A little chat in the Caravan (Bertha) - we're ready to go!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 มิ.ย. 2024
- How I got on with the Towing course and kitting out our very first Caravan.
I've linked what I can below, not everything is still available but you might find it in your local store.
Hope you enjoy it. xx
Dunelm:
Small Grey Woven Storage Basket
www.dunelm.com/product/small-...
Acrylic Salad Bowl:
www.dunelm.com/product/ribbed...
Gingham Table Cloth
www.dunelm.com/product/sage-g...
Stick on hooks:
www.dunelm.com/product/addis-...
Shoe Rack:
www.dunelm.com/product/shoe-i...)
Potato Masher
www.dunelm.com/product/braban...
Rattan Basket:
www.dunelm.com/product/rattan...
Jar Scraper:
www.dunelm.com/product/handy-...
MATALAN:
Wire Storage Basket:
www.matalan.co.uk/black-slim-...
Muddle Mat:
www.matalan.co.uk/chevron-mud...
Square Muddle Mat:
www.matalan.co.uk/chevron-mud...
Acrylic basket:
www.matalan.co.uk/clear-acryl...
************************
Lightfeet Flip Flops:
** amzn.to/4aO2Xv3
I paid £25.42, but they are a bit more expensive at the moment.... no idea why.
Caravan Towing Instructor: Clive Winter
cwdrivertraining.co.uk
Instagram: helenmaryjohello
Website: helenmaryjo.com
Cameo: v.cameo.com/e/wkPdCAzr2Hb
Jewellery: ** www.mounir.co.uk/collections/...
HMJ10 gives you 10% discount
** affiliate link
Oh my goodness, you are so talented being able to make those cushions and curtains! And all the lovely piping around the edge… I wish I Could be that creative😮
Ah, thank you xx
Hi Helen, can't wait to see you drive out in "Bertha" . Gosh you seem very organised. You are so talented making all the curtains and cushions they look fab. Have a good week. Love from Rosie O 🏴
Thank you very much xx
We took our tourer to Blackpool a few years ago we had just set up and got the awning up ,sat down to have a cuppa when my husband saw an elderly gentleman running behind his caravan .My husband ran over to help and the man said"It's alright it's got a motor mover on it" he was holding the remote control. Well I was in stitches. Now we have one on ours it's a Godsend. Good Luck in Bertha.
😂😂😂😂😂🏴
Oh my goodness, that's hilarious xx
Caravan has been “Helened”! Looks lovely and modern now x
Thank you xx
My cousin and her husband in Edinburgh have had their caravan for years. They go all over the UK and to France. They take bicycles and ride for miles . They seem to have a very nice time and have all kinds of nice stories. They rep in their mid 70’s . When we visit from the states it would be nice to try the idea of someone driving it for you. The past 2 summers we have come over and rented a narrow boat. Reminds me of a caravan. This year we are renting one in Wales.
We do the same, off to the Moselle in Germany for a few weeks, do lots of cycling there all off road. Absolutely love caravanning in Germany and France
Sounds fab xx
Helen, you look radiant today.💕 🏴🏴
Ah, thank you xx
My mum did a towing course at the local agricultural college. Thought she would be towing a car and perhaps a horsebox, no it was a tractor and massive trailer. The guy said if you can do this you can do anything, learned to reverse etc. From then on she took over all the caravan driving.
Oh interesting. xx
Oh I like the idea of someone else towing your van to site and setting it up. That would have saved us no end of arguments! Some friends of ours who are a very chilled out couple have us in fits of laughter with some of their tales of towing.
I'll let you know.... eek! xx
Bertha looks a treasure. I can honestly say she is a ‘keeper’ lol. So pretty too. Enjoy making those memories. Thanks for sharing Helen xx
Thank you xx
Hi Helen, the caravan is looking lovely you have given her those special Helen touches with the lovely curtains & cushions, love her name too "Bertha". I know You, Rob & the family are going to have happy & memorable times in her!! All we need now is some lovely sunny warm weather, "Happy Days"! Take care 💜 XX
Thank you very much xx
Bertha is a treasure have fun making memories.
Loved the vlog 😊❤
Thank you for sharing, Helen 😊❤
Glad you enjoyed it xx
Bertha’s looking great Helen. Well done for doing the towing course. We bought our first caravan in the 1970’s for £200 have upgraded several times & now we’re in our 70’s! Still itching to go away again though we don’t bother reversing onto site pitch we use the mover instead., it’s not worth the worry. It was the thing we argued about most, back a bit, right a bit me shouting orders to hubby, him shouting back. P.S. make a swear box, it won’t take long to fill! Happy camping x Jacqui
Good idea xx
We do need some sunshine - weather is pretty grim at the minute. I think a towing lesson is great. 😊 Thanks for sharing as always ❤❤❤❤xxxx
Thank you, sunny today TG xx
Love the Caravan the idea of knowing your own bed linen appeals to me. I’d be like you buying bits. Chance would be a fine thing I’m back in hospital Spinal surgery!!!!
Oh dear, hope you make a speedy recovery xx
Love the cushions and bunting along with your crafty ideas on the chopping board with tray.
Thank you xx
Oh Helen you’ve done such a lovely job with the curtains & cushions and I loved your personalized chopping board & tray very nice.
I use to be a home from home person when camping it all makes for an enjoyable time away from home when you have nice things around you.
Have a feeling you maybe on your travels now really hope your all enjoying yourself. 🚍
Thanks so much 😊 xx
Have a wonderful time. Take it easy ❤
Thank you xx
Hello Helen. The caravan looks so airy and put together but of course with you being the owner it would look inviting..love the basket and the shoes holder. The bucket is adorable and handy.Helen you are so very talented.
Ah, thank you xx
Fantastic updates . Love the upholstery. You could use your salad bowls as a cloche too 👏
Thank you xx
We have just got back from our holiday in Norfolk & Cambridgeshire in our caravan - called Peggy as she is a Bailey Pegasus!
We have a motor mover - brilliant piece of kit. One of our tow mirrors fell off on the way home - screws must have been faulty as we had done them up 3 times. I looked out of the window & just couldn't get the window down quick enough to catch it. Crashed on the road & there was nowhere to stop, so had to complete the rest of the journey with just the off side mirror on. Thank goodness that Amazon are quick at delivery. We now have the caravan cleaning to do before putting all the washed bedding etc back in.
Will you give up a look round the caravan please.
Okey dokey xx
Bertha! I had two consecutive library supervisors named Bertha in the 70s and 80s. Different library systems and totally different personalities.
Enjoy your Bertha. I hope you have many adventures together.
Thank you very much xx
I hope you had a lovely holiday in Ireland with your mum and sisters. Looking forward to hearing all about it. Dee
We did, and you will, thank you xx
Helen Bertha is looking fabulous, love the curtains bunting and cushions, well done. Love what you have done with your cricut machine. Still loving your facial expressions 😂 ❤x
Thank you xx
When my boys were in their teens we had a caravan. My husband hated every towing moment. We took it to Spain and got stuck in a French aire lorry parking air. My 15 year old (at the time) took the steering wheel from the passenger seat and got us out no problem - otherwise we’d still be there now! I used to love Dunelm, in the early days. It’s still quite good, but agree with everything you said about online ordering.
Oh my goodness, we'll have to see how we get on... I'll be letting you know! xx
I once wore a brand new white skirt,and caught it the first time I wore it,so I just sowed it up,and went with no one really looks at you.We have a store Target like the one you speak of,there you can order,and pick up somethings,some you order,and they deliver,some you order,and they ship,and some they don’t do any of that with,and you need to go to the store,and find it yourself.😊
You are right xx
I love the colours you used.So easy to live with. Enjoy making memories in Bertha.❤
Thank you so much! xx
It’s all looking lovely. The interior looks much brighter now. My tailor’s dummy is called Bertha 😃
Haha, snap xx
I think the tablecloth looks lovely and I hope you find the shoe storage useful, thanks for sharing x
Thank you! 😊 xx
You had me giggling at Berthas bucket, my husband has a habit of using the nearest item he can find, regardless of where it’s from, it drives me nuts 🤣 🤣🤣
Snap! xx
Your 'cabin crew' remark tickled me too Helen - love your random thoughts 😂
I never knew I had so many until I started sharing them! haha xx
Bertha looks well set up Helen. I’m so pleased for you. I love the colour scheme you’ve gone for and how fab do the curtains look what a difference. You’ll soon get the hang of reversing. Just a few practices and you’ll be fine. Hope you are enjoying Ireland with your Mum. Hope your Mum is enjoying it. She’s probably loving being with her daughters. Thanks Helen take care
We've had a wonderful time xx
😊 thank.u lovley vblog heles beles 😊
Helen you have such a zest for life which is an inspiration to me and I'm sure the other HBs. You remind me of my late sister who was very pragmatic and just forged ahead no matter what life threw at her. Her name was Roberta and an old aunt of ours always called her Berta and although not quite Bertha, I was chuffed to hear your caravan's name. Like you she would've attempted to tow and not be fazed by it. You've made a lovely job of the interior and some great bits and bobs. Love what you did with the tray and the board. Nice touches. Look forward to hearing about yours and Rob's (and Dolly) adventures. Happy travels. X
Thank you very much xx
Bertha looking good very modernised It takes me back to being a child my parents had tourer when we were kids and my grandparents bought a static we have great memories and photos my mum told me my gran was looking after us to let them out and a storm hit my gran was trying to hold down the awning and me and my sister were jumping all over the caravan when they returned happy memories 😊
How lovely xx
Love the chat Helen, hope Bertha and Rob feel the same when you are towing🤣🤣. Are you going to let Rob have a go at towing or are you in charge of that. Loved the pieces you bought for Bertha happy caravanning.❤️❤️
I plan to do most of the driving as I usually do xx
Really enjoyed the video Helen it’s the way you show all the good things you buy it’s all so exciting preparing for your new adventure which I know you will really love, Bertha will bring so much happiness good luck to you and Rob xxx
Thank you very much xx
You have made Bertha beautiful with the curtains and cushions.
Loved the chopping board and tray.
Another great video
Thank you very much xx
My most favorite flip flops that I live in are the Crocs. I bought a black and white pair from Amazon. Nice haul…
I've got Crocs flip flops too. Expensive to buy but comfortàble and long lasting.
The soft furnishings you’ve made for your caravan are lovely. What a difference they’ve made. We’ve got a caravan and I’m really interested to hear about yours and everything you’re doing to it and with it. I can’t wait to see your travels too. Have fun. xx
Ah, thank you xx
I love the caravan decor, and I’m chuckling about rob taking you buckets. I find my kitchen scissors in the garage.
Me too. Best knives as well🤬
Me too! When he can't find the scissors he's misplaced, he uses the knives!
Apparently, many are the same! xx
Love the caravan Video keep it up please 💖
Thank you, I will xx
I always have the caravan table in the awning with a table cloth on it. lovely to have things nice. Also some solar fairy lights for around the outside of the awning
Sounds great! xx
❤️
Everything looks terrific Helen. Loving the collapsible bucket and the masher.
Yes the Caravan looks so nice.
Thank you xx
❤❤❤
Love seeing how you have kitted out Bertha😊 Definitely think you’ll have one of the best setups on any of the sites you visit, especially love the personal touches 🫶Enjoy your adventures in Bertha 💕
Thank you very much xx
Another great vlog.
Thank you very much xx
Betha looking great, thank you for sharing 😊
Thank you xx
Nice ideas for hour caravan. Looking forward to hearing of your adventures.xx
Thank you xx
Great to see all Yr bits and bobs for the van. Hope you get away soon to enjoy all Yr new purchases
That's the plan xx
Thank you for sharing your caravan purchases!! It looks lovely!! Xx
Thank you very much xx
Bertha looks great Helen ❤
Thank you xx
All looks fab, well done with the towing and sewing and keep tickling us all!
Thank you, I will xx
We love caravanning. We use Duvalay toppers on our beds. 😊
Nice xx
As always a nice chat. Thank you Helen, with time you will find what is practical in the caravan. You can have everything, i had real porceline and glass and it worked. But the more baskets a buckets you have the better.❤
Yes! Thank you! xx
Happy days Helen ,ENJOY your adventures with Bertha x😀
Thank you xx
Love your “bletherings” and stories Helen - you’re fab and as I’ve said before you do make me giggle. Looking forward to hearing about Bertha’s adventures. Mary (Scottish Hel’s Belle living in France) 🤗👍😂
Thank you Mary xx
It’s all looking great Helen…….love your chatty videos! X
That's lucky! haha xx
Great job on Bertha she looks so much brighter. I’m sure you and your family will have lots of fun and adventures in her. I like caravans we had statics when I was growing up in Wales for years lots of happy memories with my grandparents. My hubby on the other hand hates them for some reason calls them sheds on wheels 😮 x
Oh dear, we'll have to see how we get on. xx
You really make my day Helen x
Oh, that's nice xx
Hi Helen, I’ve really enjoyed watching you fit out Bertha 😊. Everything you have made looks amazing - I admire your skills. Wishing you and your family many happy caravan holidays ahead xx
Thank you very much xx
My husband went on the caravan clubs towing course including the dreaded reversing.he had much more confidence after that.we had a few school boy errors over the years so don’t panic
I guess everyone does xx
Hi Helen enjoyed the chat as always enjoy your caravan as we do ❤
Thank you xx
The shoe storage units from Dunelm were a very good idea. Might try some myself. I love watching TH-camrs showing useful bits they've bought, probably would have missed some very useful items. ❤
Thank you xx
Lovely vlog Helen Bertha is looking soooo good happy hols xx
Thank you very much xx
100% on the Lightfeet flip flood Helen. I have them in black and they always come on holidays - great bit of arch support for flip flops
Absolutely xx
Hi Helen, thank you for the chat about your caravan goodies haul. I have purchased the flip-flops you showed from Amazon at the same price you bought them. They seem ideal! Also the shoe storage which I have been searching for, thank you. Good luck with the caravan reversing, sure you will crack it 😊. Have a great time when you take Bertha out for a holiday with Rob ❤x
Thank you very much xx
When i come to visit, ill be happy to sleep out in bertha. 😂love the decor ❤
It's a date! xx
Great vlog we love to caravan too, hope you have some fun times with your Bertha. A tip you may like is we use suction hooks from ikea on the outside of the caravan inside the awning great for damp coats hats etc also I hang my peg bag there. Your so brave to do the towing I don’t think I would ever have the nerve so well done you 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼😁
Good idea xx
Thanks for the interesting video. My friend has 3 horses and she’s excellent at driving the horse box (her husband says she’s better than him!) and she’s also a dab hand with car and trailer. You’ll get there, as they say “practice makes perfect”! X
Always.
Thank you xx
Lovely video Helen ,
Always great to see what you are up to .
Love all the things you have bought for Bertha ‘
It’s looking great,
Take care xx
Thanks so much xx
I bet you were so excited to buys some bits for your caravan i would lovevto do that 😂 love your tshirts Helen. X
Thank you very much xx
Hi Helen. Bertha is looking so cosy and definitely has the Helen touch now - love the curtains and cushions. My hubbie and I have a small trailer which we use now and again and it’s not easy to tow round corners or in reverse so I can imagine a caravan is even more difficult. What a great idea to have an expert to teach you and it seems you’ve done really well. Sadly, I can’t wear any sandals that go between my toes as bunions bring the toes closer together and flip flops just take too long to get on and off! Whatever, I hope you and the family have many enjoyable times with Bertha in tow !! 💖🌸
Thank you very much xx
Hi Helen. Just catching up with your vlog. Love your caravan. Love the flip flops ❤❤
Thank you xx
Hello Lovely Helen, as an avid caravanner I'm loving your set up and pure joy in your van.
Quick comment re your lovely rugs, rubber backing is not recommended for caravan floors as it can permanently discolour the vinyl (yellows it), hession backed rugs and mats are best. Just something to consider. Happy travels and adventures, you've opened up a whole exciting new world for yourselves. xxx
Our vinyl is not great anyway, but I'll put some mesh under it to be on the safe side. Thank you xx
BIG Bertha 😂.. Lovely furnishings ❤
...dont keep your foot on the break.. like I did once, hated it, overheated my car🚘 YES Dunelm is wierd..
Thank you xx
Hi Helen. I really enjoyed your vlog and your lovely purchases. Would be lovely for you to do some vlogs while you are out and about in your van. We have a motorhome so you never know one day we could be on the same park as you, you will enjoy the van life maybe not at first, i didnt like the motorhome when we first started going on caravan parks, i had been to used to going on cruises and lovely hotels, but love the camping life now, so much more relaxing, your very own little hotel on wheels xx ❤️❤️❤️
Sounds good, I'm hoping to do both.... greedy aren't I! xx
@@Helenmaryjo ha ha, no not really xx❤️❤️❤️
Halo Helen. Très beau wkend avec Bertha, très cocooning, j' adore ! ❤❤❤
Merci xx
Love that you’ve named the caravan Bertha😅😅❤. It’s all looking great Helen, this was a fun little video😊😊 xx
Thank you very much xx
Thanks for sharing. Your Bertha looks so pretty. This blooming weather I have brought so many summer clothes and wonder if I will get any use out of them. We had over 5 months of building work from May to October last year and every single day except one in October when it rained was warm and sunny. 🤪
Sunny here today, TG xx
Looking forward to seeing all your travels Helen. You should have named her Bertha Belle😁 x
Good idea xx
Beautiful Bertha. I may try the flip.flops. I'm a sucker for Haivanas and I guess they're probably not so good for our feet, posture etc. I just love the range of cours😊
These are so good, Katie has bought them too, after not being able to wear normal flip flops as they gave her 'shin splints. xx
Another pair of shorts Helen x God bless x
Thank you xx
Hi Helen , I think you are very brave learning to tow your van , no way would I have ever done that , we now have a Motor van , I won’t even drive that .
Hope you enjoy it , have you joined the caravan club yet , some are very nice , we prefer the CL sites , not too many on those . Your van looks very cosy 👍. Enjoy .
We'll see how I get on, I'll report back. xx
When I picked up my trailer, I had never towed before. I was like a shark- I only go forward, for the next 1,500 miles to home!
Eek, sounds like a plan! haha xx
Hi Helen, that was fun. You are so talented with your tie backs, piped cushions, bunting, chopping board/tray etc. Glad your towing class was successful ….dont fancy the reversing though. Is Dolly a good traveller and will she be in the car or in Bertha? I love Dunelm and their sale is great but so annoying when you check out to find that items can’t always be delivered. Wishing you and your family happy travels.
Thank you, Dolly will be in the car to travel xx
You are such a busy person, Helen.
Not really.... I don't think anyway xx
Cosier than a hotel x ❤x
Thank you xx
Hi Helen
Thank you for your tale of towing the caravan. So funny lol.. I can understand bout the caravan being towed as I would be the same as you. Has Rob finished work yet ?
All the best on your caravan venture xx
Thank you very much xx
HB. Thanks, Helen, it rather looks as though you have fallen for Bertha in a big way! Enjoy your trips - I don’t envy you the reversing; not my strong point!
I love a project! We'll see how we get on xx
Love your T-shirt Helen, where is it from please? So pleased for you and your family now Bertha is good to go!
Try Birkenstock… excellent-are a bit more expensive but last sooooo long. (for help with Plantar fasciitis)😊❤x
Thanks for sharing Bertha! (And the navy T-shirt🤦🏼♀️)
Sunshine Tee is from M and S, Smiling is from Tu at Sainsbury's. I have Birkenstock but not so good when the ground is wet. xx
Bertha is looking lovely you have done very well . I cant wait for you to take us on your first trip in her. Loving the basket from Dunelm, would it take a couple of rolled up throws for chilly nights sat outside the caravan.x
I've got the throws already xx
Good luck for your 😅trip out with Bertha 😅.
Thank you xx
Bertha what a great name👍you are going to have a great time in your caravan, Reversing is somthing I don't like now, so you are doing really Helen , I liked your haul not in your hall😃 especially the flip flops😃 roll on your next video ❤
Thank you very much xx
The reversing would be my problem. Id drive to Cork and turn around before i would reverse.😂
Haha, I'll let you know! xx
We used to have a caravan, I would tow but never got the hang of reversing.
We'll have to see xx
In the US, stealth boasting is called a “flex”. Like showing off by flexing your muscles.
I swear by Vionic shoes. I bought mine on QVC which meant if they didn't work I could send them back as they have a 60 day money back guarantee, even if you have worn them. xx
Love your 'sunshine' tee shirt! Where did you buy it?
It was from M and S last year. Our boat is called Sunshine.... xx
Hi Helen, you bought and made so nice stuff for your Bertha ❤ I wish you and your family lots of wonderful trips in this lovely caravan 😊☀️💕 xx
Ah, thank you xx
I love all the pillows and DIY things you've done for the caravan with the repeat of the cute floral fabric. You are extremely talented! I'm interested in the bunting - I think that's what you called the little triangular pennants. I see those so much around British homes, and we don't see it in the US. Do you know where this comes from? I have a fascination with terms that are different in the US/UK. For example, camper/caravan!
We have campers too, they are the ones where its all one unit. Caravans are the ones that are detached and get towed
I think bunting has been used for many years to decorate in the Summer particularly, usually made from fabric scraps. Caravan is on a trailer, camper is integral engine.
Thank you xx