Category: Uncategorized

Handmade wooden stool for a dressing table 

Making my own furniture is one of my favourite DIY projects that I frequently engage in. Wooden furniture that I can make myself is one of my favourite things to work on. The first piece of furniture I made for myself in my house was a dressing table stool. After buying the lumber and selecting the materials I wanted to use to make the bed, I made the decision to begin the actual construction planning. Although making furniture by hand may seem relatively simple to some, it requires a lot of effort from beginning to end.

Knowing how you want a piece of furniture to look is the first and most crucial step in making it. Make sure the wood you choose is appropriate for you when choosing materials, especially if you want to leave some of the wood visible for aesthetic reasons. There are numerous sorts of wood, including oak, pine, and others. Because of this, it’s crucial to make sure you like the way the wood looks, particularly if you choose a polish finish.

Each type of wood might appear significantly differently after polishing than it did in its natural state. It’s crucial to choose fabrics and materials that complement the colours of the timber after choosing the type of wood you want to utilise. Alternatively, there can be a colour clash that makes the furniture you design look less appealing than it would if the colours matched.

It’s crucial to arrange the building of the furniture itself after choosing your preferred colours and materials. It’s not as simple to make the furniture as you might think. It’s crucial to make sure that each step of the process is carried out carefully and properly if you don’t buy an excess of materials that would be required if any errors arise. You must put a lot of thought into the construction itself, from the sanding and crafting of each individual piece to the joining of pieces.

It’s time to assemble the furniture now that you’ve planned out its construction. To ensure that the furniture is not damaged during the building process, make sure you adhere to each element of the construction plan that you have made independently. A flaw or mistake made during the furniture’s construction process could lead to a piece of furniture with a weak structural foundation that could break over time or have an uneven appearance.

As the furniture is put together, it’s time to finish the design by covering the furniture with fabrics. This could be the most challenging task, depending on the design you choose and the materials you want to add. To ensure that there are minimal problems with the final design, you must ensure that none of the textiles are torn during installation and that all the components are added appropriately.

Camping in North America 

Locating a campground

The popularity of camping in North America has never been higher, and locating a memorable campsite there has never been simpler. Think again if you thought camping was dull.

To get you started, have a look at these campsites below.

Ludington State Park – Mitchigan 

http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=468 

Westport Camping Grounds – Massachusetts 

http://www.westportcampinggrounds.com/ 

Normandy Farms Campground 

http://www.normandyfarms.com/ 

Top 10 Camping System Checklist 

It has long been said that if you don’t plan, you plan to fail, and this saying is especially true when it comes to organising your camping equipment.

Thanks to mountaineers.org, we have put together a list of the top 10 essentials. I’m sure you could add a few of your own.

  1. Navigation: Map, altimeter, compass, [GPS device], [PLB or satellite communicators], [extra batteries or battery pack] 
  1. Headlamp: Plus extra batteries 
  1. Sun protection: Sunglasses, sun-protective clothes, and sunscreen 
  1. First aid: Including foot care and insect repellent (if required) 
  1. Knife: Plus repair kit 
  1. Fire: Matches, lighter and tinder, or stove as appropriate 
  1. Shelter: Carried at all times (as a light emergency) 
  1. Extra food: Beyond minimum expectation 
  1. Extra water: Beyond minimum expectation, or the means to purify 
  1. Extra clothes: Beyond minimum expectation 
  2. A St Christopher necklace (optional) for extra protection when you travel 🙂

  

Travelling with your Dog 

Dogs can be wonderful camping trip companions. You can arrange their travel health using the checklist below.

Prior to departure:

  1. Is your dog microchipped?
  1. Does your pet have valid pet insurance? 
  1. Is the dog vaccinated? 
  1. Has your dog visited the vet for travel advice?
  1. Is your contact number for a veterinary practice, in case of an emergency correct?
  1. Apply flea and tick prevention treatments 
  1. Replace broken leads and collars, if necessary 
  1. Place the dog’s name, address and your mobile number on a visible part of the collar
  1. Include bandages, sticking tape, adhesive bandages, scissors, tweezers, a big syringe for oral treatments, a blanket, a towel, gloves, cotton wool, and antiseptic in your first aid box. Gauze can be used to cover wounds or serve as a muzzle.
  1. Do not forget your dog’s regular food 
  1. Last, but not least doggie treats!

The journey: 

Dogs, like people, require regular travel breaks and are susceptible to travel sickness. Make sure to stop at certain locations along the way.

  1. Leave a window open at least six inches, alternatively you can install a pet vent 
  1. Maintain the inside temperature of your car at (18oC – 21oC)
  1. Keep supplies for cleaning, such as paper towels and wipes, in case the dog becomes ill

On-site: 

  1. Keep the dog secured on a lead at all times to prevent accidents. 
  1. Keep or get access to fresh, clean or bottled water. 
  1. Keep a collapsible water bowl for any adventures. 
  1. Keep a canopy to provide shade on hot days. 
  1. Keep extra blankets. 
  1. Keep a dog coat if it is cold. 
  1. Keep tarpaulin for protection against the elements. 

  

The journey: 

Dogs, like people, require regular travel breaks and are susceptible to travel sickness. Make sure to stop at certain locations along the way.

  1. Leave a window open at least six inches, alternatively you can install a pet vent 
  2. Maintain the inside temperature of your car at (18oC – 21oC)
  3. Keep supplies for cleaning, such as paper towels and wipes, in case the dog becomes ill

On-site: 

  1. Keep the dog secured on a lead at all times to prevent accidents. 
  2. Keep or get access to fresh, clean or bottled water. 
  3. Keep a collapsible water bowl for any adventures. 
  4. Keep a canopy to provide shade on hot days. 
  5. Keep extra blankets. 
  6. Keep a dog coat if it is cold. 
  7. Keep tarpaulin for protection against the elements. 

If you plan ahead, you are sure to enjoy your trip and share your memories for years to come!

Customising your existing furniture

I have an endless desire to create anything for homes that I might be able to use because I really adore working with furniture and houses.

Even though I’ve largely worked with wood when making new furniture for my house, I believe these abilities can be applied to various DIY and home design tasks.

General home carpentry is one of the most practical skills I have discovered that pairs quite well with woodworking. A carpenter with the ability to make wood-worked objects can truly benefit from those talents as there are numerous products and things within the home that can be improved to improve the environment around the home.

I enjoy working on my house and changing the furniture around it in various ways. I think the wooden decorations I have throughout my house make the space feel lighter. The secret to being creative with new or old furniture is to not make too many changes. With the smallest of cuts or even just sanding, it is very simple to transform the appearance of an entire cabinet or table.

All forms of furniture require a great deal of attention to detail, so I make an effort to only work on pieces that I have designed myself. I frequently make many changes to my house because I like a new look and because I enjoy a fresh look, and I enjoy the experimentation with furniture. 

Standing cabinets that can hold a variety of objects are one of my favourite furniture pieces that I like to change. A particular style of cabinet that solely stores plates, tea plates, and the like is not to my taste. I like any kind of cabinet that can hold items of a specific size. A wooden standing cabinet can also be used for a wide variety of purposes. From the engravings on the cabinet’s front and sides to the overall design change. It is difficult to resist spending some time and effort making new cabinets or altering old ones given the level of creativity that is possible with these cabinets.

A table is another fantastic piece of furniture that is incredibly adaptable when it is made. Despite how bizarre it may sound, tables offer a lot of design flexibility and creative opportunity. Due to the quantity of wood needed to construct a table, there are many different design options available. They can be any width, any thickness, and, up to a point, even any height. Everyone who is talented in carpentry or woodworking has access to an amazing amount of customization, and I love coming up with brand-new, original concepts.

People who are talented or interested in DIY should learn how to customise existing furniture of all types because there are so many intriguing things you can do.

These spa bath pillows are wonderful for resting your head back while soaking in a hot tub especially if you have built it yourself!

Keeping your skin protected

Camping exposes you to the elements, and since sunlight is the primary cause of the majority of skin cancers, you need to protect your skin. UV radiation destroys DNA cells by burning and reddening the skin. You need to be aware of UV radiation and how they might harm your health.

When exposed between 10 am and 4 pm, you should be well-protected and well-hydrated because UV rays are at their strongest. Three categories can be used to classify UV rays:

UVA radiation ages skin cells, alters their DNA, and plays a significant role in photoaging, or the wrinkling of the skin. Beware of reflective surfaces like water, snow, sand, or ice as they can reflect up to 80% of the rays and increase the risk of skin cancer. UVA rays account for 95% of UV radiation that reaches the surface of the Earth and are particularly intense during the day. They can pass through clouds, tents, and glass.

Although UVC photons are the most harmful, they are not currently known to cause skin cancer since they cannot penetrate the ozone layer. 

Your genes, how much time you spend in the sun, and the how you protect your skin with clothing, sunscreen, etc. can all affect your chance of developing skin cancer. You can make sure you have the appropriate cover by using the table below.

Skin Complexion Effects Recommended SPF 
Very Fair Burns easily; Never tans 30-50+ 
Fair Always burns easily; Minimal tan 30-50+ 
Light Burns moderately; eventually tans 15-30 
Medium Burns minimally; always tans 6-15 
Dark Rarely burns; easily tans 2-10 
Very Dark Never burns; pigmented 2-10 

You will need more than evil eye bracelets to ward off the unwanted health effects of the sun!

 Invest in a UV Sun Shade Tent or a UV Canopy to keep your skin healthy. Safeguarding your skin is essential for your personal and family health.

Freshwater fish recipes

 If you followed our freshwater fishing blog hopefully you have caught a fish. If not keep trying, practice makes perfect.

Now you need some freshwater fish recipes to cook it to perfection!

Freshwater fish from North America has wonderful flavour and is available day and night. Freshwater fish are low in fat and high in protein, despite having a lower concentration of Omega 3 fatty acids than some saltwater fish. Most freshwater fish contributes more than 30% of the adult daily protein requirement in one dish.

A few of our favourite recipes have been included for you to attempt in just 3 easy steps. Have fun cooking!

Always get medical counsel before eating fish if you’re pregnant.

  

Poached Catfish 

Serves: 6 

Ingredients 

4 (6-ounce) farm-raised catfish fillets 

1 teaspoon Cooking spray 

1/2 cup finely chopped shallots 

4 crushed garlic cloves 

2 1/2 tablespoons paprika 

2 tablespoons salt 

1 tablespoon black pepper 

1 tablespoon onion powder 

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper 

1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano 

1 tablespoon dried thyme 

1 1/2 cups Riesling or other slightly sweet white wine 

  

Step 1 

Sprinkle fish with seasoning and leave to marinade overnight. 

Step 2 

Melt the butter in a large non-stick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and garlic; sauté 3 minutes. Add wine; bring to a boil. Add fish; cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 14-16 mins, if the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork, you will know its ready. 

Step 3 

Remove fish with a spatula; place 1 fillet on each of 4 plates. Bring poaching liquid to a boil; cook until reduced to 1/2 cup (about 2 minutes). Strain poaching liquid through a sieve into a bowl; discard solids. Spoon 2 tablespoons poaching liquid over each fillet. 

  

Rainbow Trout 

Serves: 2 

Ingredients 

2 teaspoons olive oil, or to taste 

2 whole rainbow trout, gutted and cleaned 

1/4 teaspoon dried dill 

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme 

salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 

2 crushed garlic cloves 

2 slices of lemon 

2 tablespoons hot water 

  

Step 1 

Preheat oven to 200 C / Gas 6. Grease a baking dish with about 1 teaspoon olive oil. 

Step 2 

Place trout on a baking dish and coat with remaining olive oil. Season the inside and outside of fish with the dill, thyme, salt and pepper. Stuff each fish with crushed garlic and place a lemon slice on each fish. 

Step 3 

Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Add the water to the dish and bake for around 10 minutes or until fish flakes easily, when tested with a fork. 

We hope you enjoyed these freshwater fish recipes!  Try them out, you will not be disappointed. Even my toddler was jumping around on her toddler camping chair with delight!

Freshwater Fishing 

Check out the information below for a beginner’s guide to freshwater fishing.

  • Get a fishing license 

To begin with, go to the website of the community where you intend to go fishing to obtain a licence.

  •   Equip yourself 

Ask for help from the staff if you are new to fishing. Depending on your level of experience, you will need a fishing rod and reel. If necessary, they will assist you in selecting one that meets your specific requirements, is within your price range, and even demonstrates how to operate the reel. A customer service representative will also help you purchase a fishing line and hook. The likelihood of a fish biting increases generally with the size of the hook and line.

If you wish to keep the fish to cook it later, a suitable container. Remember to carry an identification guide for protected species of fish if you intend to keep the fish for cooking.

To entice the fish, you must use live bait, such as:

  • Worms 
  • Salmon eggs 
  • Grasshoppers 
  • Shrimp 
  • Liver 
  • Bacon 
  • Cheese 

How to catch a fish 

You must tie a clinch knot before you begin fishing. To do this:

The line’s end should be threaded through your hook before being tied back towards the reel.

Pull it tight after reversing it back through the loop.

As the fish bobs beneath the water’s surface, attach the bobber to warn you when it bites.

Cast a stone across the river, then let go of the line in the desired direction. Wait patiently and in silence.

Don’t frighten the fish away:

  • Keep radios, mobiles, and other devices on low or silent 
  • Talk low 
  • Do not paddle your feet in the water 

Catch of the day 

If your fish takes the bait, give it a forceful backward and upward jerk to set the hook. Your line will start following the fish’s flapping once it begins.

Push the rod vertically and reel in the fish at the same time. Pulling the line towards you with your arms while maintaining tension on the line, then reeling in the extra line.

Remove the hook after you’ve pulled in the fish and either gently throw it back into the water or put it in an underwater cage.

A tip for you if you have toddlers, buy a personalized baby comforter that way if you lose it, you can safely and quickly reunite both child and comforter as quickly as possible!

Campfire recipes 

There is nothing better than campfire food. We hope you enjoyed the dessert recipes in our last blog. Yum!

 In this blog we will be covering campfire dinner ideas, try these out, they are sure to go down a treat!

Cowboy chicken & bean stew 

Serves: 4 

Ingredients 

drizzle of oil 

1 large chopped onion 

1 clove of chopped garlic 

6 chopped smoked streaky bacon rashers, 

8 chicken thighs 

1 tbsp smoked paprika 

2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes 

200g barbecue sauce (measure by filling half a 400g can) 

1 tbsp mixed dried herbs 

2 x 400g cans pinto beans 

Step 1 

Heat the oil in a large casserole dish with a lid. Add the onion and bacon, and cook over a medium heat for 15 mins, or the onions are starting to brown. Push to the side of the pan, add the chicken pieces until browned. Add the paprika, tomatoes, along with half a can (200ml) water, barbecue sauce, herbs, season to taste. Cover with a lid, gently simmer for 45 mins, stirring occasionally. 

Step 2 

Once the chicken is cooked. Add the beans and simmer, uncovered, for 20 mins until the sauce is thickened. 

Fried Pizza 

Serves: 4 

Ingredients 

225g self-raising flour 

3 tbsp olive oil 

Cooking spray 

For the topping 

1 tsp olive oil 

1 sliced onion 

1 crushed garlic clove 

250g pack cherry tomatoes, halved 

4 tbsp passata 

A handful freshly chopped basil leaves 

50g grated cheddar 

Step 1 

Heat the oil in a frying pan, add the onion and garlic and cook until golden. Add the tomatoes and passata, and simmer for 5-10 mins until the tomatoes are soft. Remove from the heat, stir in the basil, season, then allow to cool. 

Step 2 

To make a soft dough, put flour into a bowl. Make a well in the centre, add the olive oil then add 6-7 tbsp warm water. Tip the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll out to fit the frying. Put olive oil in the frying pan and heat. Press the dough into the pan and cook over a medium heat for 8-10 mins or until the base is golden. 

Why not take these steak knives set, they are great for cutting through more than your steak!

Campfire Desserts

If you are considering camping try this delicious peach recipe for the kids, starting with one for the grown ups! Its great for a seasonal treat and will keep you warm.

Fried Rum Bananas 

Serves: 4 

Ingredients 

2 tablespoons rum 

2 tablespoons honey 

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

4 medium unpeeled bananas 

Step 1 

Cut bananas in half lengthwise, leaving the peel on. Combine the rum, honey and cinnamon. 

Step 2 

Place bananas cut side down into pan. Cover and cook over medium heat for 3 minutes. Turn and brush with the honey mixture. Cook until tender. 

Here is one for the kids!

Caramel Peaches with Pecans 

Serves: 4 

Ingredients 

1 teaspoon butter 

2 Tablespoon brown sugar 

1/4 cup pecan halves 

2 peaches, ripe, yet firm 

Step 1 

Butter a 6-inch square section of large piece of aluminium foil and sprinkle a tablespoon of brown sugar. Scatter pecans evenly over the sugar. 

Step 2 

Wash peaches and slice in half. Arrange the four peach halves, cut side down, on top of the pecans. Sprinkle with remaining sugar and seal the foil. 

Cook slowly for about 15-20 minutes. 

Step 3 

Remove from heat and carefully open the foil, be careful when allowing the steam to escape. Drizzle the cooking juices over the peaches and enjoy hot. 

An old favourite of mine!

Poached Apple and Pear 

Serves: 4 

Ingredients 

1/2 sliced apple 

1/2 sliced pear 

1 tbsp butter 

2 tbsp brown sugar 

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 

1 tbsp currents 

1 tbsp chopped pecans optional 

12 x 18-inch sheet of non-stick foil 

Step 1 

Mix the the apple and pear slices with the brown sugar and cinnamon and dried cranberries.   

Step 2 

Butter the foil and place the apple and pear mixture in the centre of the foil.  Carefully wrap a parcel. 

Step 3 

Cover and Cook slowly for about 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and carefully open the foil, be careful when allowing the steam to escape. Drizzle the cooking juices over the fruit and enjoy! 

Making desserts while camping is delicious, enjoyable, and healthy! You can also get the kids involved to add extra creativity to your camp side meals.

What delectable treats would you prepare on your upcoming camping trip?

A special thank you goes to our lovely friends for supplying the lovely dressing table mirror with lights. It looks amazing!

Be your own boss!

I am a business owner who fought for a while to get their company off the ground. Nevertheless, after a few professional and personal victories, I gradually started to witness gains that entirely increased my company.

As a business owner, I believe it’s critical to share these successes with other would-be entrepreneurs so they are aware of what to watch out for in the future and may take heart in the knowledge that there is always a way, even when it seems like everything is lost. I’ve been there before, believing that there was no chance of saving my company and that it had already failed. Yet if you keep working, a solution will eventually appear.

It’s crucial to constantly have a role model or mentor as a business owner. Both are beneficial since they can keep you on track during your work career’s most challenging periods. If you have ever run your own business like these guys who sell small dressing tables, you will fully understand what I mean when I say that it can be challenging to remain upbeat, optimistic, and most importantly, motivated at the most challenging circumstances.

Because of this, it’s crucial, especially for new business owners, to be aware that someone has faced the same challenges as them and to have a few examples of how others have overcome them. Without direction or assistance, when you are going through really difficult circumstances like being in debt or experiencing a sudden, massive loss of inventory, any counsel is appreciated and required. Hence, my goal is for this site to establish itself as a go-to resource for new and prospective business owners seeking guidance on how to run their companies.