Mimi Takes Five - #412

ONE // Cast Iron Pot

My husband had the bright idea that I should attempt to make bread while camping. He's just full of ideas, isn't he? Ha ha! I thought about it for a little bit and told him I could attempt it. I then mentioned it would require a closed pot with a lid. Turns out he's a big collector of cast-iron cookware and was just looking for an excuse to get a pot with a lid. I mentioned it would be best to get a Dutch Oven that is not enamelled if we'll be using it on the campfire. He found one! So we'll be bringing our new pot and I'll be bringing everything I need to make bread. From scratch. While tent camping. Cooking it on the campfire. We'll see how this goes...

TWO // The Second Mrs. Astor

I found this book in a bargain bin the other day and thought it was right up my alley! I've been fascinated with the Titanic since 1997 and have learned so much about its story throughout the years. Now, this is a historical fiction, so I know it might take liberties. That being said, I do know a bit about the so-called second Mrs. Astor (who was a real person) and this book is set during the time of the Titanic. This era aligns quite well with my more recent interest in the Gilded Age, so that knowledge about the newly established upper class of New York society might come into play as well. I don't know what to expect, but I wanted to bring a book camping. I'm halfway through the Bridgerton series and thought I needed something to change it up a bit and take a break. I'll report back!

THREE // Campkitchen Meals

Clearly, we are packing and getting ready for camping this summer. We are seasoned campers and still do it the old-school way in a tent. But just because we are tenting it doesn't mean we are roughing it. We've honed our camping acumen over the years and have become very efficient without sacrificing comfort. When it comes to meal planning, we try to be as smart as possible and make a menu ahead of time to limit over-packing. For years now, my husband has wanted to try ration packs. I've had many in my cadet years and always enjoyed them (contrary to the bad rap they get!) but they remain a mystery to my husband. Luckily for us, freeze-dried foods are all the rage these days so we decided to load up on freeze-dried meals for about half of our stay. The convenience factor of packing this type of food that only requires boiling water and stirring is undeniable. While they are not ration packs they are a great option. We're trying out the selection Campkitchen this time and I'm hoping they live up to the hype. 

FOUR // Wide-Leg Sweatpants

One item of clothing I don't have much of are sweatpants. My go-to for casual loungewear are leggings. But I did get a pair of sweatpants last year and they are the best for camping. Turns out the mosquitoes bite right through leggings when you're trying to enjoy an evening campfire. My husband said I'd be better off in sweatpants so I listened to his wise words. I decided to get another pair this year and opted for this beige wide-leg style. Not only are they super comfortable and cozy, but they are roomy enough that I could wear leggings under them should I need more layers to stay warm. Now that's what I call a win-win situation! This is me packing smarter for our upcoming camping trip!

FIVE // Watermelon

I decided to get a watermelon the other day and have been snacking on it non-stop! Nothing says summer to me quite like a sweet watermelon snack. It's the best! It was a common treat in the summer growing up. My mom would try to find the biggest watermelon because with four kids in the house, it did not last long... Now that it's just my husband and me, a small watermelon lasts much longer, ha ha! I cut it all up into cubes the day we got it and filled countless containers. The fridge is well stocked and it's a quick grab-and-snack situation. I've been having a bowl every day (and sharing my snack with my four-legged friend)! You have to make the most of it while watermelon season lasts! This is a fruit I would never tire of eating!