Silver Trailer News

A Peek Into the Tiny House and Airstream Park We Live in

2018-03-01T11:48:00.000-08:00

Curbed created this great video about the Airstream and tiny home park I live in and the awesome community there. I hope this concept will catch on in more communities around the globe!

Living the Airstream Life with Karen Flett

2016-09-03T15:21:00.000-07:00

Author Karen Flett in Action

This spring I had the pleasure of palling around with Karen Flett of Wellington, New Zealand. Karen is writing a book about Airstreams and Airstreamers, called Living the Airstream Life. The book will be published by Harper Collins, and will be available in December of this year. To say that I'm flattered and grateful to be a part of the book with my 1972 Airstream Argosy, Acacia, is an understatement. It feels like a wonderful full circle moment since I was featured in Airstream Living written by Bruce Littlefield as my business was just taking off years ago.

Karen at the Airstream Park in downtown Las Vegas

Karen arrived in Las Vegas and we had a great time touring around downtown, including a visit to Tony Hsieh's Airstream Park. It's such an inspiring tour each time I take it, especially since they're continually adding fun and innovative things. On this tour the shipping container garden was the latest addition that I've seen at the park. Very cool!

Garden inside a shipping container. Multifunction rave space?!

We did a fun shoot downtown - I'll hold off on those photos since Karen will be featuring her photos in the book. It was a treat to see her work her magic behind the camera.

We then headed off to Palm Springs to camp in and photograph Acacia. It was a great way to get to know each other and become fast friends.

Acacia the Airstream Argosy in Palm Springs, California

I loved the space that we chose for the shoot so much that I decided to park Acacia there full time to enjoy, and to have others enjoy via Airbnb. Come visit her in Palm Springs!

I'll keep you posted on the release of Karen's book. It's going to feature so much good information and Airstream eye candy, you're going to want to add it to your collection!

Happy 12 Year Anniversary, Osa Pony!

2016-03-21T11:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary to our pup, Osa Pony! Twelve years ago we adopted four month old Osa Pony from the Lodi Animal Shelter, via PetFinder.com .

We never know how much time we have with our canines or humans- it's such a lesson to tell the ones we love how much we adore them. I'll have to read this out loud to her.

Dear Pony,

When we brought you home, we were head over heels love with you and your adorable self.

We love you more and more with each passing year.

You settled in quickly an took a liking to Airstreams.

... and soon discovered with Airstreaming, comes adventure.

...and relaxation mixed with patience.

You remind me to try new things and to be brave.

You're also a great judge of character.

(photo ©Brown Cannon III)

You've been by my side through many fun times.

...including crossing the country a few times together.

You constantly remind me to slow down and take in the beauty around us....

... and to be persistent when I want something. (Breakfast in your case here).

You're always happy to see me with a smile, and you let me know you've missed me!

You've been a best friend to many.

You bring comfort and love wherever you go.

You're a professional snuggler....

and you're always up for adventure!

Thank you for being a teacher, confidant, co-pilot, and devoted friend. You're my girl and I love you so. You continue to bring a lot of joy and happiness into our lives!

Palm Springs Lifestyle

2016-02-02T16:08:00.001-08:00

Hello from Palm Springs! Happy 2016!

I'm kicking off the year with a plan to work from the road more often. What better place than Palm Springs in February?

I was back in California for the second half of January and decided to tow my Argosy down to Palm Springs early to get it in place for the vintage trailer show during Modernism Week.

Osa Pony joined me and we started out in rain (with bonus rainbow), snow on the grapevine on I 5, and wild wind when we reached Palm Springs. Needless to say, we were happy to arrive.

It was my first time towing the Argosy and wow, it makes my other Airstreams feel miniature and light as a feather. Now that we're set up at the trailer park, I'm loving having the additional space to stretch out.

I love this Palm Springs lifestyle. My campsite at Horizon Mobile Village even has its own orange tree.

My Argosy is at home here, so I'm planning on keeping it in town to use it as a get away for myself, for commercial rentals, and other adventurers after the trailer show.

I hope your 2016 is off to a great start!

Van Camping, Part One

2015-10-18T14:02:00.002-07:00

I've caught the van camping bug (again)! There are so many great websites on van conversions that I've been inspired by, as well as friends who are living the van lifestyle. I've been towing with Chestnut, my 1969 GMC, but lately she just has been wanting to take a break. G and I have been sharing the GMC Van until he recently bought a pick up truck for work. This is my chance for a van takeover makeover!!

I went to Malibu this week for an Airstream rental with my Luxe Lounge, and it was my opportunity to dial in the van again for van camping. Even though I regularly have an Airstream in tow, I often leave it with the client for a couple of days, have long stretches of driving to do, or I have this Airstream with me, which is set up like a lounge. It's nice to have the option of pulling over and to take a snooze in the van, find some shade from the heat while on set, make a cup of coffee, or catch up on emails in the van 'lounge'. I feel very at home in there.

So, back to styling out the van... This time I went with a coastal theme. Here are pics for you, including one from my campsite at the edge of the sand. This is super "dry camping", but it worked for me and I love the simplicity of it. As for traveling for extended periods of time in more extreme temperatures, I'd definitely need more amenities. Yet for this type of trip, it was everything I needed.

I'm all about van camping. I like thinking about every item that goes into the van to try and keep it as minimal, comfortable, and nice to look at as possible. If you're interested in researching van camping, YouTube has some great videos of what fellow travelers have done to make their van just right for their travels. Happy van camping!

Full circle - Silver Trailer Airstream camping rentals

2015-04-02T05:24:00.000-07:00

Do you remember this piece of press from 2009? Well, maybe not, but I sure do.

It was 2009, and it was huge for my Airstream rental business. A LOT of people contacted me after that post! The Coloma Resort is just up the river from our house in the Sierra foothills, and is one of my all time favorite campgrounds. I loved towing my 1967 Airstream Trade Wind the 1.3 miles down the road, setting up and styling out the campsite. What I loved even more, was reading the happy reviews of campers when I picked it the trailer up. That's pretty feel good stuff, when a family says it was one of the best vacations they every had!

A few months after that press came out, I accepted the two month TLC rental traveling down the east coast with Osa Pony, with my 1969 GMC towing the Trade Wind behind us.

After that trip I was hooked on the idea of renting my Airstream for commercial rentals- video and photo shoots. I loved the camping rentals, but the delivering and picking up limited my ability to travel. I can honestly say I've loved every single commercial rental I've been on, sometimes I pinch myself on the drive home (like on the way home from the Miranda Lambert music video my Airstream Globetrotter was in last month). I feel grateful for the lifestyle my business offers me, for all of the people I've met along the way, the locations I've been fortunate to have access to, and all I've learned on my travels- from others and from myself.

Silver Trailer rental at the Neon Museum in downtown Las Vegas

Fast forward to last year when Daniella Faieta, the daughter of the owners of the Coloma Resort pitched the idea of having a vintage Airstream park within their campground, starting with, you guessed it, my Airstream Trade Wind. This week we delivered my trailer to the park, and soon after my 1960 Airstream Caravel and 1962 Bambi will follow.

Daniella picked up a couple of Airstreams of her own, and we will collaborate on designs for her silver babies this fall. It will be a fun way to have a "big reveal" for each trailer upon it's completion.

What a great way to share my trailer with fellow Airstream lovers, and still have the flexibility to travel. I love when good things come around full circle, especially new and improved good things!

We are still fine tuning the details with the park, so stay tuned for details...! I can tell you that the Trade Wind will be available for rent starting May 1st, 2015 and there is no longer a 4 day minimum. Check this page http://www.colomaresort.com/airstream.php as we get closer.

UPDATE: Sept. 2015

We've decided to put this collaboration on a long term hold, but will continue to plan fun events together in the future.

Silver Trailer will be placing Airstreams in other locations with this similar model. Stay tuned!

Silver Trailer / Vintage Airstream Park at the Coloma Resort taking shape

Happy + Shiny 2015 To You!

2015-01-05T22:46:00.000-08:00

It's shaping up to be an exciting year already! I feel like I just woke up from a deep slumber and I'm ready to party! Jewelry orders are continuing, Airstream Wedding rentals are being booked, photo shoots lining up - and it's just the first week of the year! I am so ready to shine it up and see what exciting things 2015 has in store for all of us. I hope the things you've been dreaming about will come to fruition, and that you find yourself smiling the majority of the year. (I'd wish you a year round smile, but then your face would probably hurt). Feeling good, my friends, feeling good. Hope you are too. xoxo.

Introducing: "The Boler", 1971 Boler Travel Trailer

2014-10-09T12:32:00.000-07:00

The newest addition to the Silver Trailer fleet!

Meet the newest and youngest member to the Silver Trailer fleet! This is the first fiberglass addition to the collection as well. One afternoon I was searching Craig's List for a vintage daybed and this little dude popped up in the neighborhood. "Well, I can just go look at it I guess...", I kidded myself (this is why I can't foster dogs). Next thing you know, it followed me home. I texted Mr. G, and his beautiful response was "Ha! I love you, Baby". Nothing surprises him anymore! Stay tuned for The Boler's new story to unfold...

10 Tips - Dream and Manifest

2014-09-14T21:52:00.002-07:00

I'm all for creative Sundays, especially when they involve writing down dreams and plans in a beautiful notebook and creating inspiring images to look at.

Here's an image I created to inspire you and me. It's of Betty Jane, my 1964 Airstream Bambi II, with a quote by Wally Byam, founder of Airstream.

I hope it will remind you to follow your dreams and make them happen. Dreaming is half the fun and manifesting is magic and action coming together.

I put together some tips for you that I like to use to make a dream happen.

1. Write down 3 dreams you have. Each dream will need its own piece of paper for space to grow. If you like working on your computer, do that- just be sure to print out the pages when you're done with this exercise so you can write things down on the spot when ideas come to you.

2. What is it that you love about each of these dreams? Write it down next to each dream. Try not to self judge, just write freely.

3. How you will you feel when you reach each dream? Scribble it out on the paper- doodles, words and feelings.

4. Which one of these dreams means the most to you right now? Try not to use "should" in this equation, just think of the one that stands out and lights you up when you think about it.

5. What are the next steps you can take toward this particular dream? Maybe it's making a call, sending an email, doing research... Do a brain dump and write down all of the steps you can imagine it will take. Once you have them down, put a number next to each of them to put them in order.

6. When will you take this step? Schedule and exact day and time, put it on your calendar / circle it / create an alert if it's a digital calendar.

7. On the scheduled action step day, keep your promise! You wouldn't blow off an appointment you made with someone else, would you? You deserve to follow through on this. Already took the step? Act on the next one. Or, you really can't keep this appointment? Immediately make a new date and time and follow through when the time arrives.

8. Make time and space in your life to manifest your dream. Often, it takes less time than we think to take one little step. What if you take time off during the week from Facebook, Instagram, TV, texting, shopping (insert your vice here), and spend that time taking action on your dream? Maybe it's one day a week off. Maybe it's the entire month. Where can you find pockets of time? While you're waiting on line...walking your dog...having morning coffee? Spend that time on your dream.

9. Keep brainstorming ideas and ways to get closer to your dream. Think of places where you get your best ideas (driving, in the shower, walking perhaps). Keep your notebook handy and write them down and schedule them. (I have a white board just outside my shower and a notebook in my car and purse for ideas when they pop up). Transfer those ideas to your dream paper to keep them in one place.

10. Form a goal group. Meet regularly with a supportive friend or two to share and brainstorm goals and dreams. Offer and receive encouragement and ideas. Hold each other accountable and follow up regularly to check progress. This is has been a huge help in my life!

Step by step, you will make your dreams happen. Now go grab that paper and a pen or your computer, and start with step #1 above...

Feel free to share here:

1. Your big dream.
2. Your next step and when you will take it.
3. Any tips you have to make dreams come true.

I'd love to hear them and cheer you on!!

Alt Summit

2014-06-17T23:06:00.000-07:00

I'm back in Salt Lake City for Alt Summit! I was here in January for Alt and LOVED it. This session is getting off to a great start already.

The view from my grandiose room at the Grand America Hotel has a balcony (yes, a door that opens to the outside- dreamy). This room is quite possibly bigger than our apartment. Jumbo!

The rain felt so good today that I walked a mile each way without and umbrella to The Rose Establishment for a late breakfast. It was well worth it.

Yum. On the walk home, I spotted this cutie Airstream tucked away.

If there is an Airstream in the 'hood, I'll find it!

Tonight was "Tuesday Night Dinners", hosted by the generous sponsors of Alt. I joined a fun group at Saba Sushi, hosted by the fabulous Garbrielle Blair, of Design Mom.

I was a nice night being inspired by all of these positive and supportive entrepreneurs.

Tomorrow the talks and workshops on all things blogging, social media and entrepreneurship begin. So much information, inspiration and sharing to take part in. Can't wait!

Airstream, Betty Jane in Coastal Living magazine

2014-04-27T16:21:00.001-07:00

Coastal Living magazine has long been a favorite magazine of mine. It inspires me to take more trips to the beach with my shiny silver babies. I really enjoyed the photo shoot and interview with Barry Yeoman and photographer, Brown Cannon III. I did a blog post about it here. It's so exciting to finally see the article in print! Barry interviewed several different Airstreamers and got a great variety of perspectives that he wrote about.

Coastal Living magazine, April 2014 issue

Here I am riding my bike with Osa trotting along!

Betty Jane, my Airstream Bambi II's interior. She already has a new look since this photo!

The April issue is no longer in newsstands, however, PDF's of the issue are available for purchase on Zinio app on iTunes.

Happy beach camping, friends!

Top 12 Towing Tips for Newbies

2014-03-14T23:21:00.001-07:00

Our Silver Sisters Caravan. Towing is more fun with friends!

When I first got my Airstream, for some reason I relied on my man G to tow it. He was a love to tow it whenever I needed it for a show or wanted to camp somewhere. He had experience towing, so it seemed like it only made sense... only it didn't. It was my trailer. I am a good driver. Why would I not be towing it myself? Soon there came a day that G had to work out of town and I had a jewelry show with my Airstream showroom several towns away. I had no choice but to tow the Airstream myself. As I was whining / freaking out about the situation, an older gentleman friend said to me, "You're a big girl, you can do this". He was right. I put my big girl pants on, and with my 1969 GMC pickup, I towed my 24' Airstream Trade Wind through one of the windiest sections of road I know to this day. I told myself, "If I made it through that, everything else will seem like a piece of cake". Little by little it was. I can still get worked up in certain situations when around not-so-lovely drivers, and so does anyone who drives. Now I have the philosophy, "If you can drive, you can tow".

My dog Osa and I traveled cross county round trip with that same 24' Airstream in tow on a two month journey. It was magical and I learned a lot along the way.

My truck and Airstream on a 2 month road trip with TLC

Here are some tips from me and other helpful trailer friends who shared on my Facebook page.

Top 12 Tips for Towing a Trailer

1. Check your set up. Do a final walk around inside and around your trailer before you head out. Make sure items are stowed away inside, off counters and vents are closed and cabinets are latched. Walk around the exterior of the trailer and look underneath it to make sure you're in the clear. Most importantly, check the hitch set up and make sure everything is connected properly and in good working order. Check that your lights and signal flashers are working properly. A checklist is helpful for all of these items and more.

2. Be calm and focused. To this day, I make sure when I get in the truck to tow, I feel calm and focused. I like to sit for a couple of minutes and take a couple of deep breaths and clear my mind, while I have some sips of coffee. It's a big part of towing- to get your mind in the game, get excited for the trip, and to feel centered and calm. Breathe. This mindset with keep you cool and clear when you need to be. Once I'm on the road and on my way, I put on music and enjoy the ride, while staying focused.

3. Take your time. It's important that you don't feel rushed or pressure to go faster thank you're comfortable. The people behind you have a beautiful view! Go the appropriate and safe speed limit. People will pass you when they can. On some smaller roads, when you're able to safely pull over let others pass if there's a stack of cars beginning to form behind you. Be considerate.

4. Think ahead. Just as motorcyclists have to think and look ahead, so do you. Look far ahead down road in front of you and be aware of your fellow drivers around you. When towing, your lane changes and stopping are slower, so you need to think ahead for lane shifts, and slow down sooner. This will eventually come naturally. Sometimes I'll see truckers all merging into the next lane and I'll know that it is an exit only lane ahead or a short merge for entering traffic.

5. Fill up your gas at truck stops. This obviously depends on where you are traveling, but it you're on a route with truck stops, this will make entering and exiting the gas station much easier. Plus, they have some cool trucker stuff in some of the stores. If you don't have truck stops available, look for gas stations with plenty of space to pull in and out of.

6. Bring along a happy co-pilot. You'll likely be nervous behind the wheel the first few times. Bring along that someone who is encouraging and supportive (and perhaps brave) to be your navigator and cheerleader. If this is your dog, that that works too!

7. Have good tow mirrors on your vehicle so you have the best visibility possible.

8. Check your tire pressure on your tow vehicle and trailer before you head out. Inflate as necessary.

9. Take your turns wider. The trailer tracks tighter on turns, so check your mirrors and swing the turn(s) wider than you would if you didn't have a trailer in tow. Again, check your mirrors through the turn.

10. Put your hand on the base of the steering wheel when backing up the trailer. The direction you move your hand on the wheel is the direction the back of the trailer will move. It's easy to over think it. Do this, it works.

11. Ask for help if you need it. There's no shame in asking someone to help spot you when backing up, you may even make a friend. Ask them to use hand gestures you can see in your side view mirror. Have them tell you what the direction the back of the trailer should go (not which way to cut the wheel- that only gets confusing). Fellow Airstreamer, Neil Holman posted on my Facebook page: "Please do ask for assistance, especially when backing up. RV folks love to help...they were beginners once".

12. Enjoy the Ride! That's the whole point, isn't it? Thank the ones who are joining you, take in the sights (while keeping your eyes on the road), and be darn proud of yourself for rising up to the challenge of towing- facing your fear and doing it anyway. This new skill will lead you (and your trailer) to many beautiful places and experiences.

And there you have it. You've got this! Practice in a big wide empty parking lot to start. Drive around your neighborhood when you're comfortable (depending where you live!), soon you'll be ready to get on the road- we'll be cheering you on all the way!

(For you experienced trailer friends reading this, if there are any tips you'd like to add for a newbie reading this, please do. This is a growing list and we can all learn from each other's experiences).

Business, renovation and design

2014-03-11T14:01:00.001-07:00

Material samples for a new mobile project.

So much to blog about...

Things have been busy helping run Airstream 2 Go, my own business Silver Trailer, designing our recent fourplex fixer upper purchase in downtown Las Vegas, a new look for my Airstream Betty Jane Bambi II, and taking on an exciting new mobile design project for a client. I think I know why I haven't had much time to blog! It's nice to have some topics to blog about- I'd love to share them with you. I'm envisioning some blogging time back in Lotus from our sweet little bungalow overlooking the river. I hope you're enjoying March and taking on some fun projects too...

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

2014-01-31T12:47:00.001-08:00

Happy Chinese New Year, Friends!

I hope this Year of the Horse is good to you and those you love.

xoxo,

Kristiana & Silver Trailer

see you at Alt Summit SLC!

2014-01-20T11:28:00.001-08:00

I'm packing up and getting ready to head out to Alt Summit in Salt Lake City for all things blog, branding, social media and more. I'm carpooling with Lauren Thorp of the creative company Umba.
Should be a fun and fabulous week that will kick my blogging butt into gear. Looking forward to endless inspiration and insight!

Eriba Familia photo shoot

2013-12-16T08:55:00.000-08:00

Hello from Calabasas, California!

Beebo on the set of a photo shoot with Nordstrom

I'm here for a photo shoot with Nordstrom for their BP line. They've chosen Beebo, my German made 1965 Eriba Familia for the shoot and he looks adorable! Add some even more adorable models, cute clothes and vintage props and that makes for some great imagery.

Normally I keep these shoots under wraps, but the social media team for Nordstrom was here posting sneak peeks on their Instagram, so I got the go ahead to share a sneak peek too. You'll have to wait to see the model images…worth the wait, I promise!

Detail shot- love it!

Mansion at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas, CA

We're shooting at King Gilette Ranch in Calabasas. What a great place to spend the day. This place has an interesting history. Before the shoot today I drove around Malibu Canyon and past the ranches of Calibasas. Big livin'! I love where my silver trailer rentals take me- places I may not have ever seen in my lifetime otherwise. Meeting new people and seeing prop styling in action is icing on the cake.

I'll update this post with the final images and links when the time comes. In the meantime, you can get a peek at Norstrom's Facebook page. Happy travels, friends!

Update:

Here's a link to the adorable final Nordstom BP Spring Break Video. It is so sweet!

Life Is Beautiful festival in downtown Las Vegas

2013-11-14T10:27:00.000-08:00

Betty Jane gets ready to party at Life Is Beautiful

Downtown Las Vegas just played hostess to the first ever Life Is Beautiful festival, and what a hostess she was! The LIB team did an amazing job building the event and taking care of every minute detail- not an easy task! The festival was a huge success that encapsulated music, art, performance, and the best food I've ever had at a festival, that's for sure! My Airstream Bambi II, Betty Jane was a part of the Dolce Vita VIP party at the Stitch Factory, and Airstream 2 Go was a sponsor of the event.

Silver Trailer at the Dolce Vita event at Stitch Factory

Grills and Guitars was one of my favorite events- delish!

Mural artists flew in from all over the world to do their thing on the facade of many abandoned hotels and casinos.

Mural by Vhils / Alexandre Farto

Alison in front of a 3D mural by Aware

On top of it all, one of my best buds, Alison Turner, and her pup Max came to visit and we had fun urban camping on the Airstream 2 Go lot- right across from the 2nd stage.

Urban camping with Alison & Maxie

Fifteen square blocks transformed downtown Las Vegas for the week before and during the festival. It was and exciting peek at the optimistic future of downtown.

Day after the festival. Looking forward to next year!

A huge thank you to all of the efforts that went into making this festival so incredible!

I encourage you to check it out next year, you'll be glad you did!

vintage find: streamline desk

2013-11-11T11:56:00.000-08:00

As much as I'm trying not to purchase vintage items these days to keep things minimal... there's possible news that leads me to not be able to help myself... I'll keep you posted, of course!

Last weekend, on our visit home to El Dorado County, I headed out for vintage inspiration. I came across this sweet little desk and it took my breath away, literally.

I made that happy gasp inhale sound- the sound you make when something is "IT". That's how I know I love something 100%, when it's absolutely perfect. It doesn't happen all the time, when it has, those are the items that I love and have had for the long haul. Seriously, pay attention to your happy gasp, that's when you'll know you really love something.

I had no idea where I'd put this little pretty desk, but the price was too good to pass up.
So what if someone asked if "perhaps I was developing a "desk fetish?". Maybe...
I went for it, and I'm so glad I did! We loaded it into the van for drive back to downtown Vegas. When it was time to unload little greenie, I thought, "let me just see if it fits in Betty Jane", not knowing where the heck else I would put it. G helped me unload and move the desk into the Airstream and voilá! She's a great fit! I gave her a good scrub down- she could be refinished to her original color, but she's a looker as-is too. It was fun to have posted the "before" photo on Instagram and a photo later of her in my Airstream. Nice to have friends part of the process!

Little greenie inside Betty Jane, Airstream Bambi II

I've been wanting to change up the look in my little Bambi II since she moved to Vegas. While I love her rustic modern look, I've also been wanting a little something to reflect her new city girl identity. I can't wait to style out the rest of Betty Jane with some more of my mid-century goodies!

unique sailboat bar

2013-09-29T10:28:00.001-07:00

I spent this morning with my sister friend, Nan and her pup, Mei Li. We walked around Ossining, NY and made the prediction that it's the next Hudson line neighborhood to be discovered and become a hot spot like our home town of Tarrytown, NY. We walked down to the train station and the Ossining Boat Club. I stopped in my tracks when I laid my eyes on this sailboat bar.

It's simply done and such a fun concept. You want a boat and a slip, but you don't want to commit to the investment. Come down to the Boat Club, have a cocktail and imagine it's your own personal slip. Works for me! Hopefully we'll head back down this evening for an imaginary sail.

I'm now a bit fixated on visiting other unique watering holes. Let me know if you have one to recommend...!

projecteo

2013-09-09T13:38:00.001-07:00

Say hello to my little friend… Projecteo!

Projecteo makes himself at home in Vegas

I am in love with this little guy. I want to build a miniature Airstream so I can have miniature slide shows inside of it.

Projecteo's side view

This is a combination of an old school View Master, a slide projector, and Instagram photos all in one adorable little package. Projecteo was sweet enough to send me an invite to try one. I went to their site, accessed my Instagram photos and chose the ones I wanted to have on my mini reel. I decided I'd go with a Downtown Vegas theme and selected the photos I've taken since I've been here 7 months ago. My Projecteo soon arrived in the mail and it was even smaller than I expected. I have a soft spot for miniature cute things, who doesn't? (Giant clip not included).

It's a really simple assembly: Turn the projector over, slide off the battery cover, insert batteries, insert reel, find a dark space, turn on & enjoy!

Here are some of the images on my reel. I tried my best to get photos of them, they look better in person and on a smooth surface. How neat it was to see them illuminated!

These were projected on my bumpy wall. A nice smooth surface is best for a crisp image.

When not in use, I keep my little friend on my desk as a reminder to go out and explore, and enjoy my travels with my little friend when I return. Thank you, Projecteo!

you can be anything you want to be | super trailer toy

2013-08-29T09:02:00.001-07:00

On this Throwback Thursday I look to my grad school portfolio that helped shape my present lifestyle and Airstream obsession. Oh to have the time to fabricate one piece for hours and days and weeks on end. I made this piece called "Super Trailer Toy" in the style of Mr. Potato Head. It has attachable accessories: paddles, wings, skis, flippers and skis. This little guy can do it all- swim, ski and fly! Let it be a reminder to you that you can be anything you want to be!

J.Ho

2013-08-15T22:12:00.001-07:00

We just wrapped up an amazing 3 day party with J.MAK. I'm his biggest new fan, his energy and lust for life is amazing and his branding efforts are endless. He and I hosted a party at Airstream 2 Go's Airstream, placed at our Downtown Project friends' Gold Spike Hotel. We had a great time.

Today I went by the hotel to remove the J.MAK stickers from the Airstream. I started from right to left. My buddy Don came up as I was peeling away. We chatted as he helped me remove the stickers. I paused and looked up and the letters remaining were J.HO. That made me smile, big time, especially since I've missed her like crazy with all of my joys I want to share with her. The higher my excitement, the more obvious the void. Even the void of her sweet comments on my blog is evidence that my larger than life cheerleader is missing.

Next month will be a year without my lifetime soul sister since two years old, Jeannette Acacia Ho, "J.Ho" . I don't often post emotional things on this blog, yet I'm moved when friends share things on theirs, like Jeannette did. She put it all out there and she did it with humor, dignity and grace. It takes courage to feel vulnerable, doesn't it? It's been too painful to reveal even with all of those days and months behind me, behind all of us who knew and loved her. It's moments of peeling stickers with friends that reveal that she is always with us, in mind, heart and spirit. Sending love to all of you who feel that void for for the ones who will always be a part of you. They make you want to make every single day count, don't they? Everyone I know who knew and loved Jay say they want to be a better person because of her. She radiated love, compassion, kindness, fun. She had a true connection with everyone she met by lifting each person up one by one, by really seeing and loving each and every person she knew.

P.S. I couldn't bring myself to peel those last letters off, so they're there to stay until Sept. 13th. It makes me smile to know that she still shines, even with people that never knew her. As I write this from inside the Airstream this evening, a band plays just outside the door, as the audience and I listen and enjoy. In their peripheral vision, J.HO is there.

I love it.

Betty Jane & the Neon Museum

2013-08-09T11:09:00.000-07:00

Betty Jane, 1964 Airstream Bambi II ready to head to the Neon Museum

Betty Jane and I are giddy with excitement about her big debut in Vegas.

She's been hired for a music video at the Neon Museum!!

A vintage Airstream + vintage neon signs? Oh wow, someone pinch me- this is a dream come true!

Las Vegas Market 2013

2013-08-05T18:45:00.001-07:00

Last week was the Las Vegas Market, a furniture, home decor and gift show. The Design Center is within walking distance of my apartment, so I was able to cruise right on over and not think about parking. I am thrilled about having this show so close by and am already looking forward to the January show! Meeting Emily Henderson and attending the From Blogs to Business seminar with some of the top interior stylists (Coco+Kelley, The Decorista, Rue Magazine and Dallas Shaw) must have set something in motion, because as soon as I got back to my apartment, I got a call about a very exciting design job. Designing in Vegas, Baby!!

guest post: KC Owens on budget travel tips for college students

2013-07-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

As much as I love towing a silver home on wheels on many of my adventures, sometimes I get nostalgic about the "backpacking days" of my younger days. My post on my minimal packing trip to Denmark inspired college student, KC Owens to email me about doing a guest post on his tips for traveling light. May I kindly introduce, KC Owens and his guest post:

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How Budget Minded College Students Can Save Big Bucks on International Travel

College can be an incredibly stressful experience for students. Sometimes it seems like the assignments, studying and tests never stop. Enjoying yourself is essential if you're going to survive your time in school, but the lack of money enjoyed by most college students means that options are limited. Personally, I save money and make the most of my time with international travel on school breaks. Every chance I receive, I have adventures around the world without breaking the bank. Some people are amazed that I can afford to do this, but it's actually very easy. Here's a look at how I do it.

Items to Bring

When you're packing for extended trips to forgotten corners of the globe, it can be hard to choose what to bring and what to leave behind. The truth is that when you're living out of a backpack, you're going to have to rough it at least a little. Personally, I prefer to bring less stuff and enjoy the added mobility it gives me. There’s nothing worse than paying for extra baggage fees at the airport or train station so carrying one, small pack can save you some cash.

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You'll want to make sure you bring clothes appropriate to the climate or climates you'll be visiting. Good rain gear is essential if you're planning to hike or spend much time outdoors. Out of everything I pack, an ID wallet may be the most important. Thieves will have a harder time separating you from your passport, credit card and cash if you secure it inside a zipped fanny pack or pants pocket. I would recommend storing everything valuable in one of these and keeping it with you at all times. If you lose your passport, you can still get home by contacting the nearest embassy and explaining your situation; it may take a lot of paperwork, but you’ll get home.

Oswiecim, Poland

Paying for Your Travels

Traveling around the globe is bound to be expensive for anyone, let alone a college student. The fact is that while I might not have enough cash lying around to use on backpacking trips, I definitely have the option of borrowing to pay for travel. A travelers’ credit card makes this a breeze, and it's also safer than carrying cash because most pickpockets really only want cash and cameras. It’s also more convenient because it saves on currency exchanges when you’re moving from place to place.

However, not all cards are of equal value. Some cards are significantly more expensive than others, so it pays to do some research on student travel cards. These are designed for college-aged folks and they're not usually too strict when it comes to requirements. With this card in your pocket, you'll be free to concentrate on the experience of being in a strange land. You can pay back the costs over time later, when you'll have more time to work and pay off your bills. This is what I’ve done and it’s been great because I don’t need to wait until I have enough money up front.

View from Edinburgh Castle

Saving Money on Lodging

Accommodations can drain your budget quickly if you aren't careful about where you stay during your travels. To stretch my money as far as possible, I look for low-cost, high-value hostels in areas I'm considering. In fact, I use a phone app called Hostelworld to plan stays throughout my journey. It can be a real challenge finding affordable hostels in small cities, so it pays to start researching early. If you don't find one early enough, you could end up sleeping in a bus station (been there, done that).

There are a few qualities that make certain hostels preferable to others. The ability to check in 24 hours a day is essential because if you were to show up at late at night at a hostel without 24-hour check in, you'd be homeless for the night. Wi-Fi is another valuable option offered by more hostels nowadays. By connecting to the hostel's Wi-Fi signal through your laptop, you can update your social media profiles and send emails to friends and family to let them know how much fun you're having on your travels. Many hostels also offer student discounts so be sure to bring your ID to save some extra cash on food and drinks!

KC Owens has written and submitted this article. KC is a college student who loves traveling, college life, fitness and a good survival kit. He enjoys studying different cultures, meeting new people and leaving his footprint somewhere most people only read about.