

Kahlua Chocolate Chip Cake – A Vintage Style Dessert for Glamping

When we finally get to go glamping (soon I hope) I’m going to make vintage style desserts and fresh perked coffee on our adventures.  

This dessert is perfect for glamping because it’s quick and easy to throw together, calls for common ingredients, and bakes in less than 30 minutes.  I’m so excited that one of these days I’ll be able to bake in my little gold vintage oven.

This recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of one of my favorite liquors – Kahlua.   I promise the flavor is subtle and it won’t overwhelm you. 

Kahlua Chocolate Chip Cake

Grease a 9×13 pan.  Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

1 c. margarine, softened

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. brown sugar

2 eggs

1tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

2 tsp. vanilla extract

4 tbsp. Kahlua

2 c. all-purpose flour

1 1/4 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

In a large bowl,  cream together margarine, sugars, and eggs.  Beat in baking soda, salt, vanilla extract, Kahlua, and flour.  Fold in chocolate chips.  Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.  Allow to cool before cutting.

This cake is moist and doesn’t crumble easily.  You really don’t even need a fork for it.  That’s a good quality if you want to cozy up in front of a campfire and eat your dessert. 

Do you have a favorite dessert you like to make when you’re camping (glamping)?  How about crockpot desserts, ever tried one of those?   Also, I’d love to know what you consider a good vintage style dessert.

Double Vanilla Cupcakes with Strawberry Cream Topping

Our garden needs to be planted, my flower beds need mulched, the lawn needs a manicure, and there is still a lot of work to do on the Pink Paradise, but because we had cooler than normal temperatures this weekend, none of that has been done.  Instead, I opted to stay warm and exert my creativity in the kitchen.  If you like combination of vanilla and strawberries than I predict you will like this recipe.

Double Vanilla Cupcakes with Strawberry Cream Topping

3 eggs

1/2 c. olive oil

3/4 c. sugar

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1 package of vanilla pudding

3/4 c. sour milk

1 1/4 c. sifted flour

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Line 18 cupcake cups with cupcake tin paper liners.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In a large bowl, add eggs, oil, and sugar; mix thoroughly with electric mixer.  Mix in baking powder, baking soda, salt,  and vanilla pudding.  Sift in flour, add sour milk, and vanilla.  Beat until batter is smooth and creamy. 

Ladle cupcake batter into prepared cupcake tins (about 2/3 full) and tap pans on counter to settle batter (you’ll see in the picture below I didn’t do this and it resulted in air pockets).  Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until toothpick comes clean when inserted into the center of cupcakes.  Cool in tins before moving to cooling racks.

Strawberry Cream Topping

1 1/2 c. heavy cream

4 tbsp. strawberry gelatin (powder)

1 tsp. vanilla extract

In a large chilled bowl, add ingredients and beat with electric mixer until cream thickens into whipped cream.  Place whipped cream in pastry bag and top each cupcake.

These cupcakes are moist and sweet.  Their flavor reminds me of a homemade sugar cookie recipe I make, and the light creamy strawberry topping compliments them perfectly.

How was the weather this weekend in your neck of the woods?

Other strawberry related recipes:

Strawberry & Cream Cupcakes

Strawberry Kiss Cheesecakes

Strawberry Bliss Ice Cream

Strawberry Freezer Jam 2012

Old-Fashioned Custard Pie with Strawberry Sauce

Glazed Strawberry Crumb Muffins

French Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Crème Frosting

Tin Can Tourist Vintage Camper Rally

So, the day I’ve  long anticipated finally arrived.  A Tin Can Tourist Rally right here in the Finger Lakes.

When Bill and Denise Fletcher of Fletcher’s Vintage Trailer Sales told us about a camper rally they had planned for our area we had just started remodeling our 1972 Frolic Camper – aka – the Pink Paradise. 

And while we knew there was no way we would be ready to show off the Frolic, we graciously accepted an invitation to tour the fifty plus campers that were slated to be part of this years event. 

Fortunately for us, and everyone involved, the heavy rain our area was hit with the night before had ceased, the sun made it’s way out, and vintage camper doors were opened.

Many of the camper owners are do-it yourselfers just like hubby and I.  Like us, they have invested sweat equity into their vintage trailer projects and they seemed to enjoy sharing their stories with us as much as we enjoyed listening to them. 

As usual, I had my camera in hand, and here are just a few of the pictures I took.

It’s time to finish up the Frolic so we can show her off too! 

And yes, I’ve changed my blog theme again.  Like I said before, trying to find the right fit…

Iced Spiced Oatmeal Cookies

Skinny little cookies can be so pathetic looking.  Don’t ya think? So, I decided to fatten things up a bit.  I made these cookies without nuts or raisins, but there is certainly room for both in this chunky little creation.

Iced Spiced Oatmeal Cookies

1/2 c. margarine

1/2 c. granulated sugar

1/2 c. brown sugar

2 eggs

2 tbsp. milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

3/4 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

2 c. all-purpose flour

1 1/2 c. oatmeal

Makes about 3 dozen.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line 3 cookie sheets with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, mix margarine, sugars, eggs, milk, and vanilla; mix thoroughly.  Stir in salt, baking soda, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice.  Add flour and mix completely.  Add oatmeal until all ingredients are blended.

Drop by teaspoonful onto prepared cookie sheets.  Bake for 6-7 minutes until light golden brown.  Cool slightly on cookie sheets before moving to cooling rack.

For the glaze I mixed up some powdered sugar, a dash of pumpkin pie spice,  a little vanilla extract, and a drop or two of milk.  The glaze should be thin enough to drizzle over top of cooled cookies.

Later this week; another Pink Paradise -vintage camper  update.  2 steps forward and 3 steps back…

Demolition! Vintage Camper Update

I finally have made my way into the bathroom of the Pink Paradise.  It  has been slated for a remodel because one entire wall and the whole ceiling need replacing.  It appears that the critters that formerly vacationed there did a considerable amount of damage. 

Here is how I found the bathroom after pulling it out of the weeds.  Much of what you see on the floor are the remnants of black walnuts.

Here is the bathroom after cleaning it for the first time.  I had to clean it to make it tolerable to work in.

Here is the start of the demolition work.  The first thing I did was disconnect pipes and remove the vanity to give me more work space.  After that, I removed the toilet and upper cabinet.

I found a couple interesting things while conducting demo work.  One, was a huge hole chewed in a plastic PVC pipe. I didn’t think an animal would have any interest chewing through a plastic pipe.  Guess I know better now.  It’s a good thing I tore things apart because this would have created a real problem if it went unnoticed.  I also found where one of the copper lines was damaged too.

More evidence of that critters chewed their way into the camper.

I have removed the wallboards so we can start to rebuild.  I found a wire that goes to the 12 volt light chewed in half. 

I was happy to find this piece of history in the Frolic.  I’m not sure what B-200 or Crism Birch stands for.  I suspect that it’s a model number and the style of the interior.  Anyone know???

While the bathroom is tore apart my hubby is going to replace the water lines and add an outlet, or two (there aren’t any).

I think the bathroom project is going to take a little more time than initially expected…

My Favorite Cream Cheese Recipes

It’s summer, and summer is a busy time for all of us.  The day’s are longer but the time seems to slip by faster. 

I’ve been busy working on the Pink Paradise and I’m just about ready to share another update with you.  But first, I thought I’d  share three of my favorite cream cheese desserts. 

 

Mini Lemon Cheesecake with Peach Glace’ Topping (bottom left)

Chocolate and Cream Cheese Crostata  & Mini Cakes (bottom right)

Chocolate Covered Caramel Cheesecake Bars (top right)

What is keeping you busy this summer?

 

Vintage Camper – Pink Paradise – Update #3

I’ve been updating you on our progress in the Frolic – AKA – the Pink Paradise, and it may not look like we’ve made huge strides since my last posting, but believe me, we have.  There are so many small details that we’ve tended to.

A reminder of what the Frolic looked like before.

Frolic – main living space nearly done.

New covered seats and lot’s of new trim work.  I picked up two awesome rag rugs for a dollar each at the dollar store.  They fit in perfectly!

If you’ve been following along, then you know that when I decided to start remodeling our vintage Frolic camper I had my work cut out for me.  I wanted to salvage as much of the original camper as I could, while sprucing her up with a bit of my own style.  I think I’ve done a fairly good job at both.

Instead of ripping out and replacing appliances, dark cabinets, the table and booths,  and the counter top, I have managed to work with them, and around them. 

Part of the ceiling that had already been torn out prior to starting this project left us no choice but to replace it .  Opting for the wainscoting added a touch of my tastes.  And using scraps of building materials we had on hand has helped immensely with remodeling costs. 

There has been a lot of trim work to contend with.  And lot’s of  other not so obvious details – for example,  the installation of several new (white) light switch/outlet covers to replace the originals that were dark brown, painting the table leg, cabinet hardware,  heater cover, and outside edge of the fridge – just to name a few.

I still have some decisions to make concerning the interior lights.  And I still have to decide on what to build to hide the ugly wheel well.  A good neighbor will be helping me make the curtains this week or next, and of course the decorating is yet to be done. 

I just started working in the bathroom which has been on my remodel list.  I’ve found some water damage on one wall and the wall will need to be torn out and rebuilt.  We have also moved outside to start some roof coating too.

My dollar store gingham wallpaper helps tie in the gold vintage stove/oven.

The heater before painting.

The heater after painting – more trim work still needed on the wall to the left.

Other side of the camper (upper) – before painting.

Other side of the camper (upper) – after painting.  The gas light has to be reinstalled in the center of the cabinet but some gas line work has to be done first.

This was the clothes/storage closet – before modification.

This will now serve as our TV/storage center – after modification.

My handsome man helping patch the roof.

We were  honored to receive an invitation to a vintage camper rally in Vermont this month from Mariah of The Comet Camper.  Mariah is a girl after my own heart.  She’s redoing an old camper and she’s incorporating a lot green technology into her project .   She wants The Comet to be off the grid. Go check it out!

As for the invitation, unfortunately we had to decline because the Pink Paradise isn’t near ready.  But there is always next year!

I promise to continue to keep you updated on the Pink Paradise and I’m anxious to present a completely finished project to you.

So, are you a retro travel trailer kind of guy or gal?  Or do you prefer all the luxuries of modern-day campers?

If you missed my other posts on the Frolic – AKA – Pink Paradise, check them out here.  The posts below start from the beginning and take you up to most current work that has been done on the Paradise.

My Vintage Travel Trailer; The Beginning

The Pink Paradise – Update #1

Pink Paradise – Update #2

We’ve Finally Made Friends

Vintage Camper Re-Plumbing – Not for the Faint Hearted

Frolic Travel Trailer – Pink Paradise Update – 2013

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

The 72 Frolic Bathroom Remodel Is Nearing Completion!

Baby’s Got  A New Pair of Shoes! And…

Can’t get enough of these campers?  Check out all of vintage campers I photographed at the Finger Lakes Tin Can Tourist Rally last September.

If you’re looking for a customized glamper let’s talk!  And if you are looking for a parts (new & used) for your camper then check out Fletcher’s Vintage Trailer Sales. Please make sure to mention that you found them through my blog.

Summer is… And a vintage camper update

Summer is hot – 100 degrees here today!  My baking has been replaced with sugar-free Popsicle’s.

Summer brings beautiful flowers, and with beautiful flowers comes bugs.  Some are more obvious than others.

Summer is a time to work on projects that otherwise might be neglected.  Below is the latest picture of the Pink Paradise.

I’m hoping to get some trim work up in her when things cool down a bit.

The big change here?  Re-upholstered cushions.  I have to thank my father in-law for making them for me.  He graciously made the covers for me after I picked up enough off-white vinyl at the Gunlocke Company outlet store to cover all four cushions for $21 bucks – a true steal!

Yea!  It’s finally starting to come together.  The stove has been thoroughly cleaned and put back together.  The wallpaper is up, and a television/entertainment center is in the works at the rear of the camper.  I’m saving that for the next post because I like to keep you guessing – lol…

What is summer to you?