BRINGING MY PARENTS AS BABYSITTERS

This guest post from Hong Alexander
I logged onto http://www.CableTelevision.net/ and scheduled an appointment to have television installed in our new home next week. We are actually taking a family vacation next week, so my sister is going to meet the installers at the house and tell them where we want hook ups. I am excited about moving, but even more excited about our much needed and much deserved vacation. We are going on a family ( by family I mean my immediate family) ski vacation. My husband and I love to ski and the kids are five now, old enough to be put in ski school. For the last several years since we have had children, my parents would watch the kids while we went skiing for a week. I feel really lucky to live so close to my parents and have them there to help us out with babysitting if we need it. I just feel so much better leaving my kids with my parents than leaving them with a babysitter. I know that they will take the best care of them. This year though, I have asked my parents to come on the ski trip with us and do some babysitting when the kids aren’t in ski school. They were happy to come!

Tent camping - buying and caring for your tent

We’re beginning a short series on tent camping, so today we want to focus on the most important piece of gear – the camping tent.

Tent camping is a great way to escape the frantic pace many people set for themselves, an opportunity to unplug from all the gadgets of life and get back to nature. Breathe deeply of the cool morning air as you watch the sun come up. If you are quiet enough (and lucky enough!) perhaps a deer will grace you with its presence. Enjoy the satisfaction of preparing your meals over an open fire - nothing tastes better than a grilled dinner after a day spent hiking, swimming, or fishing.

The first preparation in your quest for adventure is to choose a tent for camping. There are a number of factors to consider in your choice. While price is important, especially in a product like tents where the cost can vary so widely, it is important to first consider the features you want and need so that you can get the best value for your money.

One of the first things you should ask yourself is when you will be camping? Tents made for warm-season camping should provide better ventilation, but won’t be good protection against the elements. On the other hand, a tent made for mountaineering will probably be stifling in summer’s heat. Three-season tents often offer a good compromise of features and maximum versatility.

Do your own homework though … if you plan to camp in warm weather, make sure your tent is well-ventilated. Ideally you should have plenty of windows on opposite sides to allow for cooling cross-breezes. mates, look for features such as plenty of window/door openings, preferably on opposite sides of the tent in order to allow cross-ventilation. Examine doors and windows to make sure the tent has screening that will keep out insects.

On the other hand, if you plan to camp frequently in cold weather, one thing you want to consider is the angle of the tent walls. Steeper walls will shed rain and snow more easily, which is especially important in the case of snow, due to the weight.

(Another advantage of steeper walls in any climate is that the tent will enclose a larger inside area relative to the floor size. If the tent has a sharp V-shape, you aren’t going to be able to sit near the sides or store tall gear there.)

Another factor you want to consider is how you will be getting to your campsite. If you plan to hike, cycle, or pack to your campsite, you will want to carefully consider the weight of your tent in relation to the features it offers. Tents range from ultra-lights, weighing only a couple of pounds, through more moderate tents that usually weigh in the 4-9 pound range, all the way up to larger family-style cabins which can add upwards to 20 pounds to the weight of your gear. If you are driving up to your campsite and unloading, the weight likely won’t matter, but if you have to carry in all of your food, water, and gear, a tent that is too heavy may be a real problem.

You should also think about how many people will be using the tent. When you hear a tent described as a “two-person tent” that really means that there is just enough space for two people to spread sleeping bags inside. Realistically, most people want more freedom of movement and will probably need to store items inside, making it much more practical to buy a larger tent. As a general rule, you will be much more comfortable if you add at least two to the number of people you plan to have using the tent. A couple camping together would probably prefer a 4-person tent, and a family of four would likely need at least a 6-person tent.

Consider the style of your camping tent.

• Dome tents tend to be stable in winds, as well as shedding rain and snow well. They are often lighter and tend to be less expensive.

• Cabin tents are usually much larger and have more of an “outdoor room” feel, allowing plenty of space inside. You can often set up cots, chairs, folding tables, etc. in them. They are also more likely to offer separate rooms which can give privacy when sharing a tent with others. They may also offer a screened room which can be a great place to sit outside while being protected from insects. (But don’t forget that screened rooms can also be purchased separately if your tent doesn’t include one.)

• Hoop tents and other minimalist tents tend to be much lighter and offer advantages to hikers who will be carrying all of their gear to the campsite, or who will be camping at more than one site.

Look at the rain fly (the waterproof cover over the tent to shed rain). In some cases, it will stop short of the ground in order to allow for better ventilation in hot climates. Other types of tents will have a rain fly that goes all the way to the ground for maximum protection. Which is best for you depends on the season and conditions you plan to be camping in.

Ensure you buy a tent with strong poles, since they provide the framework and support of the tent. Some tent poles are strung together, keeping them in order and allowing for easy setup. It is essential that you choose a tent made of fireproof material, considering how often fires are built in close proximity to the tent. It should also be sturdy, and have strong stitching. Likewise, zippers will receive a lot of use, so make sure they are well-made. Look at the tent floor -- a single layer is usually better at keeping out moisture since rain can seep between open layers. Examine the stake loops to ensure they are strong, as this is often one of the first places tents will fail. You may also appreciate convenience factors such as pockets built into the tent walls to help you store items, or loops for hanging gear and keeping it handy.

See if the seams are taped, or sealed in some fashion. If not, then plan to apply a seam sealer and allow plenty of time for it to cure before storing or using the tent. This step can be helpful even if the manufacturer states that the tent has been sealed.

If the tent has a ground cloth, be sure to use it in order to help protect the tent floor from sticks, stones, and other sharp objects on the ground that you may not see. If it doesn’t have a ground cloth, you can use a heavy duty tarp instead, but make sure that your tarp is smaller than the tent floor. If not, fold it so that it doesn’t extend beyond the tent walls, otherwise you run the risk of rain running down the sides of the tent and being funneled under the floor by your tarp.

Try to always pitch your tent in the shade in order to protect it from the sun’s rays, which will eventually degrade the tent materials. As an additional precaution, you may want to cover the tent with the rain fly during daylight hours, because it is cheaper to replace than the tent itself.

After camping, be sure to clean your tent. Remove all sand and dirt, wipe the fabric if it is needed. Make sure the tent is completely dry before storing. If there is any moisture at all, it is better to set it back up after you return home and wait for it to dry, otherwise you encourage the growth of mildew.

Next time – tips for storing food and water on a camping trip.

Calgary for famiies

Whether you are planning a vacation to Calgary, are traveling there for business, or are a native, you'll love the variety of family activities available. Check with real estate agents in Calgary to inquire about available Calgary listings to meet your housing needs. Remember, even if your stay will be temporary, consider whether renting a home rather than relying on hotels will be the best fit for your family. Often families can enjoy the utmost in privacy and convenience features while reaping substantial cost savings as well. A Calgary Realtor will also be able to guide you and to assist you in finding the neighborhoods best suited for your family. 

 Calaway Park

Open from May through October, Calaway Park is a family fun center featuring rides that range from tame to thrilling. Everyone in your family is sure to find plenty to enjoy here. Enjoy a variety of stage shows as well, and of course fun food, shopping outlets, and family games. Don't forget suntan lotion, and bring a sweater as well if you're staying into the evening. If you want to enjoy water rides, make sure your clothes and shoes will dry quickly, or bring  a dry change with you.






Calgary Zoo

 

The Penguins are Here!!! The penguin complex at the Calgary Zoo houses Humboldt, Rockhopper, Kings, and Gentoo penguins and is drawing a lot of attention from excited visitors. It's a good idea to check show schedules and plan your visit around the penguins so you won't be disappointed. The Calgary zoo is open every day year-round except for Christmas Day and Zoogala. Not only is the Calgary Zoo a great place to visit a wide range of wildlife up close, but there are a number of programs offered throughout the year for both children and adults to enjoy learning about the animals and even gardening. A great opportunity for young and old alike!







Shakers Fun Center

A great year-round fun place for kids of all ages. Featuring laser tag, a climbing tower, an indoor playground, games, mini golf, go karts, and water wars, Shakers is a great place to let your inner child come out to play and have fun with your entire family. (Some events are seasonal.)

And for families that like a slower pace, there are lots of opportunities to explore nature and the country side of life.

The Bow Habitat Station (next door to the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery) offers insight into the natural habitats of Alberta's diverse woodland life. Crawl inside a model of a beaver dam, view aquatic life swimming in 15,000 litre aquariums, enjoy the hands-on interactive learning centers, visit the fish hatchery, view wildlife marshes, and learn from the presentation of an award-winning movie. The Bow Habitat Station is great for nature-loving families and those interested in educating their children about our natural resources while having fun at the same time.

How about taking your kids to visit a farm? Butterfield Acres Children's Farm offers kids the opportunity to get up close and person with all kinds of farm animals, from goats to bunnies, alpacas to turkeys, peacocks to cows, and much more. Try your hand at milking, get busy gathering the eggs. Pony rides are available, as are tractor and wagon rides, and there are several play areas. Special events include pumpkin harvests and easter egg hunts, and birthday parties can be accommodated as well. Spring is an especially good time to visit with all the new baby animals. For some good ole' down country farm fun, bring your kids to Butterfield Acres Children's Farm.

And finally, there's the Calgary Corn Maze, Petting Zoo, and Pumpkin Patch. Experience the challenge of navigating your way out of a tall corn maze full of twisty turns, then let the kids enjoy interacting with the animals. A variety of play areas are available for smaller children, and activities such as a corn-shooting canon are sure to be a hit with slightly older children.

So there you have it ... just a few more reasons why we love Calgary.

Unique Dining Experiences - Weird Wednesday

Where is the most unique place you've ever eaten? A few immediately come to mind for me, but I would probably say it was an outdoor pavillion behind a seafood market (I couldn't call it a restaurant really) where I enjoyed my seafood while guarding it from seagulls and watching the sealions wrestle for position just a few feet away (not to mention it was close to freezing, in August in California!).

The establishments we are featuring today take a dining experience -- highlight the word "EXPERIENCE" -- to a whole new level. The first one does so literally.

Dinner in the Sky offers a meal suspended 150 feet in the air. A crane lifts a platform with diners, employees, a bar-style table and seats high into the sky so they can dine with an amazing view. I'm sure such an experience would never be forgotten.

Not only can you have dinner in the sky, but you can also get married there, or have other events. And where is this available, you may ask? Well, pretty much take your pick. At last count, the service listed 40 countries, and two locations in the US. There may be one near you!

How about heading to the opposite extreme ... below sea level. In the Maldives, you can dine at the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant. A glass ceiling above diners offers a view UP into the sea, giving a whole new meaning to an "under the sea" theme.

For those of you who like to choose your lobster from the tank in the restaurant, this almost gives an eerie feeling of turnabout -- now the diners are the ones in the tank! Ithaa is native for "mother of pearl" and is an appropriate name for this gem of a restaurant.

A surprising travel destination - Lebanon

With years of political turmoil and a history of violent headlines marring the country of Lebanon, it is not the place many would think of as a travel destination. However, it is a beautiful country of natural wonders. During the past several years, there has been a surge in tourism to Lebanon.


Balaa - pictured here, the three level waterfall that has carved a deep natural sinkhole, located in Chatine, Lebanon, is one such amazing natural feature. Three natural bridges traverse alongside the waterfall. To give you an idea of the grand scale of the falls, the bridge in the middle has a man walking across it.

In addition to the natural beauty, all the more enjoyable with the mild climate of the region, there are a number of historic sites as well. This is the  Baalbek temple.

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An Underground River - Weird Wednesday

We're going to start featuring some Weird Destinations on Wednesdays ... something a little out of the ordinary.

Our first selection is Puerto Princessa Subterranean River National Park in the Phillipines. The Puerto Princessa Underground River was chosen last month as one of the New Seven Wonders of the Natural World.

Tours are available via boat into the caverns where the river flows underground. Recent discoveries have shown the Puerta Princessa to be even more spectacular and unusual that first thought -- there is a second "story" inside the caverns creating underground waterfalls and a huge overhead dome. Life inside the caves is more diverse than originally thought as well, ranging from huge bats to exotic marine life. Due to the length of the caverns, their depths remain unexplored.

The rock formations inside the cave are fantastic, and often huge in scale. Opportunities for photography are some of the most unique in the world.

Heart-shaped Island destinations

In honor of Valentine's Day, how about exploring heart-shaped destinations?

First up is Richard Branson's own Makepeace Island, Australia.

Makepeace Island

A wide range of amenities grace the romantically-shaped island, from tennis courts and spa to tropical pavillion and a marvelous lagoon pool. The indoor features and decor are equally impressive -- my favorite would have to be the huge volcanic boulder bathtubs.

Lagoon pool - Makepeace Island

Our next Valentine-inspirational destination is Galesnjak Island. When Google earth discovered the heart-shape of this island in the Adriatic in 2009, it became an immediate hot destination for weddings, honeymoons, and other lover's trips. In fact, the uninhabited island off the coast of Croatia has now been dubbed Lovers' Island.

Galesnjak Island / Lovers' Island

And finally, Tavarua Island is a Fiju resort most popular for surfing and other water sports. The island features a restaurant, tennis courts, and spa. Accommodations include 16 bures (a Fijian word meaning "hut").

Tavarua Island

Surf surrounding Tavarua Island ranges from thrilling walls of water breaking into perfect curls to calm high-tide pools, perfect for children to splash about in.

Life in New York

Post contributed by Hilton Miranda

New York is such a crazy place. You never know what is going to happen. Since I’ve lived here for a long time, I’ve learned that I need to be prepared for anything that comes along. I was so naïve when I first started living here, and some of the lessons have been priceless. One thing that I am crazy about is home security in new york. If I didn’t feel safe at home, I don’t think I would be functional. I also always try to be friendly to people on the street, but not too friendly. You have to strike a balance between wanting them to like you enough not to do anything bad to you, and not enough to want to follow you home and hang out. I know that might sound insane, but it’s important. When I go home to visit my friends always tell me how much I’ve changed and that I’m not friendly anymore. I think it’s just a side effect from living in New York City for so long. They’ll just have to live with it!

Road Trip! A survival guide

The words "Road Trip" either stir your wanderlust ... or strike fear into your heart. If you're a parent, the latter is more likely to be true, especially if you've driven endless miles with kiddos kicking the back of your seat and asking the infamous "Are we there yet?" question every 5 miles.

Not to worry ... a little preparation will go a long way toward making your family road trip much more tolerable, if not enjoyable.

• Entertainment for the kids. This is a big one. Many parents choose in-car DVD players or even gaming consoles, handheld video games, or other gadgets. The available options are increasing every year, and the one thing to be said for these electronic toys is that they do a good job of distracting the kids. If you prefer, there are also the time-tested car games. There's always I-spy and license plate bingo, but you can also find books and blog posts with hundreds of ideas. Momsminivan has a good list here. You can also put together your own travel entertainment pack with a lap desk, some storage for craft supplies, coloring pages, quiet toys, activity books, etc. 
• Snacks. Having your own snacks and drinks along will save money and time, helping to curb all those frequent stops. It's a good idea to pack some simple snacks that will help with car sickness, if that's a factor with your kids. Good choices include ginger ale (especially the real thing), saltines, and ginger snap cookies. Bottled water is not only healthier for your kids, but will be less likely to promote nausea. Sugary snacks cause many kids to become very restless, as do foods with lots of food coloring, so your trip can be a lot more enjoyable with healthier snacks. Granola, nuts, trail mix, cheese, pretzels, raisins, and the like can make for a much better trip. 
• A change of clothes. Not only for little ones, but older ones as well. And it's much better if they are handy, rather than packed into a suitcase under 3 other suitcases in the trunk. If anyone slips in the mud, gets splashed, spills food, or has to deal with vomiting, you'll want fresh clothing on hand. 
• Clean-ups. A case of baby wipes is helpful, and it's a good idea to include paper towels, sponges, and cleaning supplies for the upholstery in case of spills or accidents. The sooner they are dealt with, the better. I always keep a container with these things in the trunk of my car. Don't forget to include plastic bags. They are handy for garbage, soiled paper towels, dirtied clothing, muddied shoes, and more. 
• Navigation tools. GPS or a cellphone equipped with navigation, or maps. It's a very good idea to check out the route along the way and plan for interesting stops along the way. Which brings us to ...
• Side trips. It may make your travel time longer, but it can make the whole trip much more enjoyable. Stops along the way can be a lot of fun, let everyone stretch their legs, soothe frazzled nerves, and sometimes prove to be an unexpected highlight of your trip. It's a good idea to scope out the whole route in advance and plan for stops every two hours or so, and if it turns out everyone can wait, you can always skip some along the way.

Another alternative? Just get a lot of rest during the day before your trip and load the kiddos in their PJs into the car at night, and drive while they sleep. You'll have to make sure you stay alert (a talking buddy, spicy snacks, a wet cloth applied to your face, and frequent stops will all help) and be safe. But you can bypass all the drama and arrive a lot faster if you don't mind having to sleep the day before, and probably needing a nap the first day at your destination.

Romantic Honeymoons - Focus on Fiji

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway for your honeymoon, start by asking yourself what kind of atmosphere whispers “romance” in your ears. For many, it can be a postcard-idyllic island getaway with thoughts of quiet walks on moonlit beaches, staying in a secluded bungalow surrounded by lush jungle-like growth, or a enjoying a hidden waterfall lying among tropical flowers. If that sounds romantic to you, a Fiji honeymoon may be perfect.

And if you prefer a little more adventure, as a popular tourist destination, Fiji also boasts a wide variety of local activities including horseback riding, golf, hiking, and even sky diving. If pampering and luxury are more your style, many resorts offer spa treatments, massage, and private Jacuzzis.

As a further thought, many couples consider having their wedding in Fiji, allowing a quick start to the honeymoon. Fiji weddings offer spectacular photo opportunities, and because it is such a popular place for weddings, there are experienced professional planners available. All of the services you need are easily fulfilled locally. The anticipated expense is something that may seem prohibitive, but in fact a destination wedding can be much more casual as so easier on the budget than the typical formal wedding. Many couples don’t realize they could actually enjoy a cost savings by moving the wedding to the honeymoon destination. The main consideration is usually the size of the wedding party and guest list, but if you are opting for a more intimate gathering, you may be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to enjoy both your wedding and your honeymoon in the islands.

So if an island paradise sounds like a wonderful romantic start of your new life together, consider Fiji. Your honeymoon will be a precious memory you carry for the rest of your life, so make it something to look back on and cherish forever.

Buying this place

Guest post from: Natalie Walter

Buying this place to turn it into a bed and breakfast was the biggest risk we’ve ever taken by far. My wife and I were so over living in the city and working those terrible hours so we decided to pick up everything and start all over in a quieter town and really do something with our lives we could be proud of. We found this amazing Victorian and that was that – we got to work looking into everything from building codes to Internet in Gearhart and here we are only about a month out from hosting our first guests at the bed and breakfast. I love saying I’m a innkeeper and I know my wife’s really excited about cooking for everyone every morning. I can’t believe we’ve carved out this insanely picturesque life for ourselves but we always did do anything we set our minds to so I can’t say I’m actually surprised. I hope business is good and that people respond well to what we’ve done with the place!