What To Take Camping: May 2013

Friday, May 31, 2013

Camping Journals � Preserve Your Family Camping Experiences

Camping is a great way to escape the rat race with your family. Alas, your family camping experiences can fade with time. The best way to prevent this is to keep a camping journal for your family adventures.

Camping Journals

Take a minute to give some consideration to your most recent camping experience. What sticks out in your mind? Now think about the first time your family ever went camping. Undoubtedly, you remember few things about the geography, people you went with, particular camping routes and spectacular views. The experiences you’ve forgotten are lost to time. If you keep a camping journal, this won’t be the case.

There are famous instances of people keeping journals throughout time. Of course, Anne Frank’s Diary is the best example. In her diary, Anne kept a running commentary of the two years her family spent hiding from the Nazis. While your camping experiences better be more lighthearted, keeping a journal will let you remember them as the years pass.

A good family camping journal combines a number of characteristics. First, it should be compact so you don’t have to take up unnecessary space for other things. Second, it should have a case to protect it from rain, spills and so on. Third, the journal should contain blank areas to write your notes. Fourth, the journal should contain cue spaces to remind you to keep notes on specific things. Cues should include:

1. Who you went camping with,

2. Where you camped and if you enjoyed it,

3. Who you met and contact information for them,

4. The geographic and weather conditions, and

5. Any unique things that occurred while camping.

At the end of the camping trip, you should be able to get the following from your journal:

1. Contact information for other campers and people you met,

2. Enough detail to provide you or a friend with a guide if you camp in the location a second time.

3. Memories to reflect upon years later, and

4. Something to pass on to your friends, children and grandchildren.

To get the most out of your camping journal, you should write in it during while you’re camping. Every trip is special, even if you just go out for a weekend.

Camping is a great way to commune with nature. Make sure to preserve the experience.

Bass Fishing: A Historical Perspective

Bass fishing has a charming history to fall back on. Starting in the late 18th century, it has continued in its progress till date.

The origin of bass fishing lies in the practice of searching for food among the inhabitants of southern United States. From that time onwards, it has started attracting hordes of fans belonging to all age groups and from different nations. this kind of event today attracts participants from countries such as United States, South Africa, Cuba, Australia as well as most of Europe.

Trajectory

* bass fishing sports were born in the year 1768 or 1770. Fishing gurus and lovers were introduced to the first multiplying reels by Onesimus Ustonson. Bait caster was born out of this device a little later.

* the materialization of the production of a level wind device was achieved by William Shakespeare Jr. and its patent was secured in 1897.

* the William J. Jamison Co was responsible for introducing the heavily decorated Shannon Twin Spinner in 1915. It was the father of spinner baits of modern times.

* in 1932, the Tennessee Valley Authority was created at the behest of President Franklin D. Roosevelt who encouraged the building of several dams. Later on different species of bass fishes were cultured in these dams.

* Dupont Co wanted to secure the patent for nylon fishing net five years later. After some time Nylon monofilament fishing line was developed out of this.

* One of the landmark events in the history of bass fishing was witnessed in 1992 when the prodigal fisherman, Larry Nixon won $ 1 m in total earnings for this bass fishing sport.

Bass Fish

The following are the various fish species that are being caught in the bass fishing events:

* Micropterus punctatus Â– Kentucky Bass
* Micropterus dolomieui Â– Smallmouth Bass
* Micropterus salmoides (Lacepede) Â– Largemouth bass

Largemouth bass is the most popular species for fishing purpose, but other varieties of Micropterus are also caught. It is to be noted, however, that the above-mentioned North American Bass variants are different from their Australian counterparts though they have many features in common.

Bass fishing became splendidly successful in the 1950s.da popularity of the sport at this time spearheaded the development of modern angling equipments from lures, lines, rods, bass boats and other types of fishing gears.

Along with these electronic gears and reels of various types, which are required during hauling and hoisting were also used by bass fishermen at that time.

Bass fishing industry contributes $ 50 to $70 billion to the US economy and the figures continue to increase. Statistics reveal a spurt in the fan base of this sport. A growing number of people are taking to this sport compared to golf and ten

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Programs to Help your Troubled Teen

Today's teens face a frightening number of problems including eating disorders, drug and alcohol addiction, depression, self-harm, criminal activity, dangerous friends and more. As a loving and concerned parent you want your teen safe from these dangerous practices. You may feel powerless to help especially when your child is in serious trouble.

Fortunately there are many types of programs which offer practical and long-lasting help for your teen. The main goal of all such programs is to break the addiction or association with that which is bad and harmful. These programs aim to turn around the life of their charges and make a lasting difference to the life of these young people.

There are five main institutions offering help for troubles teens and the programs are provided at

- Boarding schools
- Boot camps
- Wilderness camps
- Military schools
- Residential treatment centers

The task for you as the parent is to discover the exact nature of your teen's problem - there are big differences between depression, alcohol and drug addiction and running around with criminal gangs. Then having clearly ascertained the nature and extent of your teen's troubles, you need to match their need with the programs on offer.

A boot camp is a tough environment run along military methods and relatively short being only for a few months or even weeks. A boarding school could be home to your teen for a year or more. So each program is different.

Now finding out the problem and the programs on offer is possibly a long and difficult task. You could do most of the legwork yourself even if that means working online and using the telephone. Or you could go to a group which deals with parents looking for help for their teen; a group which has the experience and knowledge to put you on the right course. It could save you a lot of time and energy.

In summary the programs are as follows:

A boot camp offers a short and sharp discipline regime for those who have difficulty in accepting authority. The teens may be failing in their grades and slacking off. No amount of encouragement or threat from their parents is having an effect so a boot camp may do the trick.

A wilderness program is set in a rural environment and encourages teens to be involved in all manner of outdoor activities. The program may only last a few weeks and will push the communing with nature rather than the communing with text books. A teen who is depressed and lacking sparkle can have their batteries recharged in a beautiful outdoor location.

A military school is now a highly disciplined high school with great emphasis on academic and sporting prowess. They make an excellent foundation for a career in the military and they do not take rebellious teens.

Boarding schools are another disciplined form of secondary education but the teen is removed from the bad influences they had in their local high school.

Residential care centers are for seriously troubled teens with such problems as drug and alcohol addiction. They offer 24/7 high care facilities.

Remember that there are many programs available to help you and your troubled teen and the secret to success is finding the right one.

You can find additional info at the following links:
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Six Ways To Shorten Cold and Flu Symptoms

There are little things we can do everyday to stay healthy. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we catch a cold or flu. Antibiotics are ineffectual in treating viruses. However, there are some alternative methods we can use to lessen flu and cold symptoms. Here are six:

The Old Standbys. Chicken soup has been proven, over the years, to ease symptoms of the flu. Garlic contains immune boosting substances. Recent studies have shown that garlic may also have an effect on pain reduction. Add a bulb of garlic, onions or leeks and celery to your chicken, when making chicken stock. Freeze it and keep it on hand for use when cold or flu symptoms hit.

Echinacea. While echinacea is no longer the favored herb used to prevent colds and flu, studies have shown that, if taken at the onset of a cold or flu, echinacea can be helpful in reducing symptoms.

Vitamin C. Current studies show no evidence that vitamin C, taken in large doses, can ward off a cold. However, a vitamin C supplement can reduce the amount of time you have a cold. There is no need to take huge doses of vitamin C. The extra amount will just wash out of your system.

Andrographis. While relatively new to the United States, Andrographis has been shown to help prevent or reduce the symptoms of a cold. It is believed to stimulate the immune system. It contains qualities that are helpful in reducing a fever without causing stomach upset.

Elderberries. The elderberry, as a medicine source, can be traced back to the time of Hippocrates. Tests have shown that elderberries suppress the growth of influenza. Patients who were tested on elderberry extract recovered faster than those on a placebo. this little berry has received a lot of attention, to date and is currently one of the favorite means of treating cold and flu symptoms, naturally.

Astragalus. This is sometimes called " nature's antibiotic". It has been used for over two thousand years in China. This herb is believed to fight off pathogens, in the body, while building up the immune system. As an Asian medicine, it is prescribed for a host of different ailments. Astragalus can be taken daily to help boost the immune system or taken at the onset of cold or flu symptoms to lessen the duration or symptoms.

While all of these natural treatments are helpful in easing or preventing symptoms of cold and flu, do not take all of them at once. More is not necessarily better. Use whichever treatment best suits your symptoms or what is readily available, in your area. If you are on any prescription medication or aspirin therapy, please work with your doctor to find the best herbal remedy for you. As always, if symptoms persist for more than seven days, consult your physician.

Constance Weygandt is an author, speaker and balance mentor. For more information on health and fitness or to receive her newsletter, visit her at http://www.balancedwellnessonline.com

Video Source: Youtube

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Better "Bodybuilding" with Six Hypertrophy Tips from an Orange County Boot Camp Instructor

As an Orange County Instructor, I know that "bodybuilding" is an individual effort that requires each person their own dedication, discipline, and determination to train by themselves at any time and ways needed. Each person is responsible for their own actions, such as the choice of what foods to eat or not, what supplements to take and what degree of consistency a person will dedicate to training.

I have been doing training and coaching for many years and in the process have created guidelines that are suitable for anyone no matter what stage of training they are in. Although each of us differs in physiological system, there is some commonality that will assist anyone in attaining his or her physique goals. These are my hypertrophy tips.

Tip # 1: Compound movements - include military, leg, or bench presses, squats, dead lifts, dips, upright rows, stiff dead lifts, and many more physical movements as the bases for your physique exercises. Isolation and machine training can also help if done with these movements.

Tip # 2: Intense but brief training - Intense weight training is the right way to build muscle but it should be done briefly so that the muscle will not be over trained. The training should be completed within an hour or less than an hour to give muscle enough time to recover.

Tip # 3: Train and rest - When you do the training for two consecutive days, take the whole third day to rest so the muscle will have the best results you wanted. You can also try every other day workout muscle training. The muscle grows at the gym but it grows more when you rest.

Tip # 4: Protein for the muscle - Muscles need protein in building and repairing muscle tissues. It is essential to eat foods rich in protein. Weight gain may be blocked when daily protein intake is not enough. 1 gram of protein for each pound of body weight is usually enough for trainees but for professional body builders, they consume daily 1.5 to 2 grams per pound of body weight for faster gains.

The protein intake should be proportioned to 5 to 7 daily meals so the body will have available amino acids throughout the day's workout. Among the sources of protein are fish, chicken, turkey, red meat, cottage cheese, eggs, buffalo, venison, ostrich, milk, and whey.

Tip # 5: Post work out nutrition - After a hard and intense workout, the body, especially the muscle, would crave for protein and carbohydrates. To help the muscle grow stronger and larger, grab this perfect time to give what it wants. For protein rich, post work out nutrition, prepare a shake that contains 30 to 50 grams of protein and 60 to 100 grams of carbohydrates.

The primary option for protein source for the post work out is the whey; it is not only high in protein, it is also the kind of protein that is easy to absorb. The carbohydrates should also be easy to absorb so that it could penetrate the insulin level of the body.

Insulin is the key factor in bringing carbohydrates and amino acid to the cells of the muscles. For fast-acting carbohydrates with high insulin level, the best source is the dextrose or the maltodextrin powder. You can mix it with whey for a good tasting shake and best work out nutrition. The body would still ask for more proteins, so after an hour or two prepare a meal with protein and carbohydrates. This post workout nutrition will help the muscle to gain more.

Tip # 6: Right supplements - To make progress in your workout, supplements may help you in one way or another. You have to know first which supplements are right for your muscle. There are 3 supplements that can be useful and must be included in the list of trainees. The first one is the protein powder. Whey is the best source of protein; it is not only good as post workout nutrition but also as supplements for the muscle building. Casein, whey, and egg albumin when blended together can be a best source of protein. Take it before bedtime or at any time in between regular meals.

The second supplement is creatine. Its benefits and efficiency has been scientifically proven. Use of it can increase strength, nitrogen retention, cell development, and lactic acid buffering.

The third supplement is the glutamine. More glutamine can enhance immunity and resistance, add storage of glycogen, produce more glutathione for antioxidants of the body, improves gut health, cell development, and release of natural growth hormone.

Copyright (c) 2009 Steve Hochman

Car Top Carriers instructions How To Choose any Roof Box

Major things should examine when choosing the roof box is blowing wind resistance. this may make a main difference to fuel performance and your overall driving a car experience. One of the main makes use of of cargo carriers is usually to store camping equipment and outdoor tools. Because of this the venturing distance for a car with a cargo package tends to be beyond a vehicle with out one. More than a long distance the between an reeky roof box and something that isn't can also add significantly on the amount of gasoline used. This is simply not only high priced but obviously not just the thing for the environment sometimes. The real thing . but responsable box that is not aerodynamic will make the driving encounter highly unpleasant. A new chunky roof box will certainly catch the wind and will make driving hard.

Additionally you want to what is durability of your car top provider. You will end up storing useful items in it and also you make sure they are properly protected. Additionally your roof box can occasionally please take a battering. When you plan upon using your cargo provider to visit the truly great outdoors then sooner or later you might speak to the strange branch or maybe more. You would like to be sure that your homes roof box can withstand the effect. You also don't are looking for to change your roof package because it is beginning to crack. You will find safety issues included in having insecure products within a damaged container so this is something which you would like to take in serious consideration.

The contour of the roofing box is also essential. These come in numerous various forms depending on the demands of the user. You should consider actually is you will probably be using the shipment box to transport. For instance some roof packing containers are specifically shaped to suit snowboards. Other medication is more suitable to carry tents and camping out gear. Ensure that whichever roof structure box you choose it is possible to fit in what you may most typically should bring.

Eventually there are a number of design features that you'll would like to focus on while confronting car leading carriers. Firstly exactly where does the box open up? A lot of the leading designs have dual side starting. This is excellent through the eyes regarding usability. You may make items coming from both sides from the vehicle without needing to in order to the other area. Other forms associated with openings include rear along with single side. Take a look at your car and consider where could be the handiest place to entry the cargo provider. You will additionally wish to give consideration to the colour and form of the box you decide on. Keep in mind that it ought to be good to look at and also practical. It can be sitting on your vehicle so you want to buy to include in the charm of your car certainly not detract from that.

Through thinking carefully as to what you will occurs car top provider for prior to making your getting decision you are greatly subjected to decide on a suitable roofing box. Car roof top boxes are a moderately expensive item so make certain you make right buying alternative.

Should you be contemplating buying a valuables carriers and wish to examine a single, check out these kinds of roof box testimonials. We have published detailed reviews of all of the best vehicle top carriers, such as Thule SportRack A26395 Roofing Container.

We have wrote some reviews within the Car Top Carrier Boxes and Bags. Be sure to come as well as check the Car Roof Storage we now have researched.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Camping Security

Here is some advice from The Camping and Caravanning Club for all those who enjoy camping on avoiding caravan theft. Most of this advice also applies to trailer tents and motor caravans. Your camp site will do all they can to advise you and to make sure your family camping holiday goes to plan!

The camping security information has three themes:

• Firstly, how to keep your caravan safe on and off campsites using security devices, and what sensible precautions to take to make things as difficult as possible for the criminal who wants to get his hands on your property.

• Secondly, how you can make it less likely that your caravan or other camping unit is broken into.

• Thirdly if, unfortunately, your van is stolen we've got some advice on some of the things you can do now to help you get it back ready for your next family camping holiday

• Lastly, do remember that most caravans aren't stolen. Most caravanners enjoy their camping holiday untroubled by crime but by taking sensible precautions you can make sure that you enjoy your caravan, not the thieves.

To enjoy your camping holiday you need to make your caravan secure. There are literally hundreds of caravan security devices on the market. Some are better than others, none will make your caravan totally thief proof but all will tend to make the thief think twice about stealing your caravan so you can get on and enjoy your family camping holiday As with most things in the world you get what you pay for. We advise buying the best you can afford and make sure the thief knows the device is fitted. Bright paint helps and so do the stickers usually supplied with security items. Security devices with a Sold Secure logo on them have been independently tested as being suitable for caravans and trailers. Both The Camping and Caravanning Club and the Caravan Club hold an up-to-date list of Sold Secure approved security products.

Useful information from The Camping and Caravanning Club

Hitch Locks

Hitch Locks provide a reasonable degree of protection from the opportunist thief. To enjoy a relaxing family camping holiday get a hitch lock that is manufactured from heavy steel to cover the tow socket fixing bolts. Make sure it has a good lock. Some hitch locks can lock the caravan to the car but ensure it is unlocked when you are actually towing. Use them on campsites or at short stops. They do not, by themselves, generally offer sufficient security for when the caravan is in storage.

WHEEL CLAMPS

Wheel clamps come in all sorts of qualities. It is a sad fact that generally the easier they are to put on the easier they are for a thief to remove. Buy a good clamp and check that it fits your caravan. With some wheel clamps a clever thief can remove the wheel and the clamp with it. With a wheel clamp you can safely leave your caravan on the camp site and know it will be fine

WHEEL STANDS

If you think that taking the wheels off your caravan will stop caravan thieves you don't know how tenacious this nasty breed can be. But wheel stands can be a good deterrent, if you make sure they are locked in place. You should check with your insurers that they are happy to let you keep the van on wheel stands. Sometimes policies call for the van to be fitted with a wheel clamp at all times. Also check in your handbook, some chassis manufacturers recommend axle stands for winter storage for when the camping season is at an end.

SECURITY POSTS

Particularly useful for those who keep their caravan on the drive at home are security posts, which are cemented into the drive and physically block removal of the caravan. Some are fitted with a towball on top of the post so that the caravan can be fixed with a hitch lock. Others are detachable or can fold down so that the caravan can be manoeuvred into position and the post or posts fitted in front of it.

Enjoy your camping holiday everybody!

What Are South Korea's Main Tourist Attraction and Activities?

Gyeongju
Korea's ancient capital, Gyeongju, is the country's big must-see, and rates as one of the ten most important ancient cultural cities in the world. In among the shops and markets in the modern-day city you'll find abundant relics of its two-thousand-year history, including colossal fifth-century tombs and burial mounds, a seventh-century stone observatory, and the royal pleasure gardens of Anapji, which were designed in 674 AD. Other quarters of Gyeongju are rich with elegant pagodas and historic wooden Buddhist temples, and numerous trails take you to the slopes of the sacred mountain, Nam-san, which dominates the south of the city

View photos of Gyeongju, South Korea

Hiking in the national parks
South Korea is full of exhilarating national parks, all of which are crisscrossed by clearly marked trails and dotted with good camping spots (and the occasional mountain hut). The cream of the crop is Seorak-san, and in particular Naeseorak (Inner Seorak), an exceptionally tranquil stretch of forested peaks, rivers, waterfalls and Buddhist temples - and some established rock climbs too. Also well worth seeking out are Jiri-san, which boasts a 65-kilometre-long ridge trail and lots of historic temples; the popular and fairly gentle trails of Songni-san; and Bukhansan, which is on the edge of Seoul

View photos of Seorak-san, South Korea

Seoul
South Korea's modern day capital has a reasonable number of sights to keep you entertained for a few days. Most interesting are the five imposing royal palaces, some of which date back to the fifteenth century. Inside the Changdokkung Palace you'll find one of South Korea's loveliest gardens, the Piwon, a beautifully landscaped haven of ponds and pavilions. In the modern part of town, check out the Kimchi Museum, dedicated to fiery pickled cabbage that is South Korea's national dish, browse the cutting-edge Leeum Museum of Modern Art, and spend the evening in the trendy nightlife district of Sinchon

View photos of Seoul, South Korea

Panmunjeom
On the 38th parallel, the 1953 ceasefire line between North and South Korea - a four-kilometre-wide strip of land spiked with guardposts - is still in force today, and the village of Panmunjeom, which stands on the DMZ just 56km north of Seoul, is a popular day-trip from the capital. Unless you can afford the cost of joining an organized tour around North Korea, this is the closest you can get to the repressive, desperately impoverished totalitarian state. There's no border crossing here (or anywhere between the two countries) but Panmunjeom attracts busloads of tourists, all of whom required to dress smartly (No jeans, T-shirts or miniskirts) and, if male, to have a respectable haircut!

View photos of Panmunjeom, South Korea

The Korean Folk Village
It may sound like a coach tour nightmare, but the Korean Folk Village is well worth a day-trip from Seoul, especially if you've not got time to explore the rest of the country. A reconstruction of a typical nineteenth-century village, it's complete with Buddhist temple, Confucian school, pottery and weaving workshops, blacksmiths and traditional farmhouses. The people you see in the village do actually live and work there, even if they might look like actors dolled up in traditional outfits

View photos of The Korean Folk Village, South Korea

Jeju-do
this southern island has maintained traditions that have long disappeared from the mainland and is now a popular tourist destination as well as a favorite with local honeymooners. Highlights here include mysterious Easter Island-like statues, hikes to the summit of Halla-san (South Korea's highest volcano), and a seven-kilometer-long lava-tube cave. The climate down here is warmer and wetter that in the rest of the country, but don't come specifically foe the beaches, as you'll find them crowded and disappointingly scruffy

View photos of Jeju-do, South Korea

The three-hour boat ride from Busan to Yeosu
This is one of the most scenic journeys in the country, with fine views of the crenellated coastline and myriad islets. It's so attractive round here that the whole area has been conserved as Hallyo Waterway National Park

View photos of Busan, South Korea

The island of Ulung-do
Rugged, remote and starkly beautiful, this tiny volcanic outcrop - accessed by ferry from Samcheck - has hardly any roads and is best explored on foot. It takes two days to walk right round the island, giving you ample opportunity to enjoy the temples. Forested ridges, waterfalls and famous 2000-year-old juniper tree

View photos of Ulung-do, South Korea

Taking an open-air bath with a view at Seorak Waterpia
Soak up the glorious mountain vista while wallowing in the natural hot springs at this spa resort in Seorak-san National Park, where you can also bathe in a lemon flavoured pool, go skinny dipping, and brave a shower under a near-boiling waterfall

View photos of Seorak Waterpia, South Korea

The fifteenth-century village of Yangdong
Prettily set beside a river and beneath a wooded hill, Yangdong is of such historic importance that villagers are forbidden to modify or knock down their antique wooden houses, many of which are magnificent structures with sweeping roofs, beautifully carved beams and capacious verandahs

View photos of Yangdong, South Korea

Bargain-hunting at Namdaemun Night Market in Seoul
Opening every night at around 10.30pm and running through till just before dawn, the enormous Namdaemun Market sells everything from handicrafts to saucepans, ginseng to live fish. It's a great place to while away the evening, not least because of all the cheap food stalls that dish up hot snacks through till morning

View photos of Namdaemun, South Korea

Staying in a yogwan
If you're on a budget, make a beeline for these traditional guesthouses: they're cheap, family-run, and usually have lots of character. You sleep on a futon on the floor - a special treat in winter when the underfloor heating system kicks in and acts like a huge electric blanket

Snowboarding and skiing at Yongpyong
There are over thirty runs for skiers and snowboarders at this trendy ski resort on the slopes on Mount Balwang, plus floodlit night skiing, a sledging park and cross-country trails. Also holds a snow-sculpture festival in February

View and Mount Balwang, South Korea

Monday, May 27, 2013

Too Many Clothes and Not Enough Bedroom

The commercial and residential building trend for today is more living area space and less bedroom space. When an apartment complex has to compromise - the large bedroom and its accompanying storage space will be the first to get the pink slip.

Lack of storage space is a flash from the past, when storage was not in walls or in shelving but in massive pieces of furniture each had a specific purpose and the grouping seemed to take up the whole room. As a renter - you'll have to supply your own storage.

What's the solution? Consider how America used to live. Small bedrooms herald back to way before the fifties, when people accumulated fewer things and consumerism was less focused on the individual and more on the common good of the family. That changed substantially after World War II and the birth of the "Me" Generation - better known as baby boomers. An exhilarated nation lavished new goods bought cheaply from around the world on its families, children and grandchildren, and consumerism has never taken a step back. No longer are we happy with one of everything (one winter coat, one TV) - now we have been enculturated to appreciate variety over value.

Increased availability and reduced prices for consumer goods has created an enthusiastic consumer for collecting small goods - clothes, trinkets, and accessories. For those who love to shop at The Gap and The Limited , and can afford to buy a whole new wardrobe every season, lack of closet space and smaller bedrooms can be a real inconvenience.

If space is a problem, look to the past on how to solve it and make it work for you in the meantime.

1. Revamp Your Wardrobe.

How did our grandmothers manage with those tiny closets and fancy carved wardrobes that we now use to hold our TV's? The answer is simple - they had fewer clothes and they took better care of them.

Throw out anything you have not worn in over a year. Be brutal. Clothes hanging in your closet won't give you any additional value, they just keep getting limper until you never wear them at all.

Assess what is left for wear and tear. Weed out some more. Again be brutal.

Try to make a mix and match plan with what remains. Any item that doesn't go with at least two or three other items, you don't need. A blouse should go with at least a skirt and a pair of pants, and perhaps, jeans. A sport coat should complement at least two different pairs of slacks. Some clothes can traverse the seasons and work layered under other things. A T-shirt can add warmth to a medium weight sweater that will get you through most cold days.

2. Buy fewer clothes and take better care of them. Any new item you buy automatically makes at least two items in your wardrobe obsolete. Don't believe me? Do the math. You'll likely wear a new item as often as twice in the first week you own it, then you might wear it as often as once a week or more for a few weeks more. You'll also stop wearing items from the same "era." Why? The psychological associations are simply too strong. If you really want to buy something, look at how long the season is to wear it - 3 months to six months depending on the climate in which you live then divide the number of wearings (once a week) into that period. That is a quick way to decide if you realize that the great blouse you just found is going to cost you $30 a wearing because the seasons are about to change.

Joan Crawford was right. No more wire hangers...ever. The thin wire wears a groove into clothes and causes unsightly lumps in anything with a knitted fabric. Knits should be folded and stored. Wherever possible, get your hands on coat hangers or plastic hangers and use those for your hangables.

3. Decorate with some of your favorite wearables. Is your hat collection taking up too much room? Hang one on your bedpost, make an arrangement on the wall. Accent with bunches of upside down dried flowers. No way to keep your ties neat? Create a rack on one wall or use as a headboard. Ties can add color and style. Add to your collection with funky ties from the back of Dad's closet or the Salvation Army.

4. Put everything on the walls that you can, including lighting. Lamps take up a lot of room on small bedside tables, room you may need for other things. Brace small shelves on the wall on either side of your bed and present your lamps like works of art. Invest in shelves that you can take down and take with you when you move. Create vignettes on the shelves that can be useful and bring color and urban wit to your bedroom - books, memorabilia. Decorate with items that are distinctively you.

One of the most charming decorative items from the past are wall shelves, brackets and sconces. If you go into new furniture stores, you will see that wall storage is making a huge comeback and at very expensive prices.

5. If your bedroom isn't large enough to accommodate the kind of furniture you really want, paint a tromp-l'oeil version of what you want. Tromp-l'oeil is the art of painting or fabricating something so that it looks like the real thi ng. One decorating style book suggests painting a canopy on the wall and ceiling behind and above the bed to give the illusion of elegance. Rooms with small windows can be similarly fooled with paintings that feature windows and pictures of beautiful views.

6. Change the way you study, pay bills, or work at home. Move the "home office" out of the bedroom and find a convenient place in your more spacious living room area.

Psychological studies show that when you study, read or do work that requires concentration, you will perform better away from areas associated with relaxation and sleep. The reverse is true also. You will sleep better away from demanding reminders of projects due.

7. Keep it simple. A few large pieces of furniture will have more utility than scaled down versions of more items. Use one nightstand instead of two, but make it a large one. Use a large dresser that can accommodate all your foldables. Out of season items can be stored in boxes and put in the closet or under the bed.

Finding Fun Things To Do On A Date

Need an idea for what to do on a date? Here's how to go about finding ideas for new and unusual dates that are enjoyable and memorable.

The three most usual choices for what to do on a date are dinner, a movie, and a public event such as a sports game or concert. Those activities often give the couple several hours of time to enjoy each other's company. But relying on those same activities too often, leads to a loss of the sense of drama and importance of the time spent together.

Human nature craves the out-of-the-ordinary. A new experience raises awareness and often contributes greatly to our ability to enjoy ourselves. If a couple continues to occasionally find new and unusual choices for what to do, their time together will be more enjoyable.

Probably the best way to find new ideas for what to do for a date is to make a point of being on the lookout for possibilities. You might see something in the newspaper or in a magazine. Someone you know could share an idea they have had. You never know when an idea will present itself.

You should also actively search for new and unusual things to do. A great place to look for ideas is web sites about things you are interested in. Use Google or your favorite search engine. Key in words or phrases that describe the activities and events that you find interesting and enjoyable. Look through the list of web sites found with the search. Visit the sites that seem most promising. The local visitors' bureau is a possible source of ideas. They will likely have many brochures about local attractions. Look in the community events section of your newspaper. Look through the brochures at the Chamber of Commerce. Look in the yellow pages under headings such as canoes, rafting, hiking, and art museums. Check the bulletin board at the library. Use your imagination to adapt what you see at those places to suit your own interests and tastes.

Keep a list of possible activities. Have a place to keep information such as brochures, maps, and visitors' guides. Set up folders in your computer for storing information you have found online. Use Notepad to copy and paste just what is of interest to you. The File menu of most web browsers has a Save As command that can be used to save an entire web page.

Be open to any suggestions and preferences your partner has to offer. Try to be sensitive to his/her tastes and interests. Give almost as much importance to his/her enjoyment of the date as your own enjoyment. After all, you probably won't enjoy the date if your partner doesn't.

Try to choose activities that give enough opportunities for communication. Conversation and comments you and your date make to each other are often the most important part of the date. Couples need to find out each other's values and interests. Couples need reassurance and the stimulation of each other's ideas.

Pursue your own interests. Being passionate about something makes you more interesting. What you do and where you go on a date is not so critical if the person you are spending time with is interesting and caring. Finally, stay informed to stay interesting. Keep up with current events and issues. Listen to the news and news commentary programs. One good source I like is the web sites of National Public Radio.

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Top ten things to bring to the beach. Sunglasses – an absolute must!

Top ten things to bring to the beach. Sunglasses - an absolute must!

When season hits summertime most of the people would love to spend their summertime at the beach. Some even book an airline ticket and have fun at another country. Local or international, it is the same.

There are lots of fun activities to enjoy at the beach aside from swimming. Some of them are:

• Lots of beaches have dolphins swimming near them. Take a boat and look for areas that are rich in dolphins.

• Food is always the best especially when you are swimming. It feels hungry when you get out of the beach.

• If you have children with you, it is best spending time with them making sand castles and write messages on the sand.

• Some beaches have boardwalk with them. It is a place where you can play different games like arcade games, ride the roller coasters and enjoy some summer concerts.

• Some beaches allow fire so it is great to have big parties with bonfires where your guests and visitors from all over the place can enjoy dancing, roast marshmallows, etc.

• You can go hiking to beaches that have nearby trails.

• Going fishing to the beach is a relaxing way to overcome stress.

• Some beaches offer seaside shops where you can enjoy seaside window shopping.

• Other beaches are located facing the ocean so these beaches are a good spot for surfing.

• If you love to look for seashells, you can spend your time looking for them all over the beach.

• You can stay relaxed under an umbrella and enjoy watching the horizon.

So now you are planning to spend your summertime at the beach. The first thing that comes up in your mind is what things are essentially need to bring along to the beach.

• Bathing suit - they are essential if you are planning to swim on the beach. Bring extra bathing suit with you for emergencies.

• Beach umbrella - they are important too when you want to relax under the sun or you can no longer bear the heat of the sun.

• Music or portable players like MP3 players - bring along some music with you to have a more rewarding experience with you. Do not forget to charge your portable players or bring chargers of your players with you.

• Cooler - Fill in ice and some soda to enjoy the beach.

• Flip flops - they are great when walking along the hot sand or over rocky areas of the beach. They are also easier to clean after using it.

• Sun block - make use of this to avoid the raging heat of the sun and avoid the dangers of skin cancer.

• Magazines - they are great to spend time when you love to read

• Body board - they are useful as a substitute for riding the waves if you do not have any surf board around.

• Beach towel - this can be used either to dry off after swimming or lay it over the sand for you to lie over.

• Sunglasses - This is one of the most important as they are going to keep your eyes healthy! Having sunglasses ( more about them here) with you helps protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays of the sun.

Keep in mind the important things to bring along with you so that you can enjoy your time at the beach especially with sunglasses.

If you want to know more about sunglasses click here.

Top Southern California Beaches

You cannot visit Southern California without stopping at one of its many wonderful beaches and dipping your toes in the Pacific Ocean. However, if you have a limited time on your visit and can only visit one beach, you may have a difficult time choosing. Which Southern California beach should top your list? Well, it depends on what you're looking for:

Surfing:

Huntington Beach: With over 50 surfing competitions held each year in Huntington Beach, plus a Surfing Walk of Fame, Surfers' Hall of Fame and International Surfing Museum, Huntington Beach, or "Surf City" as some call it, is the place you'll want to visit to surf and watch surfers in action. Forget your surfboard or boogie board? No problem, you can also rent one in Huntington Beach. You'll want to visit the pier at Huntington City Beach where you can watch the surfers as well as take in the views, which include Catalina Island, 22 miles away (check out the pay scopes for closer views).

Another reason to go to Huntington Beach is that all three of their beaches (Huntington City Beach, Huntington State Beach and Bolsa Chica State Beach) have concrete fire rings which allow you to have nightly bonfires and cookouts.

Swami's Beach: Located in Encinitas below Seacliff Roadside Park, Swami's Beach is also a great place to watch the surfers, as it is considered one of the best surfing spots along the San Diego County coastline.

Sunbathing and Relaxing:

Zuma/Point Dume: Of course, you can sit in the sand and relax at all the beaches in Southern California, but Point Dume and Zuma beaches, approximately 19 miles west of Malibu on Pacific Coast Highway, are the beaches to go to escape the crowded Los Angeles beaches. When driving west on PCH you'll come to Point Dume first, then Zuma. Point Dume is a little quieter than Zuma, so if you want to lie in the sand and sleep, or read a good book, Point Dume is it. Of course, just because Point Dume and Zuma beaches are great for relaxing, that's not all there is to do. Some consider Zuma beach one of the finest surfing beaches as well.

People Watching:

Venice City Beach: Want a quirky beach experience? Then you'll have to visit Venice Beach, at the end of Washington Street in Venice. There you'll find skaters, performers and those you're not quite sure if they're performing or not. On any given weekend you can be treated to musicians, acrobats, mimes, magicians and other assorted entertainers. You'll also find restaurants and all sorts of shops along Ocean Front Walk, as well as Muscle Beach, where you can find bodybuilders pumping iron. If you like crowds, you'll love Venice Beach on the weekend.

Fun Out of the Water:

Santa Monica State Beach: If you get tired of sunbathing or playing in the ocean, Santa Monica State Beach is great because you have Pacific Park at Santa Monica Pier with rides, games and restaurants. You have to really try hard to be bored at Santa Monica State Beach. Rides include a carousel, roller coaster, bumper cars, motion simulator and a nine-story Ferris wheel with spectacular views. You can also roller blade and ride bikes on the bike bath along the beach.

These are just a sampling of the great beach experiences you can have in Southern California. Just remember to bring and apply your sunscreen, drink plenty of water throughout the day, and enjoy your visit.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Recreation And Sports

How to Choose the Perfect Horse Riding Stables
In order for someone to look for the perfect horse riding stables, one need not be an expert or a professional in finding the perfect riding stable. You just need to know a little of the basics for ...
Author: Ana Mowery
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