Welcome to the VanLife Newsletter: Edition 5

This week's newsletter is powered by @Vanlifepride. In honor of the beginning of Pride Month we are excited to share their page and create a more inclusive community.

1: Event Highlight: Descend on Lost Sierra

This past weekend DescendOnBend hosted their latest event, Descend on Lost Sierra. Lucky for us, we were there to witness an amazing event full of community, epic rigs, and beautiful live music. Below we wanted to share the highlights from our weekend and the amazing features of the event.

Event Management: 10/10

The staff of Descend are true professionals. From a flawless check in process, well run and timely schedule management, and some of the cleanest porta potties I have ever seen they exceeded expectations in all areas.

Entertainment: 10/10

In a post COVID world words cannot explain how great it was to come together and listen to 3 nights of beautiful music from the artist listed below. Do yourself a favor and give them all a follow!

@irawolfmusic

@leehenkemusic

@jamesrossimusic

@_quattlebaum

@jeremyelliottmusic

@bearmarketriot

@jennerfoxmusic

@nevercomedownband

Amenities: 10/10

It’s worth mentioning again that the porta potties were very clean! In addition to that, the location was perfect with biking and hiking trails on site, a beautiful barn for live music, the $20 all you can drink beers, on site coffee van (@autobahncoffee), sausage social, and a makers mart for handcrafted items made and sold by attendees.

Long story short, be sure to follow @descendonbend and make time to attend their future events.

2: SUSTAINABLE LIVING: 10 ECO-FRIENDLY TIPS TO REDUCE YOUR IMPACT from Bearfoot Theory

We wanted to share this important article from Bearfoot Theory with our community. Be sure to follow and support their work.

"Small actions taken by many can have large impacts. Sustainable living is key for signaling what kind of world we want to live in."

https://bearfoottheory.com/sustainable-living-eco-friendly-tips/

3: VanLife Recipe: Sausage, White Bean and, Kale Soup

Brooke, @pettyprinethepromaster, is back this week with another delicious recipe. Check it our and tag us when you make it.

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp oil

2 links Italian sausage (make it vegan - @fieldroast Italian Garlic and Fennel Sausage is perfect!)

1 small white onion, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 cup vegetable broth (*pro tip, use bouillon cubes or paste to save space in the van)

2 cans Great Northern beans

1 can coconut milk

2 cups kale, chopped (try Lacinato kale if you're feeling fancy!)

Salt

Pepper

Instructions:

Sauté onions in oil until translucent. Mix in the sausage, and grind it up the best you can. When sausage starts to brown, add garlic and sauté about 30 seconds. Pour in vegetable broth, then add both cans of Great Northern beans. Stir in coconut milk and generous amounts of salt and pepper*. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and add in the chopped kale. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Let stand to thicken. Enjoy!

*I add in a heaping teaspoon of Italian-style seasonings as well for extra flavor (Oregano, Thyme, Basil, Tarragon, Red Pepper, Chives). I highly recommend keeping an Italian-style seasoning mix on hand as a staple!

As always thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter and support of our contributors. Be on the lookout for upcoming updates on our first @nomadic_volunteers events coming this summer.

Have a great rest of the week.

-The VanLife Newsletter Team

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