Outdoor Lifestyles

It’s time to buy a tree! I know that most people are thinking about snow blowers, snow shovels, and where to buy ice melting salt now that winter is almost here, but there is still time to think about landscaping and gardening projects!

If you go to your local nursery you will find that trees and large shrubs are big time on sale right now. The reason for this is that they want to get rid of the inventory to make room for next year’s stock. In addition, there is risk that the trees could die over the winter sitting out in the open and not in the ground where they belong.

I have seen nursery stock going for as much as 70% off this time of year for trees up to 10 feet tall! In addition, most landscaping crews are not as busy right now, and if you are a good talker, you can get them to install for nearly free.

The key in planting trees at this later date is to properly amend the soil prior to planting. You want to make sure there are good nutrients in the soil to promote fast rooting. Phosphorus and Potassium are two elements that will accomplish this. You can also buy liquid “starter” fertilizers for trees and shrubs and pour them around the newly planted root ball. Always follow the directions with these products.

It is also not too late to buy tulips and other spring bulbs. You need to get these in the ground quickly before the ground freezes and cover them with the same liquid started fertilizer you use for trees.

So take a little time this weekend and plant a tree or two. Simply put, eco conscious living starts with a small task like planting a tree and gives back to the environment for years to come.

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As an avid Kite Surfer I’ve been following with some interest the various blogs and vids of those European guys using Skorpion Multi Terrain roller skates for kite skating. I have to say to start with I was a bit cynical thinking it would be too difficult but it certainly seems and risen in popularity. So last month I decided to take the plunge and get myself a pair of Skorpion Multi Terrain skates from the Skorpion On-line store.

Well it’s been a long time since i’ve worn a pair of skates and never really got into the whole roller blade thing. These looked different - stable with a lower centre of gravity.

Well I don’t like reading instructions so I just strapped them on and gave them a go as soon as i got them. I didn’t take long to learn how to manouvre them and in my opinion the turning action is very similar to skiing.

Getting the kite up with the skates took a bit of practise but nothing too bad. I found myself a big space, plenty of grass and just a few people. Now i’ve been getting out in all kinds of places but the best for me has to be the beach as the hard wet sand is the perfect base and you can really get some great speed and get some air.

At $149.99 i think that Skorpion Multi Terrain Skates are a good deal given the extra options they give you to use the kite, and if you’re into your kite surfing i would definately recommend giving these a go.

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So if you have not heard of Calabria, it is the southern most region of Italy.

Italy offers a unique blend of art, history and contemporary fashion. Italy has awesome landscapes, a superb Mediterranean climate and a friendly and charismatic population.

Today, Italy is a highly developed country with a stable political system, good economy, significant Foreign Direct Investment and a thriving tourism industry. property in Calabria offers a range of investment opportunities and significant capital appreciation potential in an expanding real estate market.

The marvellous Mediterranean weather, stable political and economy, rich history, beautiful architecture, stunning landscape and many attractions and facilities make Italy a most desirable destination for tourism and investment.

In general you will discover stunning scenery, wonderful lakes, magnificent mountains and beautiful beaches. The climate varies from cold and chilly in the northern Alps to nice and warm in the south but typically it is a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mellow.

Tourism
Italy is a tourist paradise that has a wealth to offer; from the superb ski slopes of the Alps to beautiful sunny beaches of the Mediterranean and from invigorating sports and activities to romantic dinners in old castles, Italy offers tourists an unrivalled, unique and varied experience.

Economy
Policy reforms that are effect, growing revenues, investment incentives, reducing public spending and deficit, controlled inflation, supporting sustainable growth of the [Italy’s economy. | Italian economy.[/spin]

Calabria Real Estate
Calabria is an area of extraordinary beauty with many kilometres miles of unspoiled pristine sandy beaches, perfect Mediterranean climate, clear turquoise blue seas, imposing mountains, wonderful lakes, and dense forests and rolling hills, home to delightful orchards and vineyards. The area is rich in history, culture, has a traditional and relaxed ambiance and a variety of landscapes and climates meaning the lucky people who acquire Calabria property have a wealth of activities to enjoy.

located in one of the most charming parts of Italy with its picturesque ancient villages, hilltop towns with narrow streets and beautiful sandy beaches, The region has only recently a few years ago started to be explored and discovers by tourists and now property investors which is one of the reasons why the price of property is still relatively low compared to other Italian destinations.

The Sunday Times ranked Tropea as the no1 beach & holiday spot in the Top 20 Beach Holiday report published Jan 07 .

The new resorts and properties being built offer affordable holiday properties that provide excellent facilities and superb access to the dramatic scenery, pristine white sandy beaches, sparkling turquoise warm waters and historical sites and attractions.
The superb climate , fantastic local cuisines and traditional Italian way of life that Calabria offers then it is no surprise that the region is now appearing on many holiday companies brochures. Meaning that more and more people from both Italy and other European countries are visiting Calabria.

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It’s funny to think about, buy your choice in gardening gloves can make a big difference in your overall ‘green’ experience. After all, how many of you like dirt under your fingernails and blisters on your palms?
The solution to this problem is multi-sue gardening gloves. The more time you spend getting down and dirty in the garden, the more you need them. But there are other considerations beside dirt. Here are other gardening chores that may require gloves to protect your hands:

Building Retaining Walls
If you’ve ever done any heavy landscape construction, then you know that it is one of the fastest ways to tear up your hands. Lifting and lugging several hundred bricks or blocks can rip your skin to shreds. You will need to consider getting gardening gloves with leather palms.

Using Hand Tools
You also need to do a lot of digging with shovels when you garden and landscape. Anyone who has ever dug a trench knows that blisters will form very quickly. In addition, during winter, your snow-shoveling must be done with gloves on. You should also consider your hands when you reach into your ice melter bucket or bag to spread the ice melt salt. Once again, leather palmed gloves are going to be your best defense.

Using Power Equipment
I don’t normally wear gloves when I mow the lawn, but I do wear them when I am using my snow blower because of freezing temperatures. Not only will you need the leather for this, you will also benefit from some insulation.

There are hundreds of different types of gloves on the market, and the type of gardening glove you buy depends on the way you garden. In my case, I have 3 different sets for the different jobs mentioned above.

After choosing the type of gardening glove you need, you must make sure and pick out the perfect fit. Gloves that are too big have a tendency to slip off while gloves that are too small could cause aches and cramps. Any glove that doesn’t fit could defeat the whole purpose of wearing gloves and cause blistering. To find a glove with the best fit possible, try the gloves on both hands, make a fist, and imitate the movements you make when gardening. If there is no pinching or slipping and the glove is comfortable then you have found your match.

Gardening gloves can be bought in many places and are produced by many companies, causing them all to have a different quality and price. Most gloves can be washed in cool water and then air dried. There are many different types of gloves you can purchase to satisfy your varying needs, such as cotton and cotton-polyester for general-purpose chores. These are among the most popular gloves and are perfect for light chores in cool and dry weather. Leather gloves can also be used for general chores but are heavier than cotton and polyester. Grip enhancing gloves are designed with rubber dots for extra gripping power. Cut and puncture resistant gloves are designed to offer extra protection against sharp edges

If you are the type person that only wears gloves as an optional luxury for various tasks, you should think seriously for using specialized gardening gloves for many of the activities you will be doing outside. There is really no reason not to wear gardening gloves; they protect your hands from the elements and don’t ever cost all that much.
With winter on the way, the market ready for you to purchase your winter gardening gloves. While you are there, pick up some ice melter on sale before the next big storm hits.

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Good Camping Recipes

Today we will be talking about meal planning. Meals are one of the most memorable aspects of any camping trip and if one meal is a disaster you will never hear the end of it. I will show you how to avoid spending half the day in the kitchen and still deliver a meal that will knock their socks off. Pre planning and pre prep are a great way to buy more time for doing what you came for “Camping”. Later I will share a recipe that includes a great way to pre cook pasta. There are two methods for meal planning, the ration method and the recipe method. Today I will focus on the recipe method. I will go into depth on the ration method in a later issue. A small group in a camp setting will find the recipe method much easier to implement. If you have a very large group or need to be mobile the ration method is desirable.

Choosing your best camping recipe.

An efficient and fun way to plan your menu is to gather up all your favorite recipes and make a daily menu centered around your planned activities not worrying about space or supply restrictions. For example if you are planning some hiking, sandwiches will do the trick. If you plan to stay close to the site you can afford some more elaborate meals. I try to plan for a variety of situations. This allows you to be fixable once you hit the site. You don’t have to follow your menu to the tee. Mix it up, be spontaneous and have fun.

Once you have your menu, figure out what supplies you will need, then depending on your space and weight requirements adjust your menu and/or your equipment accordingly. Otherwise just creating the menu can be a real challenge. Our goal here is to have fun. This method for meal planning is an easy way to figure out what supplies you will need without a lot of size and weight calculations. There are plenty of complicated formulas you can use for meal planning and in some circumstance like backpacking or extended trips these are essential, but for the average campsite certainty not necessary. If you forget or overlook something, most campgrounds either have a store on site or within a short driving distance. You might kick yourself for having to spend twice what something is worth but you won’t starve.

When planning your menu include plenty of fresh water, high-energy snacks and trail foods like fresh fruit, beef jerky and granola. Stay away from things like chips, soda and cookies unless you plan on sitting around the campsite wishing you had a TV to watch.

Outdoor activities require a lot of energy and burn a lot of calories. The best way to plan healthy meals is to use the USDA’s Food Guide Pyramid. Keep in mind appetites will be up so plan accordingly. Click on the link above to visit the USDA’s site. Do as much pre planning and pre prep as possible. (Say that 5 times fast) I use a lot of zip lock bags, cutting up and cooking as much as I can before I get to the site. Use a cooler to keep your perishables like milk, condiments and fresh vegetables. I use powdered milk in all my camp recipes because it is convenient to carry and easy to convert your recipe to fresh milk if you have it. I usually use fresh milk for the first few days then go to the powdered milk after we have run out. At least that is the plan. My daughter loves to drink milk and always throws a fit whenever we run out of fresh. I often find myself reentering society in exchange for a little peace and quiet.

The nice thing about the recipe menu planning method is most home recipes can be converted to outdoor recipes with very little effort. This next recipe is a perfect example of something that is equally delicious at home or out on the campsite. Note the pre planning tips that make this a quick fix without compromising on taste.

Campsite Pasta Italiano

7 to 8 oz pasta 4 Tbsp olive or peanut oil 1 lb Italian sausage cut into ½ inch pieces 1 28 oz can Italian Style crushed tomatoes (do not substitute with regular crushed tomatoes) 1 tsp garlic powder Salt and pepper Parmesan cheese

Do Ahead Tip: Cut sausage before hand and store in a zip lock bag.

Do Ahead Tip: Cook the pasta at home as directed on package. Drain and rinse with cold water. In a large bowl add pasta and 2 Tbsp oil. Toss until evenly coated, seal in a zip lock bag and store in cooler until needed.

Do Ahead Tip: Plan several pasta dishes and cook all the pasta at once. Store each portion in a separate bag. Use a permanent marker to write the name of the recipe each bag is intended for.

Before you prepare your meal remove the appropriate pasta bag from the cooler and let it reach room temperature.

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet on medium high. Add sausage and brown evenly until cooked through. Drain grease; add crushed tomatoes and garlic powder. Stirring constantly bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium. Simmer until thickened about 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add pasta. Mix well. If your skillet is too small to add the pasta you can mix all the ingredients in a large bowl. The heat of the sauce will reheat the pasta.

Whala! A simple delicious meal whipped up in a flash. Guaranteed to stick to the ribs after a hard days play. Don’t forget to leave some room for the S’mores. I am an avid camper with a passion for the simple life.

P.S. If you decided to put all travel burdens - meals including - on the shoulders of others, then think about getting bargain cruise deals.

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Birds, I believe, are one of the freest creatures on earth. They fly and hover, travel on distant lands, alight on tree branches, explore forests, sing songs and chirp their lives away. People have always wish of flying like birds, it must have been so cool to be flying with the wind-rush to your face, liberty and freedom at your grasp.

When I go to a park, I spot birds of different kinds that make me distinctly remember John James Audubon’s classic work “The Birds of America”. Richly admired how Audubon was able to draw the birds without them flying and flittering away. He may have had some really good wild bird feeders with him in which he was able to capture the aerial voyagers at their best poses.

A selection of decorative bird houses combined with varied seeds could have done the trick as the birds must have been pensive with eating to stay put in one place allowing Audubon to sketch and paint them later on. Exploring vast forests for rare bird species was hard and documenting them without the help of photography is even harder. So, we could imagine what pains and risks did Audubon and his party goes through just to finish his work.

Although certain types of birds are today afflicted with the avian flu, we cannot ignore that we still have so much to learn about them. With such delicate bone frames, how can they fly so hastily? Their tiny muscles don’t need workout to help them flitter and hop around. Birds, of course, are divided into groups in which we see the hand of God split them from biggest to smallest.

From the strong flight of the majestic eagle to the remarkable ability of the tiny hummingbird to hover and fly backwards, birds make us contemplate on the richness and abundance of nature. There are still territories to be reached, they must be protectedand nurtured at the same time. People must be rightly educated on conservation and must learn how to love and preserve nature’s gifts, if not; we may someday face a future where there are no birds and our skies a no-fly zone.

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There are plenty of wonderful elements that you could include in your landscaping design, one in particular being landscaping rock.

Where to Shop
If you wish to purchase landscaping rock to use in your landscaping design, there are a few places in particular that you will want to check out. One is Timeless Stone Surfaces, a company whose local stone and rock showroom was actually recently built to provide landscapers around the world with a unique look at the various different applications and uses for landscape rock and landscape boulders.

Their rock boulders and stone products are currently being used all over the US and Canada and are being used in everything from retaining walls, rocked subdivision entry signs, water features, exterior home facades to stone columns, interior rock fireplaces and more option, and for over two decades now they have provided quality masonry, tile, stone and rock work for commercial and residential interiors nad exteriors. Their exterior masonry work includes walls, stairs and much more, whilst their interior masonry work includes kitchens, bathrooms and entryways.

When it comes to landscaping rock, Faryna Masonry provides a wide selection of stone and rock work. They serve a variety of locations and you can check out samples of their work on their website.

Yet another great company you can go through for landscaping rock is Scotty’s Landscaping and Design. They specialize in tropical, alpine, Asian, natural and formal gardens, waterfalls and features, full landcsape renovations, ne home landscaping, design consultations nad drawings and much more.

Designs
There are plenty of creative designs that you can incorporate landscaping rock in, such as a retaining wall. A retaining wall is a structure that works by holding back rock or soil from a building, and these can be particularly helpful to keep family and friends from walking on your lawn or for separating parts of your yard. Retaining walls are fundamental elements in both residential and commercial constructions and work not only by adding strength but aesthetic appeal too.

There are many other elements that you can include as well. Just ensure that you take your time and go over your design several times before making any final decisions so that you can be tottaly happy and come out of the process with the best possible results.

For example would adding a pergola add to your backyard. They can provide a place to relax with family and friends. And of course they are great for climbing plants.
How to build a pergola
Pergola designs
Pergola plans

Landscaping can really be lots of fun, just remember to be creative and to personalize the design and make it your own.

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Your Camping Equipment

Tons of different items that could be classified as camping equipment. Camping equipment doesn’t have to seem like a chore to get together, but you should still give yourself plenty of time to make sure you have everything that you need.

1. Rustic equipment:

Somehow, camping equipment goes against the very point of going camping in the first place - to get away from technology and civilization for a while. Even if you plan to live off the land, make sure you have an adequate supply of food rations on hand. So, outdoor camping tents go a little against the idea.

You will also want to make sure you bring along cooking utensils for over the campfire. You can get several different types of frying pans, skewers, and even bread toasters for over the campfire. If you are particularly fond of coffee in the morning, make sure to have your tin coffee pot and cups handy.

You can get hurt while they are camping, and so a good to include a first aid kit with your camping equipment supplies. Keep some medications handy for any bouts you may end up having with the cold or flu. Just because you are out camping, doesn’t mean you still cant be susceptible to all of the little things you are unprepared for.

A waterproof tent that you can take the top piece off and watch the stars. If you are really handy, you’ll have a radio with batteries in it, and perhaps not for the music itself, but to be informed of severe weather conditions that may be approaching.

The list of what you could use for camping equipment is endless and depends on how long you intend to camp for. Make sure you have an adequate supply of clothing on hand so you don’t have to freeze to death if you fall in the lake accidentally.

2. Stylish equipment:

It is a good idea to make sure you carry supplies with you in case of an accident. Depending on where you are camping, you could come across situations that would require medical attention. Of course, lets hope this isn’t the case for anyone on your next camping trip. Its just better to be safe than sorry. This is part of the how to camp knowledge.

Unlike rustic camping equipment, where it is a good idea to at have a lantern for night vision, you are pretty well set up with everything you could need to be modern. So all you need to take along are those spare items inside of your house that will make your camping trip more enjoyable. If you like to be at home more than rustic camping, you need to make sure you are prepared to make yourself comfortable.

You should always place being dry and warm as a first priority when camping. You can’t do much of anything, after all, if you are suffering from hypothermia. People have done it for generations and you can do it for a few days too. It’s easy to see why camping is a great activity for the whole family.

If you are looking for another type of traveling experience, and prefer cruises to camping - read about bargain cruise deals.

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1. No More Back Wrenching Labor!
Summer time is fun time, who wants to do work? Nothing zaps the fun out of summer parties more than having to drag heavy patio furniture outside then back in each and every time you want to use it. With wicker outdoor furniture you safely leave your patio furniture outside not just all summer but all winter too!

2. No More Fading In the Sun!
High grade wicker outdoor furniture is made of Polyethylene (PE), a plastic that is infused with UV blockers that prevent color fading despite the summer sun. Traditional wicker furniture is made from Abaca (palm) leaves that will fade with prolonged UV exposure. However with quality synthetic wicker outdoor furniture you won’t have to worry about losing color.

3. Water Proof Too!
Water can’t soak into the fibers of wicker outdoor furniture is comprised of particularly non-porous strands of synthetic wicker. Traditional abaca wicker will soak up water like a sponge when the finish wares off and will eventually rot if exposed to the elements. You can leave quality modern patio wicker furniture outdoor year round regardless of the weather without risk of water damage.

4. Rust Proof!
Iron patio furniture will resist rust as long as the paint or finish stays intact. Unfortunately, it is unavoidable that the sealant will eventually wear down with use as scratches form on the surface, letting rust set in. Quality resin wicker furniture is made with aluminum frames, that while it technically does rust it actually grows stronger when it oxidizes unlike other metals. As aluminum oxidizes it forms a protective layer around itself which is the same color as aluminum so not only does it grow stronger with age but it looks brand new for its entire lifespan.

5. More Style!
Because resin wicker furniture is made from moldable aluminum and synthetic wicker, there is practically no limit to the designs and styles available. The choices, especially so far as colors are concerned, are practically endless in their variations for those seeking custom wicker outdoor furniture. Plus the texture and width of the strands weave patterns can be altered to form many different looks. Combine these versatile synthetic wicker strands with limitless aluminum frame designs and you have an resin wicker furniture set for any patio, balcony or garden.

6. Eco-Friendly!
wicker furniture made from Polyethylene (PE) will not only last a lifetime but it is recyclable too. It is important to make sure that the outdoor wicker sofa or dining set you purchase is indeed made from PE and not Polyvinylchloride (PVC) which is not at all eco friendly. PVC off gases harmful chemicals that are bad for the environment and humans during its entire lifespan. Plus PVC is not recyclable making it one of the most hazardous plastics on the planet. So look at the label, if it does not advertise PE then you can bet it’s PVC.

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Prepare to be AMAZED! Introducing The Rainbow King Kong Playhouse! The King Kong Children’s Playhouse features two 5′ x 5′ decks, a 4-position swing-beam, and a huge 14′ scoop slide as standard. It is the Outdoor Play Equipment for older children and large gardens, and they are big enough to keep children interested until into their teens.
King Kong Climbing Frames and Outdoor Wooden Play Equipment are some of the finest quality play systems available in the UK. Our climbing frames are considered to be the ‘Rolls Royce’ of the Outdoor Play Equipment industry with exceptional quality and installation services.
The Carl McKee Play Centre is manufactured by Rainbow Play Systems Inc, using 100% natural cedar and redwood. More about Rainbow Play Systems, their quality and philosophy is below.

The Rainbow Carl McKee Custom Play-centre is also backed by Rainbow’s Exclusive Lifetime Warranty.
You can choose between the fun, vibrant and traditional rainbow colours for your fully removable, washable canopies or a more natural, beautiful deep forest green.

Climbing Frame Features:
• 37.5 Square Foot Super-sized Castle Fort
• Easy-Climb Main Structural Chain Cargo Ladder
• Easy-Climb Main Structural Step/Rung Ladder
• 15′ Super Scoop Safety Slide
• Super-sized Jacob’s Rope Ladder
• 2 Visibility Vertical Rail Panels
• Choice of Canopy or Lap Bevel Wooden Roof Option
• 360° Race Car Tire Swing w/Commercial Swivel
• 6”x 6” Construction Overhead Monkey Bars & Shimmy Handles
• 32 Square Foot Super-sized King Kong Penthouse
• Choice of King Kong Penthouse Canopy or Wooden Roof Option
• 360° Commercial Spiral Tube Slide
• Double Curve Commercial Tube Slide
• 2-73 Square Foot Multi-Level Clubhouse Forts
• 26 Visibility Vertical Rail Panels
• 15′ Super Scoop Safety Slide
• Grab n’ Go Bar Above Slide
• Squiggle Wiggle Commercial Tube Slide
• 3 Grab n’ Go Bars Above Slides
• Choice of Canopy colour
• Easy-Climb Ramp with Ropes
• Triple Wide Commercial Rock wall
• Four Station Swing Beam with Header- Fully Equipped
• 5 Pair Bronze Bushing Swing Hangers
• 3 Sling Swings with Vinyl Coated Safety Chain
• Knotted Rope with Disc
• Adult Lawn Swing
• 2 Lower Level Playhouses
• Store Front Panels
• 2 Lower Level Floors
• 4”x 6” Construction Overhead Monkey Bars
• 25 Square Foot Penthouse
• Extended Penthouse Bubble Panel
• 10 Foot Crawl Tunnel
• Crow’s Nest
• 10 Foot Billy Goat Bridge
• 4 Pair of Vinyl Coated Safety Handles
• 3 Ship’s Wheels
• 2 Binoculars
• 1 Periscope
Unit Dimensions:
• Length - 58 ft / 17.68m
• Depth - 46 ft / 14m
• Height - 16 ft / 4.8m

PLEASE NOTE: There will be an extra delivery charge for Wales, Scotland, Devonshire and Northern England. Please call for more details.

Why Choose Rainbow? - Eco Friendly

100% Natural Cedar & Redwood and Cypress Construction.
• Rainbow Play Systems has mandated to our suppliers to adhere to a major forest initiative.
• The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) calls for third party inspections of forestlands for sustain-ability and habitat use.
• Certification has been set up to certify mills to produce “Certified Lumber.”
• Our timber has to be approved to be harvested under an agreement reached in cooperation with scientists, environmental groups and foresters
• Our ‘Eco Friendly’ stance means that we ensure not to harm watersheds around streams, wildlife, soil erosion, and to ensure no one area is over-harvested.
• Cedar and redwood are naturally decay resistant, which means they do not have to be treated with possibly toxic chemicals

Click here to view the King Kong now

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