tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56114231584469033902011-11-27T15:36:37.942-08:00Tips for maximizing family outdoor experiences.Deb, The Outdoor Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17286622320742091353noreply@blogger.comBlogger331100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5611423158446903390.post-48632835252564188292010-01-27T21:41:00.000-08:002010-01-27T18:41:49.614-08:00

Becoming familiar with plants as symbols will forever change the way you put your garden together. Including them in your Feng Shui design will give totally new meanings and uniqueness to the various areas of your garden. Your home design incorporate specialized areas for sleeping, eating, visiting, working, playing, cleaning, and so forth. Your garden should also have specific variations that

Deb, The Outdoor Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17286622320742091353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5611423158446903390.post-56964668136265436092009-10-21T15:14:00.000-07:002009-10-21T15:14:50.666-07:00

Now this brings back memories... a lot of good ones, actually, as long as we avoided "monsoon" season!     Camping in the rain meant we taught our children the real meaning of making the best of the "worst" of times.  It also taught our children the importance of being prepared.     Being prepared meant we brought games, raincoats, umbrellas, and our best "sunny" outlooks on every situation. 

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Your garden or outdoor space can easily be enhanced for attracting wealth and prosperity (money, home, car, travel . . .) or abundance in life (fun, friends, love . . ).  You will want to focus on the back left corner, known in feng shui as the Southeast corner.  Be sure this area is neatly maintained without clutter. Colors that enhance this area are purples, reds, and greens, which are easily

Deb, The Outdoor Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17286622320742091353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5611423158446903390.post-40388581745658251952009-09-14T19:39:00.000-07:002009-09-16T20:11:18.276-07:00

If you are fairly new to hiking with children, there are a few items and recommendations to keep everyone safe and happy.When you head out for a hike, you should always carry your own backpack. Don't make someone else carry it! Your pack doesn't have to be heavy, but it should have everything you'll need. 2. When headed out for a day trip, stay prepared with these essentials for each person:

Deb, The Outdoor Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17286622320742091353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5611423158446903390.post-15718973340008247972009-09-07T21:45:00.000-07:002009-09-13T22:50:49.446-07:00

Yes, sleeping pads = comfort! I don't know why, but as a child I could sleep on nearly anything and never notice. Life outdoors meant clean fresh air and comforting adventure. In those days we simply purchased an air mattress for a buck and blew and blew until we were light-headedly dizzy, giggling like crazy! Then we would hand our mattresses over to an adult to finish the job. I don't know how

Deb, The Outdoor Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17286622320742091353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5611423158446903390.post-79319768787284083912009-08-23T15:26:00.000-07:002009-08-23T19:29:58.270-07:00

One of our favorite mouthwatering treats at the campsite. It's hard to go wrong, and the kids love to help! Homemade ice cream makes an added bonus.2 (30 oz) cans sliced peaches1 apple spice cake mix (or yellow cake and sprinkle cinnamon-sugar on top)1 egg (optional for fluffiness)12" Dutch oven2 doz hot briquettesPour the cake mix into a bowl or pan.Drain the fruit juice into the cake mixAdd a

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Dutch ovens remain one of the most versatile cooking pots or pans ever made. There's almost nothing you can't cook with it. You can only hurt it by washing it with detergent, just like any iron skillet. But the cool thing is...even that is fixable. Advantages of cast iron (and minor disadvantages)Dutch ovens and cast iron skillets weigh a ton, so you definitely won't take this one backpacking.

Deb, The Outdoor Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17286622320742091353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5611423158446903390.post-78291103255446746302009-08-19T21:43:00.000-07:002009-08-20T22:41:54.524-07:00

Okay, so my daughter comes in the house with the most beautiful 5-year old's smile on her face, and the most beautiful bouquet of peonies in her hands....only there were no stems on the flowers. What could I say, but the most tender words of appreciation while looking down at my very first crop of sweet smelling peonies. Perhaps I could float them in bowls of water...Do you have stories like this

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Camping with a new addition to the family may seem daunting, but with some mental and physical preparation, it can really be rewarding. Prepare well ahead.If you've had any experience with children, you know something that others have yet to learn. Children need time to adjust and make the mental transitions. If your child can understand anything, it helps to begin talking about and sharing the

Deb, The Outdoor Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17286622320742091353noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5611423158446903390.post-81477254312504115362009-08-11T22:53:00.000-07:002009-08-11T23:51:30.050-07:00

For those that follow along, you've noticed I have been away for a few days, absorbed in the beauty of Mt. Shasta in northern California. Believe me, it was very challenging to leave that area.To our good fortune, we discovered Everitt Memorial Highway, which leads up into the mountain itself. 10 miles from the beautiful town of Mt. Shasta, we drove past the ranger station at Bunny Flats (no

Deb, The Outdoor Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17286622320742091353noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5611423158446903390.post-21722995063675006052009-08-06T23:52:00.000-07:002009-08-07T00:12:01.562-07:00

Many tent manufacturers sell a footprint tarp accessory. These are custom sized ground cloths for particular camping tents and match the footprint of those tents. Footprint tarps are made an inch or two smaller than the tent floor. Often they have loops which can be attached with the tent stakes or poles to create a custom fit with no tucking under required. Footprint tarps, though usually an

Deb, The Outdoor Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17286622320742091353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5611423158446903390.post-20891570294308501782009-08-05T13:00:00.000-07:002009-08-05T13:03:00.774-07:00

Okay, so you've found the perfect birdbath, right? It's shallow enough for wading (not deeper than 3 inches), check. Not tooooo smooth to be slippery, check. If it has a bubbler or fountain drip in the middle, it will be more attractive for bathing and "misting" our little friends (maybe check). Now we need to consider placement.Obviously we want to place our birdbath where we can see the action,

Deb, The Outdoor Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17286622320742091353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5611423158446903390.post-18933206285187987622009-08-03T22:50:00.000-07:002009-08-02T23:07:18.598-07:00

Butterflies make welcome guests in nearly everyone's garden. Encourage them with nectar plants and watch them delight all.Here's a list of plants well known to bring in the butterfly visitors.Annuals and PerennialsBeardtongue (Penstemon)Buttercup (Ranunculus)CosmosDelphiniumGloriosa Daisy (Rudbeckia)Jupiter's Beard (Centranthus)Sage (Salvia)Yarrow (Achillea)ZinniaShrubsButterfly Bush (Buddleia)

Deb, The Outdoor Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17286622320742091353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5611423158446903390.post-77893769833764712922009-07-31T12:47:00.000-07:002009-08-02T22:20:16.090-07:00

StorageSo your sleeping bag comes with a stuff sack. It seems like it should make it easy to slide it into the closet and keep it clean for the next trip, right?Well, turns out, to get the maximum life out of your sleeping bag, store it loosely, after you have aired it out and it's dry. This goes for a down or a synthetic sleeping bag. This doesn't mean you have to take up a whole closet for your

Deb, The Outdoor Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17286622320742091353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5611423158446903390.post-90490815303368154842009-07-30T16:23:00.000-07:002009-08-02T23:13:07.176-07:00

One of the most enjoyable experiences in the backyard is watching the birds flittering around, pecking at the soil in the morning, hopping here and there, or just listening to their song. If you are looking for ways to bring more of our feathered friends into your backyard or garden area, here are some great tips.FOOD remains one of the easiest methods of attracting birds. Hanging a seed

Deb, The Outdoor Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17286622320742091353noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5611423158446903390.post-32710450985671626272009-07-29T12:31:00.000-07:002009-07-29T16:22:15.298-07:00

You keep hearing, "Check out the zipper. Make sure it's good!" But what does that mean? Okay, it zips. Now what?Before you purchase your sleeping bag, test drive it but crawling inside and work the zipper up and down several times. You certainly don't want to get stuck in there!A heavy duty oversized zipper, made of thicker, stronger teeth, work best. They may cost a little more, but they work

Deb, The Outdoor Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17286622320742091353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5611423158446903390.post-29403467156619276552009-07-28T11:59:00.000-07:002009-07-29T16:20:42.330-07:00

Square bags, mummy bags, double bags . . . "Which one is right for me?" Yes, sleeping bags come in different shapes and, also, different sizes. You want to remember that comfort and warmth depend on having enough room, but not so much that your body can't heat up the inside. You want to be able to stretch out comfortably with a little room left at the bottom. Too much room, and your feet will

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If you are like most of us, we would really like to know if product materials are just fancy names to sell a garden decor product or do they have actual content variation. To help you out, I have created a list of the popular products that may be unknown to you. Concrete and wood, of course, are frequently put to use, but then I hope you already have familiarity with those terms.Alabastrite

Deb, The Outdoor Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17286622320742091353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5611423158446903390.post-73592851415068785352009-07-20T11:21:00.000-07:002009-07-23T23:40:30.931-07:00

If you plan to risk wet gear on a canoe trip or rainy climate, or if you are on a budget, then synthetic sleeping bags should be a consideration.Pros:Even while wet, synthetics retain up to 70% of body heatLess expensive than down. $100 will purchase a good all-around bag. $150 will purchase an excellent, long lasting sleeping bagStoring these bags loosely, not in the stuff bags, they can last

Deb, The Outdoor Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17286622320742091353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5611423158446903390.post-75970793391661968192009-07-20T10:58:00.000-07:002009-07-23T23:42:55.268-07:00

I can remember my father pulling out his ancient military sleeping bags for our camping trips. They were always green and filled with down feathers. Most of the time, even though I thought they were "flat" and wouldn't do the job, they always surprised me and kept me toast warm.Let's look at the types of down which you can find on the label.Down-fill referes to the loft and has various ratings:

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So, you have the right sleeping bag rating, but you are still getting cold. Is the cold coming through the zipper? Then you may have an issue with the draft tube.The draft tube covers the zipper to insulate and retain heat inside the bag. A good draft tube will be more than just a flap of material. A good draft tube will be filled with insulating material, either synthetic or down. A good

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Four-Season? 3-Season? Summer? What do these ratings mean for me and my family?Basically, the 4-season bag means just that...it should be good for all 4 seasons, which could happen in one day in some places! But a 4-season bag will be too hot for most folks in the summer time, unless it really cools off in the evening. On top of that, you can save some bucks by purchasing a 3-season or summer bag

Deb, The Outdoor Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17286622320742091353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5611423158446903390.post-18984064237657925972009-07-18T14:55:00.000-07:002009-07-18T15:32:07.044-07:00

You've probably heard some of the recommendations: wipe yourself with a Bounce fabric softener sheet, cover yourself with Avon's Skin-So-Soft. But do they work? Or do they work for very long? The list of home remedies and natural products keeps growing as people seek alternatives to chemical pesticides. Some people are convinced these home remedies work, but solid research is harder to find.I

Deb, The Outdoor Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17286622320742091353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5611423158446903390.post-26661043981577352272009-07-17T17:59:00.000-07:002009-07-20T14:22:07.610-07:00

After a challenging day at the office or anywhere else, a sure fire way to bring a smile is to catch the whimsical look of a garden gnome in your outdoor area.Garden gnomes have their beginning in Germany in the mid-1800s and are said to have grown to a population of 25 million in Germany today. At the time of World War ll, their popularity spread around the world, even to China.Over the years,

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Calendar time! Somewhere on your fall calendar, be sure to schedule time for the birdhouse cleaning (spring for your house, fall for the birdhouse).Taking down the birdhouse, cleaning and storing it for the winter, will ensure the rodents don't take over in the winter. Your birdhouse will last longer and provide a clean, disease-free home for our friends next spring.1. Open the house or remove a

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Before purchasing your camping tent, consider weight, size and ventilation. If you are packing your car for a campground, then it only needs to fit in your cargo area. For backpacking or canoeing/kayaking, then you need a more compact size for easy storage and lighter weight.WeightHikers have the most important weight considerations in general. A camping tent should weigh around 3 pounds per

Deb, The Outdoor Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17286622320742091353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5611423158446903390.post-73756512356723760682009-07-11T20:01:00.000-07:002009-07-11T20:26:23.345-07:00

The Magic of Feng Shui in a Garden or Outdoor SpaceYou can easily create that magical garden (deep sigh) by applying a few of the Feng Shui techniques as your guideline.* Your garden, patio or other outdoor area will then hold the space for you to feel balance and harmony in the present moment with simple additions like a windchime or water fountain.What is Feng Shui?Feng Shui (pronounced "fung

Deb, The Outdoor Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17286622320742091353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5611423158446903390.post-12775554129180185812009-07-09T19:01:00.000-07:002009-07-09T19:43:32.995-07:00

Purchasing a camping tent could mean running down to the local discount store and grabbing what's on sale. But what happens when you get out in the field with your tent and you end up wet, freezing, or just can't figure out how to set it up? Hind sight brings the realization that you should spend more time in purchasing your camping tent. Let's go over the basic considerations.SeasonsCamping

Deb, The Outdoor Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17286622320742091353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5611423158446903390.post-82324277853742073212009-07-09T18:32:00.000-07:002009-07-29T17:56:52.082-07:00

Hummingbird lovers have an easy solution to save money and provide a healthy energy treat for their friends. Most people already have the ingredients at home:1/4 cup sugar1 cup waterJust multiply those if you need larger quantities, for instance, 1 cup sugar with 4 cups of water.How do you process it and why?1. A clean feederHummingbirds deserve and require a mold-free container, just like people

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The right garden statue will complement your home and garden in style and proportion. A strong focal point in the garden, a garden statue will immediately draw the viewer's gaze into the garden to rest upon the statue. Viewed year-round, choosing one that melts your heart or gives a sense of balance is essential. Whether you choose a realistic, modern or whimsical piece, here are some easy steps

Deb, The Outdoor Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17286622320742091353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5611423158446903390.post-60918657067777870162009-07-08T17:47:00.000-07:002009-07-08T18:05:17.173-07:00

Tick are showing their ugly heads. Here is a good way to get them off you, your children, or your pets. Give it a try.Please pass this on to anyone with children... or dogs, or anyone who even steps outside in summer!! A School Nurse has written the info below -- good enough to share:"I had a pediatrician tell me what she believes is the best way to remove a tick. This is great, because it works

Deb, The Outdoor Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17286622320742091353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5611423158446903390.post-53411227441665302222009-07-07T22:29:00.000-07:002009-07-08T18:05:51.377-07:00

Water purifier, water filter, iodine tablets, or chlorine... How do you decide? The simplest way to look at this: a water filter gets rid of protozoa and parasites, even bacteria, but it does not remove viruses. a water purifier eliminates all of these plus viruses. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards require water purifiers to eliminate 99.9% of all viruses. Chemical contaminants

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Perfect! Everything set to go for a 50-mile hike through the back of Yosemite National Park. Yes, the journey proves grueling for the 14 moms who join the 9 dads with the 26 energetic Boy Scouts. Walking sticks help. An experienced mom created terrific meal packs. One dad made enough turkey jerkey for each hiker had a 7-day supply for breakfast. Water was plentiful along the trail. Each group of

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