Category Archives: Guest Post

Go take a family camping trip

A lot of people enjoy family camping; which can be very enjoyable, especially for kids. Family camping can help strengthen the bonds between family members; it is also a great way to relax and forget the different problems of everyday life.

The reason why you would bring your family with you on a family camping trip may vary. Some people want to be very active with their families, and the great outdoors help them do this. Other families go camping with their families to escape the different stresses and problems of everyday life. Going out in the woods with just you and a pop up tent can be a great experience.

Be sure that you check which family members are going with you on this trip. Each family member has different needs so make sure you know who is going with you on this camping trip, weeks in advance. You should also plan activities because some of your family members might get bored because they are not used to going camping. By doing this you can plan activities that everyone will enjoy and this will make your family camping trip all the more enjoyable. This goes for all other things regarding your family camping trip. Tailor your camping trip for your family because what works for other families may prove to be very boring, if your family is put in the same position. Doing this will make your family camping trip a lot more fun for you and for your family.

Choose a campsite that is big enough for you and your family and one that will provide a good level of comfort for you and your family. When planning a family camping trip let the members of your family make plans with you, or at least solicit their opinions. You do not want to do something that nobody agrees with just because your family members didn’t have any input in planning the family camping trip.

A family camping trip is a great way to teach the younger members of your family some survival skills, since there is no TV or computer of any kind in your campsite, it should be easy for you to convince them to do this if they are uncooperative.

Aside from some of the obvious hardships that come with planning a family camping trip and the stress of setting everything up once you are there, family camping trips can be fun and very rewarding. It may seem hard at first but it is very rewarding. There’s nothing like family bonding in a 3 man tent.

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Act now to help the endangered animals

There are millions of creatures, large and small that grace this planet and share the land with us. Some are well-known and common while others are a bit stranger and less common and are even considered animals endangered. Here are several freaky weird animals that are on the verge of extinction but deserve just as much help and attention in bouncing back as any other of their cuter and cuddlier counterparts:

Long-beaked echidna

1) The Echidna. This small mammal has a few odd characteristics. First of all, it has spiky quills over it’s body sort of like a porcupine and it is one of only two mammals in the world that lays eggs. Because it has no teeth and is also shy with a good temperament, this makes the Echnida as easy target for bigger animals to feast on. Combine this with the deteriorating environment that it calls home and you have an animal that is highly in danger of becoming extinct.

Olms in Postojna Cave, Slovenia

2) The Olm. This amphibian which is native to Italy and Croatia that has some strange quirks that help it in some circumstances but also make it easy prey. First of all, this creature is blind and, unlike other amphibians, it lives in the water. These two things make it easy for larger fish other creatures to sneak up on it in the water. If the Olm is lucky, it can live up to one hundred years but not many make it to that ripe old age.

Duck-billed platypus

3) The Duck-billed Platypus. Although this creature is venomous and is able to fend off potential enemies in the animal kingdom, it’s survival tactic is no match for human poachers who wanted it’s fur and who have hunted it to near extinction. It is the only other mammal that lays eggs, the other one is on the list of near-extinct animals too.

Of course, this is just a small sampling of the animals that are in danger of being wiped off this planet all-together. There are literally thousands more spread out all over the world. We must act together to protect these animals because they are a natural part of the whole system that keeps life going the way it should on this planet. Every time an animal goes extinct, it effects the whole system and one of these, we may find ourselves on this lengthy list.

How to illuminate your outdoor driveway?

Outdoor lighting is very important because not only does it improves aesthetics, it will also improve safety and security of the area your are illuminating. The most popular areas to illuminate are your garden, patio, walkway and your driveway. Placing lights on your driveway is an important thing to do because you want to know where you are going when it is dark. Accidents are prone to happen when it is dark and you can prevent accidents by placing lights on your driveway.

There are quite some different options to use for properly lighting your driveway. Still the most popular way to do it is with string lights. String lights can be installed and connected to a time switch or a simple switch that you can turn on and off whenever you like to. A frequently used method is by connecting it to a motion detector. Whenever a car is approaching the light will turn on, this saves you time and prevents the area from being constantly illuminated, a thing your neighbors will not always appreciate.

Although string lights are still the most popular option, other better options are also available. LED lights for example, are a much more easier way to light your driveway because they are much easier to install. The benefit of them is that you can place them in to the ground so there is always a spot to place them. However, LED lights still have to be connected to a power network and this is a tough nut to crack if you don’t know how to work with string lights or LED lights.

A third option is the use of solar lights. Nowadays there are very useful small lights available which you can also place in to the ground. The only thing you have to consider is placing them faced to the sun because they will need enough sun light to charge their batteries. The big advantage of solar lights is that you don’t have to connect them to a power network which makes installation rather easy.

For more tips, visit out website on outdoorlightinglamps.com

Deer repellent tactics to protect your garden and plants

Spring and summer are characterized by lush leaves and budding flowers. However, they are also the seasons when hungry deer emerge from the woods to snack on delicacies found within the garden. Deer repellent tactics will keep deer out of the yard without causing them any permanent harm.

One way to deter deer is by installing a fence around the garden. The fence will need to be at least eight feet high because hungry deer will not hesitate to jump high in order to get some food. Thorny branches or netting should be interspersed with the fencing to provide further deterrent.

Fencing can be quite expensive, depending on the size of the fence and material used. Many homeowners will not have the necessary skills to install a fence themselves, so they will need to contact a professional. The labor charges in addition to the cost of materials can make this quite an investment. There is also no guarantee that a very hungry deer will not leap over this tall fence.

Try using repellent sprays in the garden as an alternative deterrent method. Sprays can be concocted at home using ingredients like soap or rotten eggs and water. There are many recipes on the Internet so try some of these or ask a local garden expert for recommendations.

The sprays sold online and in stores may contain chemicals or they may be entirely organic. Purchase one to treat the perimeter of the area or select the variety that is sprayed directly on the vegetables and flowers. Since these products are low-cost, test out some different brands to find the one most effective at deterring the deer in the area.

Incorporate deer repellent plants and flowers amongst the other items in the garden. Check online to see what shrubs and flowers will grow best in the garden’s climate. A deer may nibble on some of these but will then get a nauseous feeling in its stomach. The condition is temporary, but it will cause the deer to think twice before chewing on flowers and plants in the garden again.

There is a form of deer repellent for every budget and garden size. Fencing, sprays, and certain flowers and shrubs that deter deer are each effective in their own way. Find out what works best in your garden so you can rest easy that those prize roses will not be a deer’s next snack.

There are many ways you can protect your garden from deer. Visit our site and read about deer repellent recipes, deer resistant plants, studies and surveys about the variety of repellents and what others are doing. You can also post your questions and get answers.

Find the type of outdoor fire pit design that fits your needs

Outdoor fire pits has become a staple in ornamenting the backyard either for its function or aesthetic contributions or both. There are different types of outdoor fire pits one may choose from depending on his taste, lifestyle and financial capability. Gas fire pits are also one of the options to choose from these days.

Wok-shaped tray.  This is the simplest design for outdoor fire pits. It is made of metal, usually copper, and shaped like a wok tray that sits in a metal stand. This is ideal for barbecues, roasting marshmallows and grill parties on a warm summer afternoon.

Chimenea. This is perhaps the most stylish and popular design for outdoor fire pits. Traditionally made from ceramic and looks like an old potbelly stove. It is also a simple design. The fire is made in its round body or belly and the fuel is fed trough an opening in the front. It is small but its recognizable round body makes it attractive to homeowners. Chimeneas, are usually used for decorative purposes and heating up a small room. Today, one can find chimeneas made from cast iron and other metals.

In-ground or Permanent fire pit. This type of out door fire pit is permanently dug hole in the ground. This type of outdoor fire pits is lined with stones or fire bricks or a combination of both which insulate the fire from the soil. The height of in-ground fire pits extends above ground. It can be made stylish to become a centric feature of the patio or used for grilling.

Portable fire pits. A good example of this design is a copper bowl or container that sits on metal supports and provides a dish making an open fire. This type of design is perfect for bringing along in the woods, beach, dessert or the backyard and is suitable for cooking.

The types of designs mentioned above come in different shapes, color, sizes, and design materials. Technology has also made an important contribution in the evolution and advancement of outdoor fire pit designs. Aside from the usual wood and gas fuels, fire pits can now be lit using electricity, glass or gel. Outdoor gas fire pit manufacturers have patented designs to fit the lifestyle of the affluent and pompous.

Whatever design, outdoor fire pits will continue to be part of the household design. They enliven outdoor living, entertain households and bring about a different feel and aura to the place they illuminate.