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What to Pack When Camping with Family

September 25, 2018 Karen Leave a Comment

Years ago, my husband and I would go camping with just a sleeping bag, an iron skillet, pancake mix for the morning meal, and some corn meal and cooking oil for frying fish. All this fit into the trunk of our car. We slept under the stars, and truly enjoyed our days camping by the lake. We stopped doing that when our 18 month old son got out of my sleeping bag before I woke up, and we found him at the edge of the lake!

No matter how you do it, camping is a great way to spend quality time with family. When you choose to go camping it is important that you have everything that you need. One way to make sure you have everything you need is to make a Camping Check List. The list can be elaborate, or simple. The main thing is that you need to make sure that the essential items are on the list, and packed to go with you.

Campsite

Tent
Sleeping bags and pads
Pillow
Flashlights or headlamps
Camp chairs and table

Camp Kitchen

Fuel and stove
Firestarter or matches
Cooking pots and utensils
Frying pan
Plates and bowls
Cups or mugs
Water bottles
Sharp knife

Most campsites have drinkable water. Bring water on your own or be prepared to treat water if you don’t have drinkable water at the campsite.

Clothing and Footwear

The choice of clothing and footwear should be done based on the weather conditions prevalent during the months you choose to go camping.

A wrong choice of clothes and footwear will ruin the entire experience.

Long sleeve shirts
Moisture resistant underwear
Quick-drying pants and shorts
Sleepwear (pajamas)
Socks
Boots or shoes depending on the terrain
Gloves and mittens if the temperature is quite cold

Health and Hygiene

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Toiletry kit
Quick-dry towel
First aid kit and supplies
Insect repellant
Sunscreen
Toilet paper
Hand sanitizer

If you are camping with kids you should pay extra attention to what you want to pack. You will need books, toys, a favorite blanket or toy or stuffed animal, games, headlamps and other essentials.

And last, but not least, is what to pack for your vehicle. If you are camping in a remote location, or a very rural place, here are some things you may need, just in case you get stuck in the mud or sand. You’ll be glad you had them with you:

A shovel
A rake (for raking up leaves or pine straw to put under the wheels that are stuck. )
A flare gun, so you can send a signal for help.
Make sure the spare has enough air in it.
A jack
Water for the battery

Make the camping trip fun for everyone, and memorable for the stories told around the campfire, not the ones told later about the horrible times you had because you forgot something you needed.

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Clever Ways to Use Aluminum Foil

July 26, 2018 Karen Leave a Comment

Aluminum foil is no longer for just cooking or grilling up some food. There are many uses for aluminum foil that can help you in everyday life. I love that aluminum foil has so many clever uses and today I get to share some ideas with you so that you can start making the most out of your aluminum foil collection.

Create Cookie Cutters

For starters, you can make some pretty clever cookie cutter designs by ripping off some aluminum foil from the roll and forming it into any shape you desire. Be sure to triple up the foil so that it’s sturdy enough for use as a cookie cutter.

Potty Training Protection

Take some aluminum foil, fold it up and place it on top of your potty training child’s mattress. Once placed in the appropriate spot, then lay a towel over it and put the child’s bed sheet back on. This will keep leaks from going through to the mattress during potty training time.

Prevent Static Cling

Who knew that you could prevent static cling using aluminum foil balls in your dryer? It’s true! Simply grab some aluminum foil, shape it into balls and toss about three of them into the dryer to keep your clothes from having static cling during the dry winter months.

Sharpen Scissors

Grab those dull scissors from your craft drawer and some aluminum foil. Cut through the foil a few times with the blunt scissors to find that you’ve now sharpened your scissors. This may take a few tries, but it’s much cheaper than buying new scissors or a sharpening stone.

Protect Steel Wool

If you use steel wool to wash dishes but find they get ruined quickly, have no fear! You can wrap steel wool balls into aluminum foil and place in the freezer for storage. This keeps your steel wool from getting ruined and ready for use to clean up those dingy kitchen dishes.

Keep Moisture Away

If you’re out camping during this lovely summer season, consider putting aluminum foil underneath your sleeping bag. This will help keep moisture away from your sleeping bag overnight. You can wake up feeling less soggy while camping.

Shape It Into A Funnel To Pour Oil Into Your Car

I never seem to have a funnel on hand when I have to add oil to my car. You can tear off a short piece of heavy duty aluminum foil and fashion it into a funnel. Put the funnel in the opening for the oil, then pour in the oil with no mess. It is handy to be able to throw the foil away when you are done. You can use this same idea when adding any other liquids to your car. No funnel? No problem.

As you can see, aluminum foil is no longer just an aide in cooking or grilling time, you can easily use this product for a wide range of clever uses such as the ones I shared here today.

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How Much Money Do You Need To Retire?

July 13, 2018 Karen Leave a Comment

Panicking About Retirement? Worry no More

Pensions are a major source of worry for many. Those who are saving wondering if they’ve got enough to fund a comfortable retirement and those who aren’t wondering how much an elderly kidney will fetch on the open market…

It appears that an alarming one in seven people aren’t contributing to a pension plan, with half of women aged between 25 and 39 not saving. All told, more than half of the workforce faces a penurious old age.

How much will you need?

The average retired couple will need around $24,000 to feed, clothe and house themselves each year. If they want a few luxuries and a bit of traveling, then this figure rises to $36,000.

If one or both partners gets a halfway decent pension, then they’ll need around $265,000 to $335,000 in a defined pension savings account.

It’s never too late to start

It’s better if you start early, though. If you start at 20-something years old, then you only need to save $200 or so each month to reach your target. Once you’re 50, this monthly saving needs to be ramped up to $840!

Don’t panic!

Work out how much you’ll need first. Do you already own your house outright, or are you planning to sell it and downsize? This move alone could fill the coffers.

If you’re renting you should consider downsizing or moving to a cheaper area, especially if you’re not expecting a huge income after retirement. Then you need to look at your lifestyle; if you want to do a bit of travelling or do that pottery course you always planned you’ll need to fund it somehow.

Then…

Save more if you need to

If you get a bonus each year, do something with it other than plan a holiday. The same applies if you get a pay-raise – siphon the extra money into your pension fund each month.

Alternatively, you could use the extra money to buy a valuable asset like gold. Click here to find out more about investing in precious metals. You never know, you may have a talent for it; if you do, it could make for a very comfortable retirement.

Use your existing assets

If you have a spare room, you could take in a lodger or maybe exchange students from a local college or university. Many colleges need reliable, responsible older people to host foreign students for a month or so and the rates can be very good indeed.

If you’re feeling time running out, don’t despair

Older savers can get tax relief on their pension contributions, so make sure you’re taking advantage of this each month – every little bit helps after all.

You also need to keep an eye on your pension pot as it grows to see what changes you could make to it to ensure it’s big enough by the time (or, even better, before) you retire.

It’s also a good idea to speak to a financial planner to find out where you are and what else you could do to make the most of your savings and your fund.

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5 Things To Do With Your Grandkids in Lancaster, Pennsylvania

June 28, 2018 Karen Leave a Comment

Located conveniently on the east coast, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is a super family-friendly town. So, what is there to do in Lancaster with your Grandkids? I have 5 things you should try!

Fun Things To Do in Lancaster

The 5 things to do in Lancaster with your grandkids include Dutch Wonderland, dinner theater, and children’s museums. You can plan an entire weekend of fun with your family just from this post alone.

Dutch Wonderland

Dutch Wonderland is a kids amusement park in Lancaster, PA. Everything here is created with kids in mind! Plus, the price for admission is so affordable that you will want to spend a few days returning to the park.

Hands-on House Children’s Museum

Your grandkids won’t even know they are learning when they spend a day at the Hands-On House Children’s Museum. It is created for children ages 1-10. There are self-directed play and learn areas, where the child will learn so much more if the adults join in. So if you are looking for an indoor activity that will create memories with your grandkids, this is the place!

Dutch Apple Dinner Theater

The next fun thing to do with your grandkids in Lancaster is enjoy a meal and show at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater. They serve a buffet dinner (which makes almost everyone happy!) and their shows are exquisitely produced. If you really want to experience everything the Dutch Apple has to offer, take your family on a Thursday evening for a served dinner.

Amish Farm & House

If you think of Pennsylvania Dutch or the Amish when you hear “Lancaster,” you are not alone. This is why Adolph Neuber bought an Amish farm and opened the Amish Farm & House as a popular tourist destination. When you visit, you and your grandkids will learn all about the Amish, their way of life, and the history of their settlements in Pennsylvania.

Lancaster Science Factory

The Lancaster Science Factory isn’t just a children’s museum, it is a ton of fun for kids, tweens and even teens. When the weather is acting up, you can enjoy some geeky science fun indoors – and there really is enough there for all ages to enjoy.

Take a trip to scenic Lancaster, Pennsylvania with your family. There is so much to do – and lots of it is educational and entertaining. I hope these ideas help you plan your next family trip. Don’t forget to pin this post for later!

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4 Things To Do In New York City If You Only Have Two Days

June 25, 2018 Karen Leave a Comment

Back in 1986, I was a Girl Scout Leader in Douglasville, Georgia. Our troop had about fourteen girl members, and four adults. We decided to work towards going on a trip to Washing, D.C., Boston, MA., and New York City. We did all kinds of things to earn the money to go, and finally got started on the trip. We had two days planned in New York, but we had a million things we wanted to do. Here are the things we did manage to do while we were in town for two days and one night.

The Statue of Liberty.

No trip to New York City would be complete with a visit to Lady Liberty. We boarded a ferry out to Liberty Island in New York Harbor. It was amazing to see her up close, in person. It was one of the most interesting points of interest we saw in New York. To find out more about when the park is open, fees, and more, see the National Park Service Statue of Liberty page.

Grayline Tours

The week we went to New York was during the hottest heat wave of the 1980’s. We were all miserable. We had planned to do a lot of walking to see some of the sites in the city, but once we got there, it didn’t take us long to change our minds. As the leader of the group, I made the decision to buy tickets to a Grayline Tour. The tour took us around Central Park, Chinatown, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, and more. When we saw the statue of Victory Leading Sherman, one of the girls on the bus said “Isn’t that like a Yankee to make a lady walk?” The tour was worth every penny it cost, and was on an air conditioned bus. We really enjoyed it.

The Empire State Building

The tour we were on was supposed to take us to the Empire State Building, but there was a fire in the building that day so we did not get to go inside. It wasn’t until 2015 that I was able to go back to New York and see it. That time, I went at night. The view of New York City, all lit up with thousands of lights, was so awesome. There is a fee, and lines were long for my night tour, but if you are in New York you really have to go see The Empire State Building at night.

Hardrock Cafe

Yes, we were there with 12 teenage girls. They wanted to go to the Hardrock Cafe. We went, got the T-shirts and guitar shaped pens. Ate dinner. It was fun. You might want to try a New York Slice, or go for a New York Cheesecake, or go to Katz’s Deli.

There are thousands of things to see in New York City. You can’t possibly see it all in two days. The places we were able to get to in our short time there made memories that have lasted a lifetime. If you have only a short time to visit, make a plan, pick four or five of the most important places for you to see, and get out there. New York is so fun, 24-7.

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Pangong Tso – Interesting Facts To Know

May 30, 2018 Karen Leave a Comment

Known as the Pangong Lake, Pangong Tso is an endorheic Lake in the Himalayas which is located at a height of 14,270 feet. This sublime lake has been attracting thousands of visitors every year. Picturesque and serene, Pangong Lake is often featured in movies, like Three Idiots and many more. With a wondeful reflection of the barren mountains and clear blue sky, the lake has also been featured in an English movie: ‘The Fall’. Shahrukh Khan, an Indian film actor, producer and television personality, starred in ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ which was filmed extensively in Ladakh, with few scenes at Pangong Lake. It has been observed that the filmmakers are using many Indian locations as a backdrop for their movies and Pangong Tso is among them. You can buy discounted Ladakh packages to visit Pangong Tso and other nearby areas for a great vacation.

There are many other facts about this lake which you did you not know:

Border Dispute: Pangong Lake extends to Tibet with only 40% of its area in India. Due to which, a long Border dispute happened. The Line of Actual Control passes through the lake, and thus, boating is prohibited on the lake. During Sino-Indian war in October 1962, this lake area witnessed the heavy military action because it is known as a disputed territory. Visitors get an Inner Line Permit to visit the lake, but they are only allowed to enter after a complete security check.
Flora and Fauna: Despite being saline, the water of Pangong Tso lake freezes in winter. One of the brackish water lakes, it has low micro-vegetation and has no aquatic life. However, there are some perennial herb and shrub species which grow in the marshes that are formed around the lake. The lake attracts many migratory birds, and wildlife including seagulls, Brahmanu ducks and cranes. This is a great destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Lake: Since the area receives very little rain, it is interesting to not that the lake filled by the many streams that flow from Tibet. There is a 5 meter thick layer of laminated sand and mud in the bottom of the lake which clearly suggests that it has shrunken in the recent past.
Ice Skating: Good news for all the adventure seekers! Pangong Lake freezes during the winter and is excellent for ice skating. Owing to this, an ice skating festival takes place and has massive participation by ice skaters from all across the globe.
Global Recognition: Owing to the beauty and such interesting trivia, Pangong Lake in Ladakh, under the Ramsar Convention, is in the process of being declared as a wetland of international importance. If this happens, Pangong Lake will be the first trans-boundary wetland in South Asia.

With all there is to see and do in the area, I am sure you are just as eager to visit Pangong Lake and see it with your own eyes. So, just pack your bags, buy a Ladakh package and go! You’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.

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Becca and Ken Love Their Suburu Forester

April 30, 2018 Karen Leave a Comment

Becca and Ken are moving to the California Coast.

My oldest daughter, Becca, has been moving around quite a bit throughout her adult life. After she graduated college in Alabama, she moved to Norfolk, Virginia to attend grad school. She lived there for a few years until she met her husband, Ken. She moved with Ken to Denver, then to Calgary, Alberta, Canada. While they lived in Canada, Becca started taking an online course to complete here Master of Library Science. She applied for librarian jobs in Canada, but was never hired there. Ken is a plant ecologist. His job in Calgary was to do plant studies ahead of the Alberta Pipeline. When the work stopped on the pipeline, he was laid off. They started looking for a job all over again. Ken found a job back in Virginia, this time to Richmond. While they lived Richmond, Becca was hired as a part time Children’s Librarian. And Ken was laid off again.

They decided that both of them would look for jobs in Denver, Colorado, which is where they wanted to live. They fell in love with the area when they lived there the first time. Becca was the first one to find a job there, her first real full time job in her chosen field. She was a Children’s Librarian there. During the next eight months, Ken applied for every job in his field that became available in Denver. He was just having no luck finding a job there. Then, in August last year, he was hired by a company in California. He new job let him pursue the field of plant ecology in an area where wine is produced. Then came Becca’s quest to find a position where she could be happy, working in a library, with children. Last month she went to an interview for a job with a library in the area where they are going to be living, but did not get the job. Then, in a fluke of timing, the person who did get the job changed their mind, and it was offered to Becca. They are not in the process of moving to the California coast from Denver.

Their Suburu Forester has served them well.

One thing that has been constant during all this moving around, has been their Suburu Forester. They drove that car for more than ten years, all over the United States, and most of western Canada. It has been a great car for camping, exploring, job hunting, moving, and just everyday life. They loved it so much that when they bought a second car, it was another Suburu. They take their two dogs sightseeing every free weekend. When I went to visit in Colorado last October, Becca drove me all over the place, to all the sites to see, the restaurants she loves, to her library, and where ever else we needed to go. I think if I ever buy another car, it will be a Suburu.

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5 Ways To Save Money In 2018

March 27, 2018 Karen Leave a Comment

If you are like me, you need to either find more money to add to your income, or you need to budget what you do get. Fabgrandpa and I are both retired. We both get a Social Security check, and that’s about it. We have enough money to be happy, and get the things we want. Right now. But, with changes being made in Washington every day that could affect our income, we need to find ways to save whenever possible. Here are five ways to save money in 2018.

Cook More Meals At Home

Cooking meals at home for two may seem at first glance to be more expensive than eating out. But, when you consider that you can buy the ingredients to make a meal with four large servings for less than the price of one meal in a restaurant, it makes sense to cook at home. For instance, when I make a meal of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans, it is enough for us to eat three meals, sometimes four if I make meatloaf sandwiches for lunch.

Look For Mark Downs In The Grocery Store

I know a lot of people won’t buy meat that has been marked down and marked “For Quick Sale”. But, if you look at the label, the sell by date has not passed on these meat items. It is usually a sell by for tomorrow or the next day. You can reap significant savings on meats by selecting the ones that have been marked down. I got a very nice T-Bone steak last week that had been marked down to $5.85. I took it home and put it in the freezer. You can find mark downs in every department of the store if you keep your eyes open.

Use Coupons

Clipping those coupons from the Sunday newspaper, monthly magazines, and flyers that come in the mail can save you lots of money. The store I shop at regularly sends me coupons on items I buy all the time. They make it easy to add coupons to my loyalty card with their app, too. Those coupons are automatically deducted from my grocery bill when the clerk scans my card. Coupons are available on just about everything, even on automobiles. Reedman-Toll Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Springfield has a coupon good for $1000 off the purchase of any 2018 Pick-up Truck. Keep your eyes open for coupons for whatever you want to buy.

Recycle and Reuse

I recycled cardboard from a cereal box to make the “backbone” of this activity book for a child.

There are so many things that people just throw away that can be reused in some way. I had a closet full of clothing that I no longer wore, so I gathered them up and took them to a consignment shop in town. I might not get much for them, but the money that I do get can be added to my savings account. Many people recycle aluminum cans and other scrap metal. Selling these items can put money in your pocket and keep tons of “stuff” out of the landfill. Next time you think about throwing something out, try to think of a way to recycle it or recuse it.

Plant a Garden

Home grown vegetables taste so much better than those you buy at the store because they are so much fresher. Whether you plant in movable bins, a raised bed garden, or directly in the ground, you can save money and get some exercise by planting your own garden. Some vegetables that are very easy to grow and produce a big harvest are green beans, tomatoes, summer squash, zuchinni, onions, and peas. Plant basil, oregano, thyme, dill, and marjoram for delicious fresh herbs for seasoning your food.

What do you do to save money?

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