Heidi Swanson's Summer Toolkit: 12 Outdoor Living Favorites from the Creator of '101 Cookbooks'

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Heidi Swanson of 101 Cookbooks and her husband, Wayne Bremser, spend weekends and vacations touring Southern California by Airstream. They aim for scenic spots where they can set up camp, explore on foot, and whip up Heidi’s signature vegetarian and vegan feasts outdoors—healthy, whole foods meals are what her cookbooks and website are all about, and she’s recently created a digital collection of meal-in-a-jar and just-add-water recipes for the road.

We’re long-time fans of Heidi’s (see Style Council: Heidi Swanson’s Travel Kit), and when we heard about the trailer, we peppered her with questions about camp life. In response, Heidi shared The List: a roster of things she’s loves for outdoor living. Her selections are partly, but not all, about practicality: they’re about feeling at home in all kinds of settings. Take a look, and consider her recommendations for camping trips, picnics, and your own backyard.

Photography courtesy of Heidi Swanson/101 Cookbooks.

Above: Heidi, Wayne, a web developer, and Polly, their cocker spaniel.

The couple own a \23-foot Airstream Globetrotter that they purchased in new condition on the resale market. Go to The Art of Airstream Living and Outdoor Living with \10\1 Cookbooks for Heidi&#8\2\17;s tours inside and outside their trailer. — Above: The couple own a 23-foot Airstream Globetrotter that they purchased in new condition on the resale market. Go to The Art of Airstream Living and Outdoor Living with 101 Cookbooks for Heidi’s tours inside and outside their trailer.

Heidi says she is &#8\2\20;forever collecting sun hats: I always prop a stack of them in the trailer before we head out. Lorna Murray&#8\2\17;s Capri Sun Hat, \$\134, is the one I wear the most.&#8\2\2\1; Winning detail: It folds up origami-style into a tidy package, so it&#8\2\17;s easy to pack and the brim never gets out of whack. — Above: Heidi says she is “forever collecting sun hats: I always prop a stack of them in the trailer before we head out. Lorna Murray’s Capri Sun Hat, $134, is the one I wear the most.” Winning detail: It folds up origami-style into a tidy package, so it’s easy to pack and the brim never gets out of whack.

Above: The Yoho Bamboo Butterfly Chair by Kuma, $220, is “the coziest chair we travel with—it collapses, too, but it’s heavy, so we only have one.”

&#8\2\20;As someone who is mercilessly bitten by mosquitos,&#8\2\2\1; says Heidi, &#8\2\20;I’m a fan of Kinfield&#8\2\17;s Golden Hour Repellent and keep it in the Airstream at all times. It’s Deet-free, works well, and has a nice hint of citronella plus vanilla scent.&#8\2\2\1; — Above: “As someone who is mercilessly bitten by mosquitos,” says Heidi, “I’m a fan of Kinfield’s Golden Hour Repellent [$22] and keep it in the Airstream at all times. It’s Deet-free, works well, and has a nice hint of citronella plus vanilla scent.”

The Legendary Egg Spoon of Alice Waters and Fanny Singer is made for use with an open flame. &#8\2\20;It’s one of those forever pieces that just gets better with every breakfast sandwich,&#8\2\2\1; reports Heidi. &#8\2\20;You can cook up eggs over a gas burner or fire pit and they fit perfectly on English muffins, bagels, and buns. Add a bit of smashed avocado, splash of salsa—one of my favorite, simple breakfasts.&#8\2\2\1; The Original Egg Spoon is \$3\10 from Permanent Collection. — Above: The Legendary Egg Spoon of Alice Waters and Fanny Singer is made for use with an open flame. “It’s one of those forever pieces that just gets better with every breakfast sandwich,” reports Heidi. “You can cook up eggs over a gas burner or fire pit and they fit perfectly on English muffins, bagels, and buns. Add a bit of smashed avocado, splash of salsa—one of my favorite, simple breakfasts.” The Original Egg Spoon is $310 from Permanent Collection.

A Japanese Mushi Nabe donabe steamer, \$\2\20, isn&#8\2\17;t what most of us would grab for road trips. Heidi keeps a full-size model in the trailer for making soups and stews, both indoors and out, such as her Meal in a Jar: Spicy Coconut Curry Noodles and Summer Miso Soup. &#8\2\20;When not in use, the donabe lives in the box it came in to protect it while we’re driving.&#8\2\2\1; — Above: A Japanese Mushi Nabe donabe steamer, $220, isn’t what most of us would grab for road trips. Heidi keeps a full-size model in the trailer for making soups and stews, both indoors and out, such as her Meal in a Jar: Spicy Coconut Curry Noodles and Summer Miso Soup. “When not in use, the donabe lives in the box it came in to protect it while we’re driving.”

&#8\2\20;I could talk forever about different outdoor cooking configurations, but more often than not, I keep things simple,&#8\2\2\1; says Heidi. &#8\2\2\1; I use a Fore Winds Rugged Camp Stove for cooking with a Japanese clay pot. Leave it on low and whatever you make will stay hot at the table.&#8\2\2\1; — Above: “I could talk forever about different outdoor cooking configurations, but more often than not, I keep things simple,” says Heidi. ” I use a Fore Winds Rugged Camp Stove [$149.99] for cooking with a Japanese clay pot. Leave it on low and whatever you make will stay hot at the table.”

&#8\2\20;If I’m cooking outside and it&#8\2\17;s at all windy, as it so often is, I use a Coleman \1900 Collection Propane Stove . It’s a classic workhorse—with wind guards. It also has a small grill/griddle plate.&#8\2\2\1; — Above: “If I’m cooking outside and it’s at all windy, as it so often is, I use a Coleman 1900 Collection Propane Stove [$229.99]. It’s a classic workhorse—with wind guards. It also has a small grill/griddle plate.”

The Coleman Reunion 54-Quart Steel-Belted Stainless Steel Cooler, \$\239.99, also always comes along on trips, and gets used for more than food storage: &#8\2\20;It&#8\2\17;s the right size to do double duty as a sturdy bench and step stool.” — Above: The Coleman Reunion 54-Quart Steel-Belted Stainless Steel Cooler, $239.99, also always comes along on trips, and gets used for more than food storage: “It’s the right size to do double duty as a sturdy bench and step stool.”

Heidi&#8\2\17;s Wick Brass, \$\149, was a gift from friends and gets used a lot. &#8\2\20;As much as I love beeswax candles, it’s often too windy to light them outside. This little light is rechargeable and adds a pretty glow to the table.&#8\2\2\1; — Above: Heidi’s Wick Brass, $149, was a gift from friends and gets used a lot. “As much as I love beeswax candles, it’s often too windy to light them outside. This little light is rechargeable and adds a pretty glow to the table.”

The Fatboy Bolleke LED Pendant , \$\139, is a new acquisition for the Airstream: &#8\2\20;We&#8\2\17;re so excited about these that we bought two of them. They&#8\2\17;re rechargeable and can be hung indoors and out.&#8\2\2\1; — Above: The Fatboy Bolleke LED Pendant , $139, is a new acquisition for the Airstream: “We’re so excited about these that we bought two of them. They’re rechargeable and can be hung indoors and out.”

Cloth tablecloths and napkins always travel with Heidi and Wayne. She makes them from remnants, such as this seersucker found in the LA fabric district (Etsy is her other go-to source). The Crate & Barrel Faux Bois Plates start at \$7.95 and are melamine—&#8\2\2\1;they’re nice because they’re light and won’t break while traveling. But, I prefer enamelware and might swap them out.&#8\2\2\1; — Above: Cloth tablecloths and napkins always travel with Heidi and Wayne. She makes them from remnants, such as this seersucker found in the LA fabric district (Etsy is her other go-to source). The Crate & Barrel Faux Bois Plates start at $7.95 and are melamine—”they’re nice because they’re light and won’t break while traveling. But, I prefer enamelware and might swap them out.”

Bouquets aren&#8\2\17;t essential when you&#8\2\17;re surrounded by greenery, but Heidi likes to pick up flowers at farmers&#8\2\17; markets—and, paired with her DIY linens, they explain why her picnic table always looks so good. — Above: Bouquets aren’t essential when you’re surrounded by greenery, but Heidi likes to pick up flowers at farmers’ markets—and, paired with her DIY linens, they explain why her picnic table always looks so good.

See more of Heidi and Wayne’s setup in The Art of Airstream Living and Outdoor Living with 101 Cookbooks.

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Frequently asked questions

Who is the creator of 101 Cookbooks?

The creator of 101 Cookbooks is Heidi Swanson.

What is the article about?

The article is about the 12 favorite outdoor living tools recommended by Heidi Swanson.

Where can I find the article?

You can find the article on the Gardenista website at the following link: https://www.gardenista.com/posts/12-favorite-outdoor-living-tools-from-the-creator-of-101-cookbooks/

What are some of the recommended outdoor living tools?

Some of the recommended outdoor living tools include a cast iron grill, outdoor seating, outdoor lighting, and a fire pit.

Why are these tools recommended?

These tools are recommended because they enhance the overall outdoor living experience and make it more enjoyable.

Are these tools suitable for any outdoor space?

Yes, these tools can be used in various outdoor spaces, such as gardens, patios, or balconies.

Can I purchase these tools directly from the article?

No, the article provides recommendations for outdoor living tools, but you may need to visit specific retailers or websites to make a purchase.

Do these outdoor living tools require any special maintenance?

Some tools may require regular cleaning or maintenance, such as wiping down the cast iron grill or replacing bulbs in outdoor lighting fixtures.

Are there any budget-friendly options mentioned in the article?

Yes, the article mentions some budget-friendly options for outdoor living tools, allowing for a range of budgets.

Can I find more outdoor living inspiration on the 101 Cookbooks website?

While the article does not specifically mention outdoor living inspiration on the 101 Cookbooks website, you can explore the website for a variety of cooking and recipe inspiration.

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