What do you think about having a camp out indoors for a toddler playdate?

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momoftwo

What kind of things could we do for the camp out? What kind of snacks could I serve?

Answer
Hot dogs on skewers,(make sure the ends are not sharp), s'mores, monster cookies, chips, marshmallows anything else that you would eat on a camp out. You could set up a mini indoor tent, we have one w/ a tee pee and two tunnels that kids climb thru. Get a cheap plastic set of fishing poles and pretend to fish. Lay out sleeping bags, tell bedtime stories. You are only limited by your imagination. Good luck and have fun!!

What is the fastest,cheapest,safest & garenteed way to get rid of head lice?

catsmeow

I have 4 children,so I need a fast way to get rid of this horrible problem,without having to use a nit comb!!

Answer
The nits are literally glued onto the hair shaft, so above anything else, get a nit comb. If you remove the eggs, you reduce the population. Also, since the nits are more obvious, your children's school may have a No Nit policy, so if there are any nits in the hair, your children may be out of school until the infestation is under control.

TOOLS:
- 100 watt lightbulb or natural light is best
- nit comb (recommended instead of fine-toothed comb)
- old toothbrush for cleaning out the nit comb after each check
- magnifying glass (easier to determine what's what)
- natural lice treatment/preventative (normally contains tea tree oil and/or lavender essential oils)
- rubbing alcohol and glass cup (to put combs, toothbrush in after checking)
- option: pup tent for the child to "camp" in for the duration so you don't have to keep stripping down the bed every day to wash

DO:
- Make sure you know what ingredients are used in the lice treatment product and research how safe it is
- Treat the hair according to the lice treatment product directions
- Be vigilant about combing every strand of hair with the nit comb (every day the first week, every other day the following week)
- Vacuum car seats, mattresses, furniture
- Wash all bedding and recently worn clothing (put dryer on the hottest setting)
- Soak all affected combs/brushes in rubbing alcohol for at least 24 hours
- Notify/check all family members and any visitors that have been in recent contact with your family
- Make sure your kids don't share hats, coats, scarves, etc at school
- Make sure your kids bring their own sleeping bags/pillows to sleepovers

DON'T:
- confuse nits with hair debris (see article When a Nit is not a Nit > http://www.headlice.org/faq/notnit.htm)
- get/use lice spray > lice are localized and won't stray from the head unless there's another head of hair close by to set up shop in
- use OTC or prescription lice killers because they are pesticides, therefore poisonous (the CDC concedes that "treatment failures are common" and states several health hazards with using the following: pyrethrins [A-200, Pronto, R&C, Rid, Triple X], permethrin [Nix], malathion [Ovide], lindane [Kwell])
- use mayo, vaseline, pet flea shampoo, vinegar, gasoline > not only are they a PITA to clean out but some like gas are flammable and dangerous to use (c'mon, use a little common sense!) or strip the hair
- buy a lice treatment product if it doesn't state what is in the ingredients

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:
My first (and hopefully last!) experience with lice was when I noticed nits on my oldest DS 3 weeks ago. I had those little buggers gone within 3 days! I did not spray, use crazy home remedies wearing a shower cap all night or bag up all sorts of stuff (like stuffed animals). I did not have to use Rid, Nix or any of the other OTC stuff.

I combed my DS every day, twice a day for a week. I washed all the bedding and dirty laundry using the normal water temperature but put the dryer on the highest heat setting. I checked my son twice a day for a week, being careful to comb through his entire head. I bought the Robi-Comb but it wasn't very reliable. It considers dandruff and other hair debris as lice, and doesn't detect nits. Nobody else we had been in contact with or within my household (me, DH, youngest DS) ever got infested. I do, however, insist my family use a natural tea tree oil & lavender shampoo/conditioner as a treatment and preventative (I like Giovanni the best; also tried JASON; California Baby makes one too), along with Lice Off spray daily, in between shampoos.

Good luck and email me if you have any questions!

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Why does my neighbor has an palmetto bug infestation problem?

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donjuan47

They have an infestation, from what I can see, only on the side of their house, closest to mine. We have tried sprays from lowes, home depot, walmart etc, and are ow turning to an exterminator. What is the cause for them to live there? And what can I tell my neighbors, politely of course, to do to save us!??!?!

Answer
When I was a kid in our house in florida we had a HUGE!!! problem with palmetto bugs, my parents tried everything, exterminators, do it yourselfs, bombs, tent, traps... You name it they tried it. The buggers just kept coming back. They apparantly pick a place not sure why but they find it they like it. Nothing worked until... my dad decided to tear down the walls and redo them on the what was called florida room it was a back room with lots of windows.
We found termites and like a nest of the palmetto bugs, so what they did was set off home bombs and got the house retented after they ripped down the walls pretty much... they had to work from the inside out.
Only reason he ripped down the walls to begin with was remodelling anyways so that is how we found the actual problem it was a good thing we did. You should try to find out a generalized area they are coming from though try to turn em up and kill em. They could be living in the dirt on the outside of your neighbors house even.

How do i keep cats out of the baby crib?

Q. My Grandpa has has cats and they are like his kids they cant do wrong i have tried covering it and they just jump on it and i cant move it cause i need it to stay in the living room and he wants them to be able to go anywere in the house . i just want them to learn before the baby comes any ideas

ps i have tried squirting water at them ,but he just gets mad.

Answer
Google: Cozy baby tent. They sell them at walmart for under $40.

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I'm looking for a nice place to go camping for my honeymoon near Jacksonville, NC.?

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Frank

We'd like somewhere secluded but with access to amenities. And maybe some fishing areas nearby.

Answer
Allegheny

The Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa is a 2,200-acre luxury hideaway located in Pennsylvaniaâs scenic Allegheny Mountain region. The 216-room resort surrounds eight natural mineral springs which serve as the foundation for its world-class Springs Eternal Spa â one of only a handful of spas in the U.S. to utilize natural spring water in all of its treatments. Over the past 200 years, Bedford Springs has served as a meeting place for numerous U.S. presidents and dignitaries. The resort features a phenomenal range of amenities and activities, including an indoor spring-fed swimming pool; award-winning golf course; and casual and fine dining options from renowned Chef David Noto.

KOA

Nestled just a short walk from the banks of the Neuse River, this quiet campground is the perfect setting for a peaceful retreat. Enjoy a day of fishing or watch a beautiful sunset from the 100-foot pier. The boat slips, ramp, kayaks and paddleboats welcome campers who yearn to get out on the water. A catch-and-release fish pond and a group-outings pavilion round out this haven for extended relaxation. Browse the many antique shops and boutiques in New Bern, North Carolina and step into the past when you visit Tryon Palace Historic Sites & Gardens, historically regarded as the most beautiful public building in colonial America.

Falling Waters

At our campsite at Falling Waters Adventure Resort in Bryson City, N.C., eight yurts - insulated circular canvas tents - overlooked Fontana Lake and a pond. Each was furnished with a queen-size bed and a futon and equipped with electricity, a private deck and a skylight for stargazing. And then there was the hot tub a few yards from our yurt. After unloading our bags (mental note No. 2: Don't go camping with a silver Diane von Furstenberg suitcase whose wheels get stuck in the dirt), I climbed into the steaming water to soothe my aching limbs.

The Can't Find It Inn, Waynesville, North Carolina

So named because of its secluded location outside Waynesville, N.C., The Canât Find It Inn is right by the Great Smokey Mountains and the suites offer California king size beds, mini-fridges, hi-def flat-screen TVs, and a wet bar. But be warned, this location is for adults only. Get your mind out of the gutter! It just means no-kids-allowed.

Falling Waters seems like a pretty great choice.

Should I say something to my sister in law?

CDK1

Recently my sister in law bought new sheets for her bed.
I hear her telling her kid to "stay off the bed" (which is think is fine. Don't play on the bed, simple rule.)

but last night I was looking for her kid and I couldn't find her on the bed or in her 'tent' so I asked my boyfriend where she was and he told me she was sleeping on the FLOOR in the room.

I am a little shocked! Just because my sister in law got new sheets does NOT mean the kid cant sleep on the bed!

Its a small room they stay in and the bed is queen size (so they could both fit) but she has the kid sleeping on the floor between the bed and dresser. (not much space there)

Should I say something to her - or just let it go?

Answer
Stay off the bed to me sounds like... no horsing around or jumping on the bed. But "stay off the bed" as in.. sleep on the floor..No.

If she is afraid the child might wet the bed, there are mattress protectors even other products available to keep the sheets cleaner longer.

But no child deserves to sleep on the floor especially if there is more than enough room for the both of them.

Ask her why you found ________ (insert name) sleeping on the floor in a non chalant way. See what her excuse is..

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Why are Christians against birth control, or any form of contraceptives?

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Sheree

This has puzzled me for the last few years. I understand that we are to procreate, but lets be "real".

I was watching local news, and they did a story about small family drug stores that don't sale contraceptives because of their religion.

Now picture this. I attend a fairly large church. There is an average of 3 kids per family. Do you see where I'm going? So the parents only had sex 3 times throughout their entire marriage? I highly doubt! They are using some form of BC, either it's withdrawal, plan B, etc.

To add to my confusion, I attended a camping trip with my preacher and his wife. I had a tent with the wife, and soon found out that she was indeed on birth control.

Someone please answer my question, and please don't use Genesis 38:10. Thanks in advance ;)
I know you don't get pregnant every time you have sex! That was an obvious, so I really didn't bother to state it! I'm talking about older people in church. i was in Sunday School one day (with the elders) and they talked about how they wanted to have a set amount of kids, and everyone said Amen! They were all trying to imply that they either got their tubes tided, or used BC.

Thanks for bringing up the Catholics, but the people in the news segment were not Catholic.

Answer
I think you are confusing Christians with one particular Christian denomination - namely the Catholics. And they manage to hang the prohibition off of one doubtful verse in the Old Testament.

What does your bug out bag consist of?

Winobot Du

I have decided to put together a bug out bag for a SHTF situation, and figured it would be a good idea to see what other people have so i dont forget something that would be useful. I have two US surplus day packs i will probably fill up. What do you have in yours and what is the bag?

Answer
I use many duffel bags that i got for free, and one wooden ammo case that I refinished. I also have a few unmarked cardboard boxes.
my BOB is something I stick into the minivan and get out of town asap. I have no plans to hike out of town, I live in the middle of a large city.

12 MREs handpicked, all my favorite menus
32 bottles of water- Kirkland 16.9 FL oz each
various meal bars from the supermarket
tablets for purifying water
funny purple tablets for cooking with (military surplus), I bought lots and lots.
mountain house dehydrated foods, 36 units, favorites only
water filter
2x collapsible 2L water bags
2x military OD green plastic canteens
titanium knife-fork-spoon utensil
as many matchbooks as I can cram into a 1 gallon zip lock bag
several cheap Bic lighters
metal camping cooking pot + lid
collapsible cooking rack that I made from aluminum

$200 in cash, $10s and $20s
one roll silver quarters (face value = $10, worth $130)
1 carton Grand Prix menthol cigarettes - for trade,sale, or personal use.
1 bag rolling tobacco, lots of paper slips for rolling. - for sale, trade, or personal use

a 3.2 million volt stun gun and LED flashlight
AK bayonet, Yugo style
mini crowbar, 18"
a FAK (I call it a field aid kit) I'm still adding stuff to it

3x15 min road flares
2x30 min road flares
3x coast guard approved signal flares
Camping Gaz piezoelectric 80W blue butane lamp
2x blue butane bottles (for the lamp)
1 wooden ammo case that holds lots and lots of glow sticks, and anything else fragile. its has tons of padding, it was designed to take a 33 foot fall without any glow sticks breaking. 33feet is because that's the highest I test the case falling. I threw it off the roof to the cold, hard concrete driveway below. I think its 33 feet, I'm really bad at math.
1 5x night vision monocular, waterproof
20 CR123 batteries
1x LED Lenser P7 flashlight,
3x AAA battery packs
1x trusty old Ti83 calculator sealed in plastic (to make water proof)
1- 4 man Coleman tent
2 sleeping bags (in case I bring someone with me)

all local area maps
spare battery pack (external, 12V) for GPS with hand crank charger (something I rigged up)
12 BLM maps covering everything within 150 miles of my house
1 really obsolete 1978 detailed street map book of LA and Orange county - something my parents uses, i have it in case the gps breaks. I am not buying a new one, even if they're still in print.
1 book detailing wilderness survival
1 book detailing auto repair and troubleshooting
1 clear plastic ruler
1 book detailing medial aid
4 compasses- in case one broke.

for defensive purposes, my vehicle may be attacked, ambushed, or mobbed depending on the situation, I must be prepared for that.
a simple cardboard box holds 10x 30rd AK magazines, 12 clips of russian light ball for my mosin nagant, 5 clips of Czech AP for my mosin nagant, 35- 20 ga #3 buck, 50- 20 ga 3/4 oz slugs, orange and grey smoke emitters, two bricks of .22lr, various fireworks or firecrackers I believe may be used, and two machetes- one cheap walmart one for chopping and one expensive Ontario knife one for sawing. that would be put up front next to me between my passenger.
the few cardboard boxes part of my BOB holds even more ammo. 960 rounds of 7.62x39mm, 370 rounds 7.62x54mmr, 3660 rounds .22lr, 182 #7.5 birdshot, and many, many, many "firecrackers".

the BOB is to get out of the city into the forests and be able to live out there for at least 2 months with occasional ventures into the city for more supplies and such.

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What is a simple & "free" birthday party to host for our 9 year old son?

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Live, Love

Our son is wanting to get together with about six or seven of his closest friends for his "belated" birthday celebration. Our son loves the Wii video game and loves to hang out with his friends. He loves to draw, he's really good at it too! What type of party would you suggest that we have that won't break our wallet? We are on an extremely tight budget due to job pay cuts etc...We want our son to have a great and memorable party. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Answer
I'd say a sleepover is a great idea. If he loves the Wii and his friends do, too, then just let them play the games that he already has. Maybe have a championship game for the top scorers.

For refreshments, most boys like brownies and chocolate chip cookies. You could have a birthday brownies or a birthday cookies.

Make your own sundaes. Vanilla ice cream. Chocolate Syrup, sprinkles, M & M's, nuts, cherries, etc. They will have fun doing this.

Since we're close to Halloween, you could go with a Halloween theme. Rent some scary movies. Maybe buy each boy a pumpkin to carve (or decorate with paint, fabric, etc, if you are more comfortable with that--grocery store is cheaper than a pumpkin farm). Have Halloween themed food (freeze spider rings or gummy worms) in ice trays for spooky ice cubes. Worms (slice hot dogs in long strips and boil in water and they'll curl up and look like worms). Mummy Dogs (hot dog wrapped with breadstick dough and bake and then put eyes on with mustard). Caramel Apples (you can make these ahead of time or let the boys dip them-roll in nuts or decorate with M&M's or candy corn). Drink hot cocoa with a floating eyeball (large marshmallow with Choc Chip inserted in the middle). Cupcakes or brownies decorated with Halloween decorations. Potato Bugs (tater tots inserted onto raw spahetti noodle and bake per directions-use catsup for the eyes. Wal-Mart has gummy eyeballs, worms, and spiders. There's also a severed foot or hand in the candy aisle that's gummy w/ some sort of hard candy in the middle-gross but good for 9 year old boys.

Pizza. Make your own, you can buy the crusts premade, use canned biscuits or make your own crusts and a wide variety of toppings. Or, Pizza Hut has the $5 Pizza Mia (a medium) but you have to buy at least 3 to get them for $5 each. They would be less mess and could be cheaper.

Do you have a yard? If so, a camp out. Pitch some tents, have the boys bring sleeping bags. Build a fire in a fire pit (if you have one). Roast hot dogs and make smores. Play horse shoes or ring toss or both. Hold sack races (you can use old pillow cases-can buy from Salvation Army for cheap). Buy some glow sticks or cheap flashlights for the kids to play with outside to tell ghost stories or play ghosts in the graveyard.

What are some rainy day activities to do to keep the kids busy?

cuelviolin

I need something that'll keep them off the video games, computers, and television.

Answer
I make things such as homemade play-dough......i get a box and make a scene on the box and we draw, co lour and cut out things to go on the scene like a farm or space scenes.
Boardgames.....the game Headbandz is a really fun game depending on the ages of the kids. I bake cookies and have things set out for them to decorate their own. Collect rocks on a sunny day at the beach and then on rainy days they can paint them to look like animals. Thumbprint animals are fun..you let them dip their thumb in thin paint to make a print and give them markers to draw eyes and feathers. Set up a tent in the living room and have a camping trip with a fake fire with red and orange tissue paper with some little pieces of wood. Hope I gave you some ideas.

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a glow stick opened all over our trailer lino..does anyone know how to remove?

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Jenni4

We have a tent trailer and one of the kids glow sticks got a hole in it and dripped all over the lino floor. Now the floor glows yellow in those spots..we have tried vim and sos but nothing seems to work. We want to sell the trailer and don't think this will be a good selling feature...please help!!!

Answer
yeah those things are horrible my son broke one it went all over a playstation game and on his carpet..the carpet was a two foot high hump that eventually went down..it also got in his eyes which we got that out..the game was trash the carpet it was dark blue so you couldnt see it on the top but it was stained on the bottom when we removed it..best bet replace the lino...i dont think there is anything that gets it out..you could try goo gone or goof off..found in walmart hardware depts.

School's out today! What to do with a 6 & 8 year old during the summer?

BeckyBeq

I have a 6 y/o girl and 8 y/o boy and live in the Inland Empire, CA. (North of Orange County) I'm looking for ideas for the summer. Right now I'm planning on one trip to Disneyland/California Adventure before our passes black out. My sis wants to take them to the Discovery Science Center. Swim lessons for 2 weeks in July. Crafts on the way include glow-in-the-dark bug shirts and memory books. Any other ideas?
One more caveat -- my 8 y/o deals with high-functioning autism so some things like day camp are probably out. (He's verbal and well behaved most of the time but has some language processing delays)

Answer
Hi. I have an 8, 13, 17 & 19 year old!! Summer is truly the most expensive, tiring and FUN time of the year for us.

We've manged to get thru many by structuring our days. I try to divide the day and limit certain activities to time slots. My kids are NOT allowed tv, video games or computer from 10-5. Crazy, I know.

6-9am : Mom's quiet time. (I start the day ALONE to drink coffee and gear up for the day). My kids sleep in so it works.
9-10am: Breakfast, get dressed and make beds.
10-12 Outdoor play. ie: bike ride, water play, walk our dog, park time, etc.
12-1: Lunch. The kids help plan the meals, prepare and clean up.
1-3: Arts & Crafts. Mix up activities so not the same two days in a row. Painting, stamping, paper machet, baking, build a tent, etc.
3-4: Chores!
4-5: Back outside. We bring out the sidewalk chalk and make obsticle courses to follow, trails, math problems, just have fun.
5-6:30: Mom cooks and kids can watch tv or play video games.
6:30: Dinner. My kids earn tokens for eating new things and helping clean up.
7:30 Baths, spend time w/family and watch tv together. We try to do family game night once a week.
10: BED!

This schedule gets us thru the day to day stuff, but we have a great time going to Water Parks( we buy an annual pass so we don't pay everytime we go), Nature Centers, Movies and we're looking forward to the Drive Ins!

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what do my husband and I need to go camping?

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KimberlyJ

I haven't been camping since I was a kid. What equipment do I need? I don't want to spend a fortune on camping equipment, but I need to be comfortable. I am five months pregnant and feeling very sick. I think the outdoors would help me quite a bit. Any advice would be helpful thanks.

Answer
#1 most important thing.

Be comfortable.

Pick out a tent at Walmart/Kmart/Target that is large enough for one of those Coleman (or off brand) air mattresses to fit inside it. Twin size at least. The air mattress should come with (you may have to buy it seperate) battery operated blower/pump, to blow it up for you. If it rains...the 6" thick air matress will keep you up off the ground and dry...even if you have an inexpensive tent.

Try to find a shadey spot, wherever you set up your tent. Tents can get hot in the morning with the sun shining on them.

I'd say the rest ...keep as simple as you can. Setting up and taking down your camp should not the a "big" chore. If it is...your making it too hard on yourself.

My favorite time saver? I gotta have coffee in the morning. I don't mess with a perculator anymore. I buy those big pre-made coffee/filter bag things. Drop one or two in a camp pot...boil...coffee! No mess to clean up.


Keep the "camp" part of it simple. You will have more time to relax, explore or goof around.

Just my two cents...


Have fun!

How to be a real motorcycle rider?

Seven

Do you remember the first time that you ride on the back of a motorcycle? Do you feel good about yourself on the backseat and still remember feeling of freedom and independence that coursed through you as you move on the road. Maybe it happened when you riding in the back of your parentâs car as a kid, and you saw a motorcycle rider past you on the two-lane highway. For some people, the desire to ride is fueled by simply seeing a motorcycle race, and even just talking to those who have ridden before. However you got your start, it does not matter. You know that you were bitten by the motorcycle bug, and there is no cure.

Chances are if you love to ride, these feelings are more than just a memory to you; they are a part of your soul, coursing through your blood at any given waking moment in your life. In a very real sense, the low hum of the idling chopper or the purr of the engine when it first wakes up is something you hear in your sleep. It is something that really canât be explained or described to someone without having them join you on the back of your bike and going for a ride around town. Many around you would call it an obsession, but you know better. You simply love to ride, and everything that goes along with it.
The feeling you get when you and the motorcycle are roaring down the highway is nothing you can describe or let go. The second step to feel you are a real biker is to find some biker friends and ride with them together. Many single biker women or biker guys always join some local motorcycle clubs or biker gangs. They like motorcycle rally and biker event, since they can enjoy a group riding. If you want to be a real motorcycle rider, you should try you best to join them who are real biker too.
http://bikersingle.org/

Answer
What a silly question. So will answer it in kind and from a racing perspective since you have posted in the racing section.

I remember the first time one of my kids didn't appear where they should have on a track racing, then looking up and seeing the first aid flag flying. I remember the feeling of seeing the first aid people running towards that part of the track. I remember months of nursing teenagers with two broken arms and split livers, busted collarbones and stitches from slamming into the bars. I remember hoping a plane in a hurry when told one child had dislocated his leg and was in big trouble and then the months in hospital recovering.

I remember going without things so that a new exhaust system could be bought and finding a motorbike in my living room. The house overrun with trophies that need dusting constantly. I remember the night before race day finding hubby and son in the lounge room changing tyres and making a god awful mess doing it and then the mountains of mud encrusted gear to wash after said weekend.

Now older I remember standing at the side of the track watching half hour motos stomach in my throat as my grown child flies by and then with one lap to go and doing well stacks in a flurry of flying soil. Then waiting hand on heart when he didn't get up for over a minute. I remember standing at the medical tent wondering if he was okay and then watching as although injured he needed to go back out and do it all again as he was in the points.

I remember the medical bills and worrying that my child will have to race again in two weeks time knowing he is injured so not fully up to it but he doesn't want to let the team down.

So you are right it is a bug that riders get and cannot give up but it is not all that for many of those around said rider. Would I change things. No as I know just what this bug means to riders but every action has a reaction.

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What kind of stuff do I need if I go camping?

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amber

I'm planning a surprise camping trip for my boyfriend and I since he's never been. I have to plan early so that I cant budget all the things I need to buy for it over time. I haven't been camping since I was a kid so I forget all the things I'll need to bring. Obviously I need a tent, which I happen to have, and sleeping bags. What else should I bring? Also does anyone know any brands or specific sleeping bags with room for two people, or that can be zipped together? We will be car camping for sure so hauling in stuff isn't a problem, we have a truck. Thank you to anyone to answers :)

Answer
Use a checklist for the gear you need,
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/family-camping-checklist.html

Prepare for the season,
http://www.princeton.edu/~oa/winter/wintcamp.shtml

Choose a destination
http://www.totalescape.com/

Make reservations, some destinations get booked six months in advance, like national parks.
http://www.reserveamerica.com/
http://www.recreation.gov/
http://woodalls.com/

Buying camping gear during the off season will be a bit troubling as most places that carry it do so seasonally and what they have will be at full price and in limited quantity. Walmart would be the low price leader for the type of gear you need even though their prices would not be at their seasonal lowest They do have winter rated sleeping bags made by Coleman that would zip together. If you have a truck I suggest a camper shell at the minimum and you could shack up in the back of that. weather being no issue at all then.

How would you survive in a worst case scenario?

StarShade

In an apocalyptic future, what kind of preparedness would you make to protect your family? I mean beyond an emergency 72 hr disaster preparedness kit. I would like to hear as many ideas as possible. nothing is to outlandish.

Answer
Well, I don't have a family so I'm just guessing. I'd probably go to REI or some sort of camp/sports store because they have cool gadgets like water filters and maybe those butane burners. And possibly get those food dehydrators and dehydrate a ton of food; liquids weigh too much. And basic sewing kit, basic emergency kit (I've never had to use one), It depends on a lot of factors, but if there were still grass and trees or if I were in an area where the ground was comfortable, I probably wouldn't really have a tent. But some lightweight material of a blanket just in case of cold nights; again I'd probably find something like this at REI. There's a lot of factors to consider, and guess if it is apocalypse, you don't really know what to expect. I also don't have kids, and am purely basing on if the kids were like me and could handle discomfort.

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Has anyone ever been to Catalina Island w/ kids??

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jb

Me and my hubby are thinking of taking a vacation to Catalina Island and taking our 8 and 4 yr., would that be a good idea?? For those who have gone w/ kids.

Answer
Catalina Island is a great place to take children. I don't know why people post about how boring it is, must be a lack of imagination. I've been going to Catalina for 26 years. I've experienced it as a child, a teen, a girlfriend-fiance-wife and now as a mother. I met one of my dearest friends there- she has 9 children and just spent a week at the end of July and had the most wonderful time. It's all about the experience. You don't have to drive any where. It's safe for the kids to play at the beach while mom and dad relax in beach chairs and watch. Fun restaurants, great ice cream shops- a candy store that pulls taffy in a big glass window. Although it's not my favorite thing to do, kids love to rent the peddle boats and tour through the harbor. I spent over a month in Catalina last summer with my then 9 month old son. We loved going to get coffee and a doughnut in the morning and taking our walk. Then napping and getting ready for hours at the beach. Just bring a little pop up tent if you have kids who nap. We'd spend the whole day at the beach, we'd go out for lunch- it was great, it's very relaxing and slow paced for mom and dad. I'd highly recommend it to any family.

What tent should I buy?

MamaB

Looking to buy a tent. In addition to myself and my husband we have two boys, ages 5 and 7, and a baby girl, age 15 months. I know I want a big "family" tent, with a screen porch. I have narrowed it down to 3, after researching on line. The price difference is big. One is only $150.00 and one is almost $400.00. Are certain brands better than others? What features should I look for? Thanks!

Answer
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___21597
Coleman WeatherMaster 6 w/Screenroom - 17x9 - 6 Person Tent
$239.99
The Coleman 1 Room WeatherMaster 6 with attached Screenroom tent can sleep up to 6 campers. The tent is easy to set up and with a large sleeping room for your gear and a generous screenroom for the ultimate in relaxing times this could be the tent your family is looking for. A combination of steel and fiberglass poles provide a very secure and stable frame for the latest and greatest version of the famed WeatherMaster series of tents. The waterproof instructions are sewn to the bag for your convenience. The big wide hinged door is so simple and easy to use that it's almost like being at home. Great ventilation is provided by 5 windows and a mesh ceiling. The rugged poly floor will never let you down and the taped fly seams will keep water outside where it belongs. The screenroom offers a nice place for the kids to play or a great place to relax after the kids have gone to bed. This is a another great tent from Coleman for the whole family for either a short or extended trip.

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What is the craziest/funnest thing you've ever done in your life?

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goodluckch

And did this happen when you were young, High School/college, or as an adult? (I just have all kinds of weird questions brewing in my noggin haha)

Answer
The craziest thing I have ever done was a wet t-shirt contest in Daytona on spring break my senior year of high school. I had sex in a bathroom at Disenyworld when I was 20. My boyfriend had his shoes off, and this little kid asked his dad why the man in the stall had his shoes off, and the dad said never mind that son.....lol.

The funniest thing was when I was on a class trip to a school for the mentally handicapped, I slipped on the wet floor by the pool, and all the mentally handicapped kids pointed and yelled RETARD RETARD, and they were laughing at me. It was so funny. Also one time at the beach me and my friends would run down the beach and then when we got close to people we would fall down and act like it was accident. Also, one time we put dog poop in a couple purses and we took the purses to Walmart and burger king and gave them to employees and told them we had found someone's purse. When they opened it up to look for the person's ID they would get all grossed out. It was soooo funny at the time. Now I'm old and think it's gross, but it was funny when I was young.

I just remembered another thing. When I first got married my husband and I went camping. We bought a tent, that was on sale. When we set it up it was just this little tiny tent. So my husband and I had had to sleep with our feet and legs sticking out of the tent. The camp ground was crowded with people, so the next morning when we woke up this little kid was just standing by our feet. He said my tent is bigger then your tent, and then he just ran away.

How can I spend the rest of my summer...

Q. in a fun & interesting way? I have no plans except to hang out with a couple of friends, go shopping, watch a movie, and go to camp on the last few days. But other than that, anyone have any fun ideas?

Answer
How about a hike through a woods or a park and just for fun, pack a picnic lunch and stop near an old tree and rest awhile.

Have a bonfire in the back yard and tell ghost stories.

Have a neighborhood fry-out and everyone bring enough for their own family and a dish to pass.

Set up the camping tent in the back yard and rough-it at home.

Have a scavenger hunt with all of the neighborhood kids, but make sure that they only go to the houses of people they know. Or you can have them only look for things at home and around the yard.

Enjoy a day at the museum!

Go to rummage sales or flea markets and look for treasures.

Have a rummage sale and get rid of all of the clutter around the house.

Keep a summer scrapbook.

Start a flower garden.

Read that book you have been putting off.

Spend time just pampering yourself having a home day at the spa!

Take up a new hobby. (For example this summer I learned to weave beaded bracelets.)


(I hope that helps keep you having fun!!!)

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What would be a good party for a 13-yr old boy?

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Tukmol B

My son's turning 13 and we would like to have a big party so he can invite everyone he knows. I can't think of a venue or a theme. He wants to invite 40 to 50 kids so I expect at least half of them will come. Any ideas?

Answer
Big group!
How about a camping party? Rent a campsite and rent or borrow tents near a lake for swimming. Hang a rope swing. Bring a very large supply of hot dogs and marshmallows to roast over the campfires. They'll want music, and you may want to scare the crap out of them with a screening of the Friday the 13th movies. Get them to all sit around a big campfire while you walk around the circle telling a scary ghost story. Maybe hire a couple of guys who could dress up and act like indians and tell about how it was for ancient natives to live in tents, teepees, or wigwams. Have them do some ceremonial dance with the drums and stuff. Launch some fireworks if legal in your state. Set up some hay bales and have an archery range or tomahawk throwing contest. Or if you know any military personnel, have them teach some survival skills. Have them hiding at the party in camoflage before anyone arrives and freak everybody out when the step out right next to them.
A word of warning - you will want to have some parents attend to help keep an eye on this many kids. At 13 they are likely to be a few who smoke,drink or are sexually active.

What are fun ways to get kicked out of walmart? and annoy people bad?

Q.

Answer
1. Take shopping carts for the express purpose of filling them and stranding them at strategic locations.

2. Ride those little electronic cars at the front of the store.

3. Set all the alarm clocks to go off at ten minute intervals throughout the day.

4. Start playing Calvinball; see how many people you can get to join in.

5. Contaminate the entire auto department by sampling all the spray air fresheners.

6. Challenge other customers to duels with tubes of gift wrap.

7. Leave cryptic messages on the typewriters.

8. Re-dress the mannequins as you see fit.

9. When there are people behind you, walk REALLY SLOW, especially thin narrow aisles.

10. Walk up to an employee and tell him in an official tone, âI think weâve got a Code 3 in Housewares,â and see what happens.

11. Tune all the radios to a polka station; then turn them all off and turn the volumes to â10â³.

12. Play with the automatic doors.

13. Walk up to complete strangers and say, âHi! I havenât seen you in so long!â etc. See if they play along to avoid embarrassment.

14. While walking through the clothing department, ask yourself loud enough for all to hear, âWho BUYS this junk, anyway?â

15. Repeat Number 14 in the jewelry department.

16. Ride a display bicycle through the store; claim youâre taking it for a âtest drive.â

17. Follow people through the aisles, always staying about five feet away. Continue to do this until they leave the department.

18. Play soccer with a group of friends, using the entire store as your playing field.

19. As the cashier runs your purchases over the scanner, look mesmerized and say, âWow. Magic!â

20. Put M&Mâs on layaway.

21. Move âCaution: Wet Floorâ signs to carpeted areas.

22. Set up a tent in the camping department; tell others youâll only invite them in if they bring pillows from Bed and Bath.

23. Test the fishing rods and see what you can âcatchâ from the other aisles.

24. Ask other customers if they have any Grey Poupon.

25. Drape a blanket around your shoulders and run around saying,ââ¦Iâm Batman. Come, Robin, to the Bat cave!â

26. Run around as much of the store as possible.

27. Randomly throw things over into neighboring aisles.

28. Play with the calculators so that they all spell âhelloâ upside down.

29. When someone asks if you need help, begin to cry and ask, âWhy wonât you people just leave me alone?â

30. Make up nonsense products and ask newly hired employees if there are any in stock, i.e., âDo you have any Shnerples here?â

31. Take up an entire aisle in Toys by setting up a full scale battlefield with G.I. Joes vs. the X-Men.

32. Take bets on the battle described above.

33. Hold indoor shopping cart races.

34. Dart around suspiciously while humming the theme from âMission: Impossible.â

35. Run up to an employee (preferably a male) while squeezing your legs together and practically yell at him âI need some tampons!!â

36. Try on bras in the sewing/fabric department.

37. Try on bras over top of your clothes.

38. Attempt to fit into very large gym bags.

39. Attempt to fit others into very large gym bags.

40. Say things like, âWould you be so kind as to direct me to your Twinkies?â

41. Set up a âValet Parkingâ sign in front of the store.

42. Two words: âMarco Polo.â

43. Leave Cheerios in Lawn and Garden, pillows in the pet food aisle, etc.

44. âRe-alphabetizeâ the CDâs in Electronics.

45. Make a trail of orange juice on the ground, leading to the restrooms

46. When someone steps away from their cart to look at something, quickly make off with it without saying a word.

47. Relax in the patio furniture until you get kicked out.

48. When an announcement comes over the loudspeaker, assume the fetal position and scream, âNo, no! Itâs those voices again!â

49. Pay off layaways fifty cents at a time.

50. Drag a lounge chair on display over to the magazines and relax. If the store has a food court, buy a soft drink; explain that you donât get out much, and ask if they can put a little umbrella in it.

51. While walking around the store, sing in your loudest voice possible âsex and candyâ

52. Try putting different pairs of womenâs panties on your head and walk around the store casually.

53. Leave small sacrifices or gifts in the hands of the mannequins.

54. Nonchalantly âtestâ the brushes and combs in Cosmetics.

55. When two or three people are walking ahead of you, run between them, yelling, âRed Rover!â

56. Look right into the security camera, and use it as a mirror while you pick your nose.

57. Set up another battlefield with G.I. Joes vs. G.I. Janes. (Red lipstick might give an interesting effect!!!)

58. While handling guns in the hunting department, suddenly ask the clerk if he knows where the anti-depressants are. Act as spastic as possible.

59. While no oneâs watching quickly switch the menâs and womenâs signs on the doors of the rest room.

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Right... So we've had a question about Anguilla, now what about Bern?

kids tents new zealand image

Q.

Answer
what about bern!! what about Uruguay!! what about new zealand!! what about that tent!! what about the trees?!! what about my bikinis?!! what about the suitcases?!! what about the princess izzy and someone's kid who was sent to another country?!! what about pizza!? what about martini!!

what about my sleep time!! it's 2:45 am!! :O!!!
ok ppl good night.. and sweet dreams to me..

What shall me and my friends do this Summer?

Q. Each Summer, me and 3 other girls go to Whangamata, New Zealand. It is Sunny and We are right next to the beach. we are looking for some fun activitys to do. We tent in the backyard. There is a trampoline and one of those little kid pools. We are close to the skate park and all bring our BMX's. 2 of the family's bring down their speed boats and we often go over to an island where there is Bush and Nice water with the opportunity to go biscuiting. We are looking for fun activities and we are all 14. Nothing costly, but we will have some money saved up. we have a few things in mind like-
Miss Whangamata
The Pub to Club (an 7k run)
The BMX competition
Tie Dying etc
We are also looking for ways to make our tent more fun to be in ( it is a 3 room tent)
Thank you (:

Answer
Go to Boracay! :)) That's the best

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Is there anything I can do to prevent my tent going mildew?

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Stella

Every time time when I set up my camping tent it smells mildew. Is there anything I can do to prevent it to get such smell?

Answer
You can do the following things to prevent your tent going mildew:

1. Find a very sunny patch at your campsite with lots of dry trees or places to hang your bedding. If you have clothesline, rope or kite string, string up a clothesline between two trees in a sunny area.

2. Remove every last thing from your tent so that it's bare. Leave the tent completely unzipped.

3. Hang up the bedding, sleeping mats, pillows, even bags to dry on tree brances, large rocks or your makeshift clothesline.

4. Wait until the top of the tent is dry before unpegging it and flipping it over so the bottom gets dry. When the bottom is dry to the touch, flip it back over, peg it down and brush out any dirt or crumbs with a dustpan and brush. Add the bedding, bags and any other paraphenalia you keep in your tent when they dry.

5. Dry out your tent before you put it away for any storage by airing it out completely outsidse in your yard, if possible. The sun and fresh air produce a better smelling tent than when you dry it indoors. Only dry the tent indoors if you have no other alternative.

I bought a camping tent from http://www.lavadeals.co.uk and I use this method to store my tent.

Does anyone have a Eurohike backpacker tent or know where I can get replacement parts?

I'm missing the shorter pole from a Eurohike Backpacker tent, although I can't remember how long the original was if I knew that I could probably get a replacement.
The longer one seems to be made up of 6 sections.
Hope someone can help.

Answer
They are currently the UK's largest camping brand. Their products are exclusive to Millets and Blacks stores.

I suggest contacting these stores to see if they can get parts for you.

Millets website is http://www.millets.co.uk/home.html

Blacks website is http://www.blacks.co.uk/home.html

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I am homeless and I don't know where else to turn for help, any ideas?

kids tent bedroom image

sara

I am a single mother of two wonderful boys ages 12 & 4. We were evicted after I lost my income this passed year. I was a crying mess when my boys and I checked into a shelter here in town. My Dr decided to add to my anti-depressant that I was on by giving me Abilify. She said it would have some side effects but to give it time for my system to adjust. Well after explaining to the Women in charge of the homeless shelter the reason I felt woozy or seemed extremely tired was due to the newness of this medication, she didn't believe a word I said and kicked my boys and I out into a wintery blizzard day this passed February. We had been there for three nights! Not only did she kick us to the curb she called Child Protective Services to find out where we went to and rescue my children from a strung out mother who they assumed was doing crack or meth or cocaine! Of course a lady named Em from CPS found us staying with my mother in her very small one bedroom apartment the next day or so. I told her what had happened but also what was really going on. She offered me a chance to do a drug screening to help prove that I in fact don't do drugs. I was happy to so rite there we did a drug test and waited about 2 weeks until the results came back from a lab. Of course Negative just as I knew it would. However after staying with my mom has been challenging due to my sons allergies and my other son being allergic to flea bites. This has all just got worse now that 2 of my moms 5 cats had kittens! Each mom cat had 6 kittens bringing the total up to 17 of them! My oldest son can barely breath when he wakes up in the morning, & my youngest had flea bites on his face, back, stomach, legs & everywhere! Each flea bite swells up to a big red lump or welt that takes up to a week to stat to fade. He can't handle it no one should have to! I was just told by CPS that my solution of sleeping in a tent with my kids needs to come to an end now. Due to the cold weather. And I agree totally. But we have no where to go. The pullout couch in my moms little place that we had been on is now covered in fleas! To bomb the fleas is pointless seen as she lets her cats in and out of the house whenever and with the air quality even worse from kitten pee and poo the smell is to me border line toxic! I can not subject my kids to that! I have called shelters from Traverse City, Ludington, Cadillac & Manistee, they are all full. If someone would or could help us get on our feet and into a place of our own I will not stop until I find us a home. I am currently waiting on a judgement from court about how much child support we should be receiving or if they are gong to make my boys dad pay any of the 18 grand in back child support that he owes. But that is a whole other can of worms I'll open on a different question. As for my question, Is there any help out there that I'm not aware of or haven't already tried yet? I'll try about anything so please send me any suggestions or phone numbers of anyone who can help us find a home. Also I don't even know if anyone will ever read this but if you have, thank you for your time & My life is a mess but I just need someone out there to help me and give me a chance to raise my sons to be strong and respectful with roots from a stable and secure home. Thank you, Sara Cross - Mother of Two

Answer
Weird responders so far. One seems sane, one is a religiously oriented slightly zealotous person, and one is just a jerk who is a waste of space and planet resources. Pity the last. He's brain damaged.

Now, there's no way to try to put a positive spin on your situation. That said, most cities have multiple churches that have resources allocated for people in emergency situations like yours. If you have telephone availability, that's one of the first things I'd check. Some emergency service groups are desperate to serve people but also desperate for people to help serve. That can be a 'barter' sort of arrangement that will get you off the streets or filthy digs at least till something else turns up. I assume you've reached out to relatives both near and distant? I also assume that the father of the children is not available for child support, even if it's enforced temporary remuneration for what had been unpaid to date...perhaps a lein on his paycheck? That's a legal issue and would need a lawyer to address, but there are legal aid societies that give free legal assistance.

I pray something has helped you here. If not, then please just accept my prayers.

Dr. D

What low-cost, low energy things can I do with my kids this summer?

it's just

I'm tight on cash, struggle with depression and have injuries in both feet. So summer camps are out, things that take a lot of energy to plan won't happen and I can't play physically with them until I heal. I want them to still have fun though. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

They are girls, ages 10 and 5.

Answer
Why don't you put up a tent in the living room! or get the girls to decorate a bedroom as tho it was a tent! i love that idea! im going to do that with my 7 year old daughter. Have lots of pillows, sleeping bags.. you all sleep in there! it's mad! Play games! make some home made pizzas (just use english muffins as the base) Get the girls to put on their Fav. toppings. Tell them stories. I think it's a great way to have fun and not pay much at all!

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How to decorate for a backyard summer camp party?

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Q. My 3 year old daughter is having a camp theme party and want to decorate so you really feel like you are camping

Answer
Make a large wooden sign at the entrance to the "Camp Site" and have other signs pointing the way to the toilets and showers, picnic area and wildlife trail.
Set the tents around a central seating area with the campfire as a centerpiece. Lay out low benches for sitting on or just use mats or planks of wood balanced on rocks.
Decorate the inside of the tents with streamers and balloons
Around the edges of the camp, erect some citronella torches. These will keep the bugs away and add to the camp atmosphere.
Place cuddly toys in the tress and bushes for the younger kids to discover or for the older kids, hang plastic bugs around the camp. Use glow in the dark bugs and stars which will be fun later on when it gets dark.
Hang multi colored Chinese lanterns around the garden. Some kids just can't help playing with candles so be careful where you place them.
Set up a food table and cover with green or camouflage cloth. Use plastic tableware or tin plates and cups. Provide bug stickers for each child to personalize his/her own plate and mug. It saves muddling them up.
You can also add:
Bug stickers and tattoes
T-shirts with the name of the camp and date of the birthday camping party

What is the best place to camp in California with children that is not too far north and not too far south?

keypsake

My husband and I want to take our 3 young children (ages 7, 5, and 3) camping for the first time over summer vacation (June/July). We live in Stockton, California and to not want to drive more than 2-3 hours. I have been to Yosemite several times and think my children would enjoy it more when thay are a little older. I have also been to Calaveras Big Trees several times and like it, but I want to try someplace new. Any suggestions?

Answer
If you are tent camping or a cabover close to your area is a pretty 10 site campground at kirkwood. A small lake for the kids to fish. hiking is great. I like lake almanor for a big rig. Nice paved bike and walking trails. Deer come to join you for breakfast. Bucks lake and little grass valley are nice for that time of year. both at 5200 feet and cooler than the valley. I am a ritired camp manager and love to see familkies spend quality time together camping. Have a great time where ever you decide.

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Activities to do when your babysitting all day?

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Rachel

I know we are probably going to watch a movie and play some bored games, but I'm not sure what else to do. This is my first time babysitting these kids, but they do know me well. There is one boy, who is about 7 years old. And a girl who is about 10 years old. I'm babysitting from early morning to about dinner time. So I need a lot of things to do! Thanks :)
Also, please provide serious answers, thank you.

Answer
I usually do baking when I babysit, but you have to make sure it's okay with the parents first (some can be funny about that stuff) and you have to be so, so careful with hot things and the children. Obviously. Oh yeah, someone else mentioned allergies, you need to check about that first too.

Are you allowed to take them out of the house? Some parents don't mind, others do. If they don't mind, take them to the park or even just for a walk somewhere if you get really desperate. Or you could play a few games with them in the garden (if there is one).

A few of the families I babysit for regularly have a set list of things the children need to/like to do.. like one family insists that they do school work for an hour and another mother likes for her children to do crafts. Check with the parents and see if there's anything specific.

I babysit for younger children than you are babysitting most of the time and we usually play fantasy games like dress-up princesses or pirates + dragons, ect and they seem to like it. But they are between the ages of 3 and 7.

I'll do a little list of the things you could do because i've rambled a bit;
1)Play board games
2) watch a film
3) Go to the park
4) Do some baking (and get them to help decorate too, it makes the process longer and more fun)
5) School work/craft (or parent specified activity)
6) Do some drawing/colouring
7) Make a tent/den out of sheets, and read a story under there, children love this! Make sure you clear it up after though.
8) Let them help you make their food (if ti isn't pre-prepared)
9) Play dress up? I don't know, you could try it.

what are some great things you could use for camp but there not really expensive?

miss quest

My kids are going to camp this weekend and my husband and i are not going with them. What are some great stuff i could buy them on camp and not that expensive?

Answer
Water bottles with their names on them.

Fanny packs to carry snacks, whatever.

Disposable cameras to capture the weekend.

Flashlights for each.

Glow sticks for them to use in their tent at night, so they won't be scared.

A notepad and pencil so they can draw or journal for entertainment.

A book for bedtime. A deck of cards. A small stuffed animal to keep them company.

A snuggly fleece blanket to keep them warm.

Travel toothbrush, comb, and soap in a box.

Plastic cage to capture bugs or whatever.

Fieldbook of local birds, rocks and minerals, plants, whatever.

A ball to get up a game of kickball.

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What you need to start a party rental business?

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David Wall

Answer
1

Purchase enough equipment to be able to comfortably plan for several parties at once. Create an inventory for each type of party and the equipment you need for it. Paper tablecloths, napkins and plastic utensils are appropriate for some gatherings. Others require cloth tablecloths, flatware and real glassware.

2


Provide catering services or maintain a list of preferred caterers to recommend. Catering options would include everything from birthday cake and soft drinks to pizza and beer for a bachelor party, so make sure you have kitchen facilities capable of handling every request.

3


Have a variety of entertainment options. Clowns and magicians are in demand at children's parties while a string quartet would be more appropriate for an elegant dinner party. Ponies used to be the entertainment of choice at children's parties, but today kids expect a moon bounce.

4


Consider offering a banquet room on your premises for individuals and businesses who don't want to host their parties on their premises.

5


Negotiate with vendors for the best prices on food, supplies and equipment. Learn where the farmer's markets are, talk to wholesalers about bulk discounts and be aware of sales or special offers on items you use frequently.

6


Take all of your costs into account when figuring out the rates you'll charge. Overhead includes rent, utilities, labor costs, supplies, vehicles, fuel and insurance.

7


Purchase at least one large van. Buy a truck if you are providing tables and chairs or inflatables. Approach commercial laundries if you anticipate having to wash high volumes of tablecloths and napkins.

8


Hire waitstaff, laborers to set up and take down tables and tents, kitchen help and office staff like a bookkeeper and someone to keep track of orders and inventory. Work out details like how tips will be distributed.

9


Market your party rental business. Create a website. Run an ad in your local paper every week. Generate business by offering discounts to repeat customers. Word of mouth is important in party rentals, so create incentives for customers to spread the word like special offers.

What is the craziest/funnest thing you've ever done in your life?

goodluckch

And did this happen when you were young, High School/college, or as an adult? (I just have all kinds of weird questions brewing in my noggin haha)

Answer
The craziest thing I have ever done was a wet t-shirt contest in Daytona on spring break my senior year of high school. I had sex in a bathroom at Disenyworld when I was 20. My boyfriend had his shoes off, and this little kid asked his dad why the man in the stall had his shoes off, and the dad said never mind that son.....lol.

The funniest thing was when I was on a class trip to a school for the mentally handicapped, I slipped on the wet floor by the pool, and all the mentally handicapped kids pointed and yelled RETARD RETARD, and they were laughing at me. It was so funny. Also one time at the beach me and my friends would run down the beach and then when we got close to people we would fall down and act like it was accident. Also, one time we put dog poop in a couple purses and we took the purses to Walmart and burger king and gave them to employees and told them we had found someone's purse. When they opened it up to look for the person's ID they would get all grossed out. It was soooo funny at the time. Now I'm old and think it's gross, but it was funny when I was young.

I just remembered another thing. When I first got married my husband and I went camping. We bought a tent, that was on sale. When we set it up it was just this little tiny tent. So my husband and I had had to sleep with our feet and legs sticking out of the tent. The camp ground was crowded with people, so the next morning when we woke up this little kid was just standing by our feet. He said my tent is bigger then your tent, and then he just ran away.

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What do deployed soldiers/marines etc.. really think about a pen pals?

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ImillaGarc

I decided to "adopt " a soldier to write and send care packages. Im wondering if they actually care about it i mean i did it because it makes me feel good , helping others but idk if they thin k pen pals have nothing better to do . i might be wrong but im wondering.

Answer
VERY interesting you mentioned this. I was deployed to Iraq in '06 '07 '08 in the Infantry. It is all males. MANY of the men/women in Iraq and Afghanistan, actually the majority are not the ones doing the actual fighting. Many of them sleep in nice beds or at least cots, take showers regularly, call home and go on internet regularly and have pretty good food.

We did not. Not at the time. Month or more with no shower or change of clothes was expected. No heat in the winter, no AC in the summer. Cots and a tent were a luxury as we usually bedded down in the sand for the night. I received a good amount of pen pal mail while deployed. There are a bunch that come and you can sift through them and I DID always look for female names to respond to as I recall. The more girly the penmanship the better and the ones who put little hearts or kiss marks on the envelope would normally be the ones tend to get opened first, ESPECIALLY the scent of perfume. So...mail was slow, normally 3 weeks each way, some of the girls were cute and would send pics but nothing racy and the relation never became sexual. It was nice for me then because I had no gf and like I said, not much else to do rolling around in the desert.

I have to say that now, with a wife and kid and if I had had more of the luxuries like shower, cot, tent, internet etc. I probly would not have been so willing to write back and forth. Great gesture but times are different now, so high tech. You would be better off facebooking them honestly. If a guy is getting 3 meals a day, shower, internet, porn and cigarettes over there he's pretty much set. DON'T be surprised if they want to be more than penpals because men are just VERY lonely... beyond words, while deployed especially with no one waiting back home.

What should I wear to Hajj?

letinpleas

I'm a guy planning on going during college in a few years. I know I have to wear white, but can I wear a white t-shirt, or something traditional? Someone told me to wear hiking boots because they will be better for crowds, unless I have to wear sandals. And I also read that I have to shave my head. Is this true?

Answer
AN AMERICAN MUSLIM MAKES A PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA
by Amer Boukai

Feb 26: We arrived in Medina with a tour group of 300 American Muslims. Our hotel was next to the Prophet's Mosque which we helped to construtc.

It was an incredible feeling. The mosque is beautiful. We spent four days praying and resting before the intense time ahead.

My parents had become acquainted with the city long ago but did not recognize it because it had grown so.

We went to Prophet Muhammad's tomb to pray. I felt humbled and felt my faith more than I ever had before.

March 2 and 3: We got to Mecca when sunrise prayers were being said. The road was closed. The mosque which holds 500,000 people was full. So hundreds of thousands were praying in the streets. People everywhere. It was scary. And wonderful too, knowing that I have so many Muslin brothers and sisters.

The hotel was very nice; the food was excellent. We had omelets, chicken, fruits, juices, sweets.

I had on my Ihram. This is two pieces of cloth that men must wear for Hajj. You think you are so well off with your Armani suits and then you suddenly are wearing the most basic thing. It was very difficult. You feel like you want your clothes back. But that is the lesson. When you are wearing Ihram, everyone looks the same just as good sees us.

At the Grand Mosque I was fortunate to get within 30 feet of trhe Ka'bah. It was incredible knowing the prophets had been there. But you have to watch for the crush of people. Our guides had very tall poles on which they put our tour name so we wouldn't get lost. We left at midnight for Arafat, where Prophet Muhammad gave his last sermon.

March 4: It took us five hours to go 15 miles to Arafat. When we got there I was so surprised. Tents as far as you could see. There was no way we could be near Mount Arafat. The are extends five miles and our tent was very far out.

It had been 90 degrees but clouds came and there was a drizzle that relaxed everyone. An imam (clergyman) led prayers to ask forgiveness for all the sins we have commited in our entire life. Many people were crying. It was very emotional for me.

At sunset we left for Muzdailifa. Six miles tok six hours. Everyone was very tired. We saw many people from places like Russia and Africa packed so tight on buses and even sitting on top or hanging on.

March 5-7: We got to Mina at 3:00 a.m. and threw pebbles at the pillar. It symbolizes how the devil tempted Abraham. But Abraham obyed God and was willing to sacrifice his son. God substituted an animal sacrifice.

Our tents with cots were about 25 feet by 25 feet. Men and women slept on different sides of the tent. There were 60 people to a tent.

On Tuesday we heard that many pilgrims had been crushed to death in the crowds. It was very scary. We became very cautious. We waited until after midnight to do the next stone throwing when crowds were smaller.

We men had our hair cut by barbers to symbolize sacrifice. We paid butchers to sacrifice anima;s to feed the poor.

We return to Mexxa and at 3:00 a.m. circled the Ka'bah severn times. Then back to Mina and that was that.

By this time I really wanted to go home and see my kids and family.

Hajj is a very strong feeling that stays with you. My sense of God is much stronger. I realize more than ever that I will someday die and so should my mind on God.

I realize as an American Muslim that we should thank God for all that we have.

Now I think about the experience all the time. I wake in the night and think. I talk to my wife about how I will take to Hajj someday.

I got back on a Thursday night and the next day went to the mosque. Everyone congratulated me and asked if I prayed for them. I said yes. I prayed for everyone.

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Who still uses a Coleman fuel catalytic heater for camping?

large camping tents coleman image

Bobo

Does anyone still use a COLEMAN catalytic heater that burns Coleman Liquid fuel (not propane) for camping? Do you use it in a tent? How much ventilation do you provide in the tent? I'm a little worried about Carbon Monoxide if I use it in the tent.
Liquid Coleman fuel; Heater, not a cooking stove. It has a catalytic dome that glows red and provides heat. I used it in a garage with a carbon monoxide detector and the detector registered zero. I know it uses up oxygen.

Answer
Don't use this in a tent unless you have all the vents open to the tent. They are not very efficient heating devices in really cold weather in a tent. I've heard of several people who have died using those type of heaters in tents without adequate ventilation.

What i've done in the past is bought a gas powered generator and i used quartz radiant heaters when i was out camping in the mountains in the snow and sub zero temperatures.

These days i use a battery i removed from a bulldozer and use quartz heaters. Works really good for 2-3 days then i just hook up some cables to my truck battery start up and recharge the large battery for about 30 minutes every 2 or 3 days.

what do my husband and I need to go camping?

KimberlyJ

I haven't been camping since I was a kid. What equipment do I need? I don't want to spend a fortune on camping equipment, but I need to be comfortable. I am five months pregnant and feeling very sick. I think the outdoors would help me quite a bit. Any advice would be helpful thanks.

Answer
#1 most important thing.

Be comfortable.

Pick out a tent at Walmart/Kmart/Target that is large enough for one of those Coleman (or off brand) air mattresses to fit inside it. Twin size at least. The air mattress should come with (you may have to buy it seperate) battery operated blower/pump, to blow it up for you. If it rains...the 6" thick air matress will keep you up off the ground and dry...even if you have an inexpensive tent.

Try to find a shadey spot, wherever you set up your tent. Tents can get hot in the morning with the sun shining on them.

I'd say the rest ...keep as simple as you can. Setting up and taking down your camp should not the a "big" chore. If it is...your making it too hard on yourself.

My favorite time saver? I gotta have coffee in the morning. I don't mess with a perculator anymore. I buy those big pre-made coffee/filter bag things. Drop one or two in a camp pot...boil...coffee! No mess to clean up.


Keep the "camp" part of it simple. You will have more time to relax, explore or goof around.

Just my two cents...


Have fun!

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