Easy RV Salad Recipes that Scream SUMMER!

Memorial Day is traditionally known as the holiday that kicks off summer RV travel, so we’re here to provide you with some easy salad recipes that you can take or make while on the road.

Edamame Salad

Ingredients:

1 bag (16 oz) frozen, shelled edamame

1 can (11 oz) corn

4 to 6 medium radishes, cut in half and thinly sliced

1/4 cup each chopped cilantro and sliced scallions

1/2 cup rice or wine vinegar

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1 tsp minced garlic

1. Cook edamame as package directs, omitting salt. Cool under running cold water; drain well. Toss with corn, radishes, cilantro, and scallions in a large bowl.

2. Whisk vinegar, oil, and garlic in a small bowl; toss with edamame mixture. Serve at room temperature or chill.

Summery Rice and Lentil Salad

Ingredients:

Vinaigrette

1/4 cup red-wine vinegar

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Salad

1 cup uncooked long-grain rice

4 ounces green beans, cut in 1-inch pieces (1 cup)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup dried brown lentils, rinsed and picked

2 cups diced plum tomatoes

Pepper to taste

1. Whisk vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl until blended.

2. Cook rice according to the package directions.

3. Bring 2 quarts water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add green beans and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook 2 minutes. Remove beans with a slotted spoon and immediately rinse under running cold water to halt cooking. Add lentils to saucepan and cook 25 minutes or just until tender. Let stand 5 minutes before draining.

4. Put rice and lentils into a large serving bowl. Stir in 1/4 cup of the vinaigrette. Cool, stirring occasionally, 25 minutes or until room temperature.

5. Stir in remaining vinaigrette, the green beans, tomato and pepper.  Enjoy!

Mexican Salad

Ingredients:

Dressing
1⁄4 cup olive oil
3 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Salad
3 cups raw or cooked fresh corn kernels
1 can (about 15 oz) black beans, rinsed
3 ripe tomatoes, cut in chunks
1 each green and red bell pepper, chopped
1⁄3 cup chopped cilantro

Crushed tortilla chips

1. Dressing:  Mix oil, lime juice, garlic, salt and pepper in a 2-1/2 qt serving bowl.

2. Add remaining ingredients; toss gently to mix and coat.

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kmaxwell, May 27th 2010 | Tags: , , ,
Posted in MBA Fun, RV Vacation

RV Travel: Northern California

When you think of traveling through California via RV, you probably envision the coastline of southern California and drops of sunshine landing on your shoulders as you enjoy your saltwater surroundings. But did you know that northern California has equally appealing destinations that are less populated?

Northern California delivers a rugged, rocky coastline, dunes, saltwater marshes, and tide pools among quaint little fishing villages and seaside resorts.  Big Sur defines the 90-mile long coastline from Carmel Highlands down to Monterey County.  Its dramatic positioning up above the shoreline adds pristine beauty and magical views of the Pacific Ocean from the road above.

Beaches, state parks, and campgrounds (for RVs and tents) run along this area of the northern California coast.  Be sure to spend enough time in this region so you can really appreciate the natural surroundings such as the sea otters, whales, and even the simple mist of the ocean spray in the air.  It truly is a beautiful part of the state where you won’t find chain stores and restaurants.  Instead, you’ll have the opportunity to appreciate local-made foods, visit small art galleries, and shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs from your trip!

Keep in mind that some of the Big Sur area campgrounds fill up fairly quickly, so you’ll want to reserve your space in advance.  Off-peak months are May, September, and October, but during the busy June – August season when most people plan their vacations, you’ll want to make reservations several months in advance.

Whether you’re into state park campgrounds, ocean view camping, streamside or river camping, or backcountry camping, northern California is an RV-friendly region that is sure to please your outdoor senses!

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kmaxwell, May 25th 2010 | Tags: , ,
Posted in RV Rental, RV Vacation

RV Travel: Texas

What do you think of when you think of Texas?  You probably think “big” or maybe “cowboys”, as in football or even the real thing!  But, have you ever considered an RV camping trip to Texas?  If not, you should.

The great state of Texas offers RV campgrounds at every edge of the state.  In south Texas you’ll find a TexMex blend influenced by the food and culture here.  Temps in south Texas tend to be warm throughout the year, making it a great RV destination during winter.

West Texas features the Historic Route 66, Big Bend National Park, and a region home to western movies filmed in El Paso, Amarillo and Lubbock.  The area is similar to the terrain of Arizona where you’ll find colorful canyons, hills, rivers and streams and a rugged countryside that screams, “This is Texas!”

The landscape of east Texas showcases a more laid back lifestyle, full of pine trees, maples trees, dogwoods, and oak trees.  The Fall season in east Texas truly looks like the Fall season filled with colors of red, rust, and orange.  If you’re into fishing, this region is well known for some great lakes where you can try your turn at catching catfish or bass either from shore or in a boat.

What’s an RV trip to Texas without visiting the Dallas/Fort Worth area?  This area of north Texas is known for its urban offerings of celebrity restaurants, chic shopping, live music, sports venues, music concerts, and amusement parks.  If you’re traveling with the entire family, you’ll find plenty to do in this region of Texas.

Central Texas offers its own unique activities and scenery with adventurous options throughout the region.  Take a side trip to go white water rafting, cave exploring, or rock climbing.  Or, simply drive through Austin and take in the scents of wildflowers amid the sights and sounds of this great community filled with museums galore and a range of art galleries, wineries, breweries, and small music venues.

If you’ve got the time, take two weeks to explore this magnificent state.  You’ll be glad you did, and even more glad that you did it in the comfort of an RV.

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kmaxwell, May 20th 2010 | Tags: , ,
Posted in MBA Insurance, RV Rental, RV Vacation

Ever Thought of Turning Your Cross-Country Move into an RV Adventure?

Spring and Summer are the perfect seasons for relocation, as you can pretty much count on blue skies or a break from the rain at least part of the time.  School is out for the kids, they’ve got a 2-3 month break, and you’ve been planning to move but wondering how to get your family from Point A to Point B with a minimal amount of stress.  Enter the RV.

If you’re moving thousands of miles away, it’s going to take your movers at least a week to get your belongings to your new home.  They’ll typically arrive a few days after you have, so why wait in an empty home with no furniture?  Instead of packing the car and schlepping the family for a cross-country move, turn it into a family vacation instead!  Take the stress out of the move by inserting a sightseeing adventure as you leisurely make your way to your new home.

Let the movers not only transport the belongings from your home, but also your vehicles.  Plan a family vacation to visit amusement parks, national parks, lakes, historical monuments, baseball games, or even other family members or friends who may live along the way.  Use this time as a vacation and respite from the stress associated with moving.

You’ll be rested and re-energized when your movers meet you at the doorstep of your new home.  And, the RV will be the perfect “home outside of the home” while you get settled in, unpacked, and get your furniture in place.  There really isn’t any better way to see the country than through a leisurely RV travel adventure, and moving is the perfect reason to do it!

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kmaxwell, May 18th 2010 | Tags: , , ,
Posted in RV Owners, RV Vacation

Motorcycle Day-Trippin’ in Southern California

Summer’s almost here and you’ve been envisioning the cool coastal breezes of California in your mind for several months now.  It’s time to stop envisioning and start doing.  Rent a motorcycle and enjoy the smooth sailing on the open road along the water.  Some of the best bike touring is in southern California, with Pacific Ocean views and funky, historic beach communities along your route.

Cruising along historic Highway 101, you’ll be so close to the sand and the sea that you’ll taste the salt on your breath as you ride along the water.  From I-5 south of Los Angeles, many exits will connect you with Highway 101 along the coast.  Check out Harbor Drive, Highway 76, Mission Avenue, or Oceanside Boulevard all near Oceanside, and start your trek along here.  Continue south and hop off at the historic Oceanside Pier, one of the longest wooden piers on the west coast.  Grab a bite at the harbor, browse some shops, and smell the scent of the ocean in the air.

Hop back on Highway 101 where you’ll pass Oceanside City Beach and the Buena Vista Lagoon before reaching Carlsbad, a scenic community with beaches, picnic areas and well-maintained restrooms and parking lots.  This is worth a stop to sit in the sand and soak it all in.

When you’re ready, continue heading south along Highway 101 through south Carlsbad, past the state campground to Leucadia, an old-fashioned beach town lined with eucalyptus trees and a train that runs right down the middle of the road.  Surfers love Leucadia, so don’t be surprised if you see one or one hundred!

Continuing south through Encinitas, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, and Solana Beach, you’ll reach Del Mar, an intoxicating but upscale beach town frequented in the past by Bing Crosby, Jimmy Durante, and other celebrities of yesteryear.  Art galleries, boutiques, fantastic views, the annual fair, Torrey Pines State Reserve, and of course the famous Del Mar Racetrack all add to the rich culture and history of Del Mar.

If you’re still in the game, keep riding south to La Jolla, a favorite southern California destination for its majestic and beautiful coastline.  Picturesque and magical, La Jolla is the perfect spot to end your southern California motorcycle day trip.  Your leisure ride has taken you about 60 miles from start to finish, but no one says you need to stop now.  Rest your head, spend the night, and do it all over again tomorrow by reversing your trip back up north.  Wherever you go on your bike, you can’t go wrong.

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kmaxwell, May 14th 2010 | Tags: , ,
Posted in MBA Fun, MBA Insurance, Motorcycle Dealers

Riding a Motorcycle with a Child

Have your kids been bugging you for a ride-along?  Or, are your kids only toddlers but you’re wondering how to handle the big day when they ask you for a ride on your bike?  Thinking about including your child as a passenger on a motorcycle might sound a bit scary, so it pays to think it through and determine if it makes sense for you and your family.

Regulations governing children riding as a passenger on a motorcycle vary state to state, but there are other things to consider as well:

Can your child’s feet reach the footpegs?  This typically happens around the age of five or six.

Can your child sit still and obey your commands?  Or, will your child reach for your legs or for the gas tank to hold on?  Will your child impede your ability to control the bike?

Do you have a properly fitted children’s helmet?  A D.O.T. certified, full coverage helmet with a face shield (or at least some goggles) and a chin bar is most protective.  You might need to look for an off-road helmet as long as it is D.O.T. certified, but make sure the helmet is snug-fitting.

Outfitting your child in protective motorcycle gear doesn’t come cheap, but it’s a necessity before adding your young one as a passenger.  Don’t skimp on a helmet by buying an adult size while waiting for your kid to grow into it.  Too many tragedies happen when kids wearing ill-fitting helmets are in a motorcycle accident and the helmet flies off during the violent impact.

Leather or heavy-duty synthetic jackets provide a significant amount of protection if the child ever fell.  The cost is not cheap, but again, safety is number one and this is a piece of necessary apparel that your kid may end up thinking is really cool anyway.

Gloves are also a recommended component to outfitting your child in the safest way possible.  You’ll find both off-road and street gloves for kids, but the main thing to look for is an adjustment strap that can be loosened as your child grows.  Keep the gloves on tightly, but release the straps as necessary.

Long pants and well-made shoes or boots are a necessity as well. Make sure the shoes or boots you provide for your child do not have shoelaces.  This is why we recommend heavy duty, snug-fitting boots that will not come off during an accident.

Now that your child is outfitted safely, where are you going to put them?  The answer is ‘behind you’, wearing a riding belt with a harness with an additional belt that attaches to you.  This way, your child can’t fall off the bike unless you do!  This system will prevent your child from falling off the motorcycle either from falling asleep or simply not paying attention.

The decision to include your child on your motorcycle is a big one, and shouldn’t be taken lightly.  Check your local safety laws, think it over thoroughly, do your research, and make the decision when it’s right.  If you can make the experience safe for yourself, you can also make it safe for your child.

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kmaxwell, May 12th 2010 | Tags: , ,
Posted in MBA Insurance, Motorcycle Dealers

RV Travel with Kids

It’s May and you’re undoubtedly planning your summertime RV travel for the family.  Perhaps this is your first summer with your RV and you’ve never taken the little ones on the road with you, or maybe you’re a seasoned RVer who has taken the kiddos on the road for many summers past.  Either way, there are some things to know that will help make sure your summer travels are enjoyable, stress-free, and everlasting.

Bring Magazines

Create a scavenger hunt.  Pick items in the magazine that your kids have to find.  This is great for both toddlers and older kids.  It keeps them occupied, and who knows, maybe they’ll even find some interest in reading the entire magazine!

Arm Your Digital Camera or DVD player in Advance

You’re already planning to bring your digital camera, so how about taking pictures of some of the places you plan to see and things you plan to do while you’re traveling?  Simply go on-line or grab a magazine to find pictures and take some snapshots in advance, and you can even burn them onto a DVD.  Then, while in your RV, your kids can browse the pictures on the camera or your DVD player and get excited for what they’re about to experience!

License Plate Game

Remember this game?  Teach it to your kids!  Make a list of all 50 states, and have your kids cross off all of the state license plates they see during your travels.

The Quiet Game

Ok, this is probably a favorite of many of you.  See who can be quiet for the longest!

These are just some ideas to get your mind rolling.  Get creative, and involve your kids in the process of it all.  Whatever you do, traveling with your kids in the RV this summer is going to be a memorable experience no matter where your adventure takes you.

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kmaxwell, May 10th 2010 | Tags: , , ,
Posted in MBA Fun, MBA Insurance, RV Vacation

RV Travel: Southwest Amusement Parks

Ever wondered what it would be like to spend a week checking out your region’s amusement and water parks?  There is no time like the present to pack your bags, grab a map, rent your RV and plan for a wild and adventurous time at America’s amusement parks.

Different from your typical road trip by car, traveling by RV gives you the flexibility of bringing your extended family and friends along with you, while saving money from expensive summertime hotel costs.  But first, there are a few things to consider in advance, specifically, where it is you want to go.  These Southwest parks present history and thrill at the same time and will make for an unforgettable summer RV road trip!

Our trip starts in Arlington, Texas at Six Flags Over Texas.  The first thing you’ll want to do is grab a Six Flags Season Pass.  Six Flags offers thrilling rides for adults, tame experiences for young children, and everything in between for the not-so-sure adventure seeker.  You’ll experience some of the fastest and wildest thrill rides in the country, from Superman to the Runaway Mine Train, your pulse will be pounding!  Youngins will enjoy flying with Bugs Bunny, trucking with Speedy Gonzalez, or sipping tea with Yosemite Sam.  What’s great about Six Flags Over Texas is that Hurricane Harbor is right across the street!  Double your fun and cool off in the summer heat as you slip and slide through 47 acres of water!

Head south from Arlington and you’ll get to San Antonio and Six Flags Fiesta Texas where the fun just doesn’t stop!  Get your scream going on Goliath or The Twister, the ride that spins you upside down over and over.  Six Flags did it right by positioning another water park, White Water Bay, right next door for further excitement and cool down in the Texas sun.

After a few days of fun in Texas, hop back in the RV for your road trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico where you’ll venture to Cliff’s Amusement Park.  Cliff’s is a traditional park that offers something for everyone – from thrill rides, family rides, and kiddie rides, to water rides, a kiddieland, and games.  Every RV needs a stuffed bear, and this is where you could win it!

From Albuquerque, hop west to Phoenix, Arizona and Enchanted Island Amusement Park, geared for kids ages one to 10.  Enchanted Island was voted in the top 12 of all city parks in America by Forbes Magazine, and when you get there, you’ll understand why.  The park offers nine rides, including a train, splash zone, bumper cars, and fun arcade games.  Adults can ride four of the rides, though it might be a great time to wind down from the previous days of amusement.

This trip is a comfortable one-week RV experience, but can be accelerated or stretched out based on any side trips you might want to take.  Once you get into your RV, there’s no telling when you’ll want to get out of it!

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kmaxwell, May 7th 2010 | Tags: , , ,
Posted in MBA Insurance, RV Vacation

Northern Arizona Motorcycle Ride: Old Route 66

Arizona offers motorcycle riders some of the most diverse and majestic scenery in all of America with blue skies, red rock, lush forests, magnificent canyons, rivers, and even mountains.  There is more to Northern Arizona than Flagstaff, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon.  There are other beautiful and regal places for motorcyclists to experience spectacular scenery amid saguaro cactus deserts and alpine meadows.

You might like old Route 66 south of Kingman in the northwest part of the state.  Your ride is about 50 miles long and will take you through the Black Mountains for views of rock formations along the road, and from the overlook you can see into California and Nevada.  Much of this route has been designated by the Bureau of Land Management as a Type I Back Country Byway, traversing remote country on paved roads but providing solitude and scenery as you soar through the desert.

There are some historic old structures along Route 66 such as a gas station and an actual ghost town that was once a mining town called the Gold Road Townsite.  One of the few gold rush towns in the area is a town called Oatman, where Clark Gable spent his honeymoon.  The Oatman Hotel has been transformed into a museum, and some say it’s haunted with the spirits of Gable, his then-bride Carole Lombard, and others including an Irish miner and fun saloon-goers.  The good thing is that the spirits are jovial and fun, but like to tease visitors every so often.

Look for the wild burros that pass through the streets of Oatman.  If you continue south in to Lake Havasu City, you’ll see the London Bridge.  Yes, this is the “real” London Bridge, one of Arizona’s biggest attractions.  In the late 1960s, chainsaw magnate Robert McCullough purchased the bridge in London, had it torn down, and flew the bricks to America where his crew reassembled the bridge in Lake Havasu City.

How do you get to this fascinating motorcycle ride?  Easy – the road starts in Kingman, about 70 miles SE of Las Vegas.  From Kingman you’ll see signs to the old Route 66 and head toward Oatman.  From Oatman, you’ll continue south to Topock where you’ll be at the end of the route.

Bring your camera on this ride, and perhaps you’ll capture a spirit you didn’t think existed!

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kmaxwell, April 29th 2010 | Tags: , ,
Posted in MBA Fun, MBA Insurance, Motorcycle Dealers

Recipes for the RV Road

You’re on the road in your RV, with a full kitchen, but have no idea what to cook.  Here are a few good recipes to get you started, but you might want to plan your meals in advance for ease in trip-planning shopping.

Breakfast Pizza

Ingredients

  • 1 can refrigerated crescent rolls, room temperature
  • 1 cup sausage, cooked and drained
  • 1 cup thawed hash brown potatoes or shredded potatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Diced onion (optional)
  • 5 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • Pepper to taste

Directions

Grease a pizza or jelly-roll pan. Press rolls out with fingers onto pan. Layer top of dough with sausage, potatoes, cheese and onion. Beat eggs and milk. Place pan on oven rack and pour egg mixture over the toppings, tilting pan to evenly distribute mixture. Season with pepper. Bake at 375 degrees F for 25 minutes.

Hawaiian Chicken Salad

Ingredients

  • 1 can chicken chunks
  • 1 can pineapple chunks
  • 1 can mandarin oranges
  • 1 can sliced water chestnuts
  • Lettuce leaves
  • Chow mein noodles

Directions

Drain and place in bowl: chicken chunks, pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges and sliced water chestnuts. Stir in just enough duck sauce to coat ingredients. Chill (or have cans of food prechilled). Serve over lettuce and top with chow mein noodles. Serves 4.

Spinach Pie

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound cheddar or Jack cheese, grated
  • 16 oz. cottage cheese, creamed
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
  • 6 tablespoons flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Grated nutmeg (optional)

Directions

Mix all ingredients except nutmeg. Pour into pie pan. Sprinkle top with nutmeg. Bake uncovered for one hour at 350 degrees.

Use these recipes as a way to jump-start your trip, and have fun experimenting with other fun and scrumptious meals you can make from the comfort of your RV.

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kmaxwell, April 27th 2010 | Tags: , ,
Posted in MBA Insurance, RV Rental, RV Vacation
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