What's the drawer under the oven for? When you started living on your own, did you ever do anything stupid? Like really, really stupid? I did and Sexy Nerd is never going to let me forget it. Geez, I was stupid. Perhaps I'm not the only one though. Let me ask you a question... What is this? (Photo from our 1st home:  https://www.kittydeschanel.com/2017/05/home-interior-decor-photos-kitchen-dining-room.html ) If you answered "I don't know what the heck that is," you'd better read on and learn from my mistake. I have a little disorder known as 'frugalitis'. Some people would insist that I'm just very cheap, but I assure you that it is a serious condition that's completely out of my control. I don't normally spend money on anything frivolous, but I love those little candy bars that used to go on sale for 10/$1. There are a lot to choose from. Kit Kats, Milky Ways, 100 Grands, etc. A few years ago, Hershey changed these to 8/$1...

Remember when we were building our NM dream home and I told you there are snakes in the trees ? Well, word has gotten out to the Red Racers and they are pissed. They're actively trying to break into our house to kill me.  There is a particular kind of optimism required to build your dream home in the high desert mountains of New Mexico. Not ordinary optimism. Delusional optimism. The kind where you stand on your future property, gaze dramatically toward the Sandia mountains, and say things like: I am one with nature. Inner peace. And, because I'm a Seinfeld fan, serenity now.  Nature hears me. Nature enjoys plotting practical jokes.  Most days, living up here between Albuquerque and Santa Fe is like a dream. Quiet mornings. Huge skies. Baby deer frolicking. It's very Snow White. Our home is the perfect setting to write, plan Airstream trips, and sit in the foyer pretending I am the sort of person who enjoys "the outdoors." We are not really homeowners...

Our last trip to the zoo together was so much fun. Today, let's visit Wildlife West in Edgewood, NM. Did you remember to dress in layers, put on gobs of sunscreen, bring an oversized hat, wear comfortable shoes, and protect your eyes with big, dorky sunglasses? No??  Wildlife West The best thing about Wildlife West is that all of the animals are rescued. It's easy to see that they're all well cared for. Well, okay, maybe not this fellow. This poor guy has some stress! I don't think it's the zoo's fault though. What does the owl say to us as we're leaving?  "T-HOO-da-loo!" Sorry. Wildlife West was a bad influence on me. Want to visit the Edgewood Zoo in person? Check Groupon - there's usually a great discount available!

Home base — Puffventure HQ We live in New Mexico. We've Airstreameed across it, wine-tasted our way through it, eaten green chile on everything it produces, and watched sunsets from our kitchen window that still make us stop and stare. This is our insider guide — not from someone who visited once, but from people who chose to stay. Airstreaming New Mexico: The Best Wineries and High-Desert Adventures New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment for a reason. We are a state with vivid landscapes, a unique culinary heritage, and some of the most friendly people you will ever meet. Our sunrises and sunsets aren't bad either. I still can't believe this is the view from my kitchen window. Here are our insider recommendations for where to go and where to eat while you are here — from two people who live in the high desert mountains outside Albuquerque and have spent years exploring every corner of this state in an Airstream. Visit New Mexico: The Complete Gui...