My Must-Have Beauty Items for Life on the Road

Hey gorgeous friends!

Amanda here — your Craftin’ Wife — and today I’m sharing my ride-or-die beauty essentials. Living full-time in an RV means I have to be extra picky about what goes in my makeup bag. Space is tight, and my routine has to be quick, easy, and adaptable to all kinds of weather, lighting, and life-on-the-go chaos.

Here’s a list of the products I can’t live without — compact, versatile, and perfect for tiny-living beauties like me!

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💧 1. Tinted Moisturizer with SPF

Why I love it: It evens out my skin tone, adds hydration, and protects me from the sun — all in one step. No need for foundation or separate sunscreen!

My pick: Anything with SPF 30+, light coverage, and a dewy finish.

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💖 2. Cream Blush Stick

Why I love it: Doubles as blush and lip color. It blends easily with fingers, saves space, and gives me a healthy, natural glow even when we’re dry camping in the desert.

Bonus: Some work as eyeshadow too!

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🖌️ 3. Brow Pencil or Gel

Why I love it: Defined brows make me feel polished with very little effort. A tinted brow gel adds hold and color without needing precision.

RV tip: Brow pencils are heat-friendly. Gels? Store in a cooler cabinet to avoid melting.

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👁️ 4. Mascara (Waterproof if You’re Adventurous!)

Why I love it: Even when I’m makeup-light, mascara makes my eyes pop and helps me feel more awake.

On humid days or hiking trips, waterproof = lifesaver.

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💄 5. Tinted Lip Balm

Why I love it: Keeps my lips soft and adds a pop of color. Perfect for casual days or layering under lipstick when I want a bolder look.

RV fave: Stick to sheer berry or nude — goes with everything!

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🌬️ 6. Setting Spray

Why I love it: Helps my makeup last all day and adds hydration when my skin’s feeling dry from too much A/C or sun.

Pro tip: Choose one that doubles as a refreshing face mist.

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🧽 7. Micellar Water + Reusable Cotton Rounds

Why I love it: Cleanses gently with no rinsing — perfect for water-saving RV nights. I keep a travel bottle in the bathroom and one in my makeup kit.

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🧳 8. Travel-Size Makeup Brushes

Why I love them: They’re compact, easy to clean, and just the right size for small spaces. I keep 3 or 4 essentials in a pouch — no more, no less.

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🎒 9. Multi-Use Palette

Why I love it: A small palette with neutral shadows, a highlighter, and blush saves me from packing individual compacts. Less bulk, more beauty.

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🌞 10. Dry Shampoo or Refresh Spray

Why I love it: RV shower days don’t always happen on schedule — but I can still look put-together. A quick spritz fluffs things up in seconds.

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🪞Bonus Item: Compact Mirror with Light

Why I love it: RV lighting is... not great. A good mirror with built-in light makes all the difference when applying makeup in dim corners or early mornings.

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These beauty items are my holy grail staples — functional, space-saving, and perfect for staying glam without overstuffing the bathroom cabinet. Whether you're in an RV, a hotel, or just want to simplify, these picks get the job done!

What’s YOUR must-have beauty item? I’d love to know what makes your list!

Stay fabulous,
Amanda, The Craftin’ Wife 💖

 

Beginner Cricut Project: Personalized Vinyl Decal for Your Water Bottle

Hey crafty friends!

Amanda here, your Craftin’ Wife, ready to guide you through a super fun and easy beginner Cricut project: making a personalized vinyl decal for your water bottle (or laptop, tumbler, basically anything you want to decorate!).

This project is perfect if you’re new to Cricut or just want a quick, satisfying craft to jump into. Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need:

• Cricut machine (Explore Air series, Maker, or Joy all work great)

• Permanent adhesive vinyl (any color you like)

• Transfer tape (to move your decal from vinyl to your surface)

• Weeding tool (to remove the excess vinyl)

• A clean water bottle, tumbler, or smooth surface to decorate

• Cricut Design Space software (free and easy to use!)

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Step 1: Design Your Decal

Open Cricut Design Space and either choose a ready-made design from the library or create your own text-based decal. For beginners, typing your name, a fun phrase, or a simple icon is a great start.
Tip: Use a simple font like Arial or something cursive and clear.

Step 2: Prepare to Cut

Load your vinyl onto a Cricut cutting mat with the shiny side down (the side with adhesive faces up). Load the mat into your Cricut machine.

Step 3: Cut Your Design

In Design Space, select “Make It” and follow the prompts to cut your design. The Cricut will do the rest — cutting precisely around your design.

Step 4: Weed Your Vinyl

Once cut, carefully peel away the excess vinyl around your design using your weeding tool. Take your time to get the little details right!

Step 5: Apply Transfer Tape

Cut a piece of transfer tape slightly larger than your design and peel off the backing. Place the tape over your weeded vinyl design, pressing firmly so it sticks.

Step 6: Transfer Your Decal

Peel the backing paper from the vinyl (the vinyl design should stick to the transfer tape). Position your decal on the clean surface of your water bottle or tumbler, then press down firmly and smooth out bubbles.

Step 7: Remove Transfer Tape

Slowly peel away the transfer tape, leaving your vinyl decal perfectly stuck on your item.

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And voilà! You’ve just made a personalized vinyl decal with your Cricut. It’s easy, fun, and makes your everyday items uniquely yours.

Want to see a video walkthrough or get a free printable checklist for this project? Just let me know!

Happy crafting,
Amanda, The Craftin’ Wife 💖

 

Finding Room for Books (and Embracing Digital Reading Without Losing the Magic)

Hey there, fellow book lovers!

Amanda here — your Craftin’ Wife — and today I’m diving into a topic close to my heart: how to keep your love of reading alive when living in a tiny space… and how to balance real books with digital ones.

If you’re anything like me, your books are your best friends. There’s nothing quite like holding a real book — the feel of the pages, that cozy smell, the weight in your hands. Real books bring comfort and joy that screens just can’t replace.

But when you live in a space under 100 square feet (hello, RV life!), finding room for a growing collection can be tricky. I’ve had to get creative about storing my beloved paperbacks and hardcovers, and I’ve learned to embrace digital reading as a handy supplement.

Here’s how I make it work:

1. Creative Book Storage
I use vertical wall shelves, small baskets, and even the tops of cabinets to keep my favorite physical books close by without crowding the space. I rotate what’s out, keeping the current reads or sentimental favorites in easy reach, and store the rest safely away.

2. Embracing Digital Reads
E-readers and reading apps have become my go-to for travel days or when I want to explore new titles without adding bulk. Digital books let me carry an entire library in my pocket! Plus, many public libraries offer free e-books and audiobooks, which is a win for both the budget and space.

3. Keeping the Magic Alive
No matter how much I love digital reading, I still make room for real books — especially those special editions, gifts from friends, or titles that hold a piece of my heart. They remind me why I fell in love with reading in the first place.

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Finding this balance keeps my reading habit thriving without cluttering our tiny home. Whether it’s a well-loved paperback or a glowing screen, the important part is the joy of getting lost in a good story.

How do you balance your book collection with your living space? I’d love to hear your tips!

Happy reading,
Amanda, The Craftin’ Wife 💖

 

Crafting Magic with My Cricut: Why This Machine Is a Game Changer

Hello, crafty friends!

Amanda here — your Craftin’ Wife — and today I want to share one of my absolute favorite tools: my Cricut machine. If you love crafting but haven’t yet tried a Cricut, you’re in for a treat! This little machine has completely transformed how I create, making projects easier, more precise, and seriously fun.

What’s a Cricut, anyway?

Think of it as a magical cutting machine that can handle everything from paper and vinyl to fabric and iron-on transfers. You design (or choose from thousands of ready-made designs), load your material, and the Cricut does all the precise cutting or drawing for you.

Why I love crafting with my Cricut:

1. Precision and Professional-Looking Results
No more struggling with scissors or messy cutting! The Cricut’s accuracy means my projects always come out crisp and clean (ok, maybe not always... there's always a little room for user error, lol) — perfect for making gifts, decorations, or personalized items.

2. Endless Creative Possibilities
From custom decals and cards to home décor and even personalized makeup bags, the Cricut opens doors to projects I never thought I could tackle. Plus, the design software is super user-friendly.

3. Saves Time and Effort
Cutting intricate shapes by hand can be time-consuming and frustrating. With the Cricut, I get detailed cuts in minutes, leaving me more time to focus on the fun parts — like crafting and decorating!

4. Great for Beginners and Pros Alike
Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned crafter, the Cricut’s flexibility and community support make it easy to find inspiration and tips.

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If you’re curious about getting started with a Cricut, or want some easy beginner project ideas, I’m here to help! Crafting with this machine has truly added a new spark to my creative life, and I can’t wait to share more.

What would you love to make with a Cricut? Let me know in the comments!

Happy crafting,
Amanda, The Craftin’ Wife 💖

 

Makeup Essentials for Life on the Road: Staying Glam in an RV

Hey beauties!

Amanda here, your Craftin’ Wife, ready to talk about one of my favorite topics — makeup — but with a twist. Living in an RV means limited space, limited water, and limited time sometimes, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your beauty routine. With a little smart planning, you can keep your glam game strong on the road.

Here’s my list of makeup essentials that fit perfectly into RV life — compact, versatile, and totally effective:

1. Multi-Use Products

Look for products that do double (or triple) duty — think a tinted moisturizer with SPF, a blush that can double as lip color, or an eyeshadow palette that can create multiple looks without taking up space.

2. Compact, Travel-Friendly Packaging

I prefer smaller palettes and stick-form products because they’re easy to stash in limited storage and less likely to spill or break during travel.

3. Quality Tools in Mini Sizes

A few good brushes and tools go a long way. I keep a small brush roll with essentials like a blending brush, a flat eyeshadow brush, and a travel-sized beauty blender.

4. Makeup Remover Wipes

Water is precious on the road, so makeup remover wipes are a lifesaver for quick and gentle cleansing at the end of the day.

5. Setting Spray and Primer

Both are compact, travel-friendly, and make your makeup last longer even when the weather or your schedule gets unpredictable.

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Living in an RV doesn’t mean you have to compromise your self-care or style. With the right essentials, your makeup routine can be just as enjoyable and effective as it is at home.

What’s your must-have makeup product when traveling? I’d love to hear your favorites!

Stay glowing,
Amanda, The Craftin’ Wife 💖

Staying Organized in Under 100 Sq Ft

 

Staying Organized in Under 100 Sq Ft: Creative Living in a Tiny Space

Hi friends!

Amanda here, your Craftin’ Wife, and today I’m sharing one of the biggest challenges — and joys — of life on the road and in small spaces: staying organized when your entire living area is under 100 square feet.

Living small means every inch counts, and clutter can creep up fast if you’re not careful. But with a little planning, some crafty storage hacks, and a sprinkle of creativity, you can make even the tiniest space feel roomy, cozy, and totally functional.

Here are my top tips for staying organized in a compact space:

1. Use Vertical Space Like a Pro

When floor space is limited, look up! Wall-mounted shelves, hanging organizers, and pegboards are lifesavers for keeping your crafting tools, beauty supplies, and everyday items within easy reach — but off the counters and floors. (We're installing some real cabinets in Wilde's next upgrade, and we already know it's going to be a game changer!)

2. Multi-Use Storage Is Key

Invest in furniture or containers that do double duty. Think ottomans with hidden storage, stackable bins, or a rolling cart that can move wherever you need it. When your furniture works harder, your space feels bigger.

3. Keep It Simple and Curated

Less really is more in a small space. I regularly declutter and keep only the essentials and my favorite supplies close at hand. If you love it and use it, keep it. If it’s gathering dust, it might be time to say goodbye.

4. Create Zones for Different Activities

Even in tiny quarters, carving out little zones helps keep your space feeling organized. I have a small corner dedicated to crafting, a spot for beauty and makeup, and a comfy nook for reading and relaxing. It keeps my workflow smooth and the mess contained.

5. Label Everything

Clear containers and labels make finding what you need a breeze. Plus, it helps keep everything in its place — a big win when space is precious!

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Living small isn’t just about managing space — it’s about embracing a lifestyle where creativity and comfort thrive no matter the square footage. With a little ingenuity and a lot of love, your tiny space can be your favorite place to be.

What’s your best tip for organizing small spaces? I’d love to hear it!

Stay crafty and cozy,
Amanda, The Craftin’ Wife 💖

 

A bit over stuffed, my makeup kit.

Why a Well-Stocked Kit Is Your Best Creative Friend

Hey crafty friends!

Amanda here, your Craftin’ Wife, ready to talk about one of the most important secrets behind smooth, fun, and stress-free crafting and beauty sessions: having a well-stocked kit.

Whether you’re tackling a new DIY project, playing with makeup, or putting together a quick gift, having all your essential tools and supplies at your fingertips makes all the difference. Nothing kills the creative vibe faster than having to stop mid-project because you’re missing a key item or running low on your favorite products.

My Cricut Joy bag, in addition to an old shoe box serves as my craft kit.

Here’s why I believe every creative soul needs a thoughtfully stocked kit:

1. Saves Time and Keeps Your Flow Going

When everything you need is organized and ready, you can jump straight into the fun part—creating! No more frantic last-minute runs to the store or scrambling through clutter to find your glue stick or favorite brush.

2. Helps You Stay Inspired

A well-stocked kit means you always have the tools to try out new ideas when inspiration strikes. That tiny bottle of glitter glue, your go-to eyeshadow palette, or that perfect pair of scissors might just be the spark for your next masterpiece.

3. Makes On-the-Go Creativity Easy

Living life on the road or juggling a busy schedule? A portable, well-packed kit means you can craft or freshen up your look anytime, anywhere. I keep a travel-friendly version of my kit in our RV so creativity is never out of reach.

4. Cuts Down on Waste and Frustration

Having duplicates of your favorite staples—like quality brushes, adhesive, or skin-safe makeup remover—means you’re less likely to make do with less-than-ideal substitutes or toss half-finished projects.

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What’s in my kits?
My essentials include:

• Quality scissors and cutting tools

• Various adhesives (glue sticks, craft glue, tape)

• Assorted brushes and applicators

• A small palette of favorite makeup products

• Crafting basics like ribbons, beads, and a few seasonal accents

• And of course, a stash of my favorite glitter (the secure kind only!)

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Building your own kit doesn’t have to be overwhelming—start small, add what you love, and tailor it to your style and needs. Your creative self will thank you!

What’s one must-have in your kit that you can’t live without? Let me know in the comments!

Keep crafting with joy,
Amanda, The Craftin’ Wife 💖