For the Outdoor Lovers in Your Life
The holiday seasons are near, and family members are already asking, "What do you want for Christmas?" Oh, to be a kid again with my Christmas wish list! Is there someone on your holiday gift list who loves the outdoors and could use some new piece of camping gear? If so, here are some ideas that may help you finish your holiday shopping.
For those new to camping
•sleeping bags - the first consideration for all beginning campers is having a warm and cozy place to sleep. Don't skimp on quality, and if you're buying for a kid, buy them an adult bag, because it will probably last them for many years to come.
•sleeping pads - if they've already got a sleeping bag, or if you can afford to spend a little more on presents, get them the next camping item they'll want that will improve the quality of their sleeping outdoors.
•tents - next on a basic camper's checklist will likely be a tent. Give consideration to the number of people they'll be camping with to determine the size. And if they're backpackers, look specifically for lightweight 1 or 2 person tents. Otherwise look in the category of family tents.
•cook stoves - food always tastes good when it is cooked outdoors. Consider a 2 burner propane stove. They're easier to use, produce a hotter flame, and are more compact than typical fuel stoves. If they've already got the stove, maybe they could use a carrying bag, one that also holds two propane bottles.
•lanterns - again, campers are migrating to the propane models versus the fuel lanterns. Flashlights are nice for emergencies, but can get rather expensive with the cost of batteries when used for prolonged lighting.
For those with new families
•family tents - your kids have grown and now don't have enough room in their 2-person tent for themselves plus the new family member. Get your kids a bigger family tent so that they can share with their kids the same wonders that you introduced them to.
•cooking utensils - as the family grows, so too do the needs to prepare larger meals. You can never go wrong by giving utensils that will gladly be used by those who delight in the art of outdoor cooking.
•outdoor clothes - we all know how fast kids can go through clothes. You grandparents will be doing your own kids a favor should you consider giving the grandkids some special clothes for future summer adventures: jeans/shorts, hiking shoes/boots, rain gear, day packs, or SPF clothing.
For those with everything
•screen rooms - a nice luxury that can be a life-saver in buggy locations is a screen room that allows you to relax outdoors away from pests and out of the sun.
•portable grills - great for camping, tailgate parties, and picnics. One of these would be appreciated by any outdoor chef.
•Swiss Army knives - what else needs to be said? These knives are synonymous with camping.
•shower bags - these inexpensive black plastic bags are a blessing when camping somewhere without hot showers.
•Dutch ovens - for the gourmet in your family, these make great presents for anyone who loves to bake and wants to try it at the campground.
Holiday Gift Ideas
What is a Diamond?
The diamonds on the market today were formed millions of years ago. Carbon exposed to heat and pressure deep beneath the earth's surface are what created the dazzling diamond eternity bands you want as your wedding rings.
When choosing the right one, you need to look at the color, cut, clarity, carat and certification of the gemstone. The cut refers to the shape which is typically round, marquise, pear, emerald cut princess cut. A round solitaire engagement ring is classic, but more and more brides are opting for the fancier cuts of the rectangular emerald cut and square princess cut.
They also look great with colored gemstones as accents. A pair of ruby and diamond hoop earrings is dazzling, offering a burst of color.
Where do they come from?
South Africa is a main supplier of diamonds. Mines are located in Zaire, Botswana, Namibia and Angola. Other locations include Australia and Russia. The oldest mines were in India, but that was about 4000 years ago. The modern suppliers were discovered and mining began in the 1800s.
Birthstone for April
Every month gets a gemstone and April is the lucky girl that gets the diamond. Most people love their own birthstone and wouldn't admit it, but they are probably a little bit of envious of the April babies. Now if you are looking for a unique birthstone gift or something for yourself, these gems come in all kinds of fashion settings. Diamond flower earrings go with anything, and, if you really want something different, how about a diamond toe ring. Fresh, huh?
Couples celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary can commemorate the day with these dazzling gems. 60 years of marriage certainly deserves diamond eternity bands.
Magic and Lore
These shimmering stones are believed to enhance your sexual prowess, bestow power and increase vitality of the wearer. In the middle ages, they removed fear and made the wearer invincible. Your white gold diamond earrings are probably not going to make you invincible, but you can sure feel like it when you wear them. The gems are also supposed to bring luck and success. Of course, if you are wearing them, you probably are a success.
Care and Maintenance
The hardest mineral on the Mohs scale, these gems have a rank of 10. So, they really do last a lifetime. To clean, let them soak in jewelry cleaner, ammonia or soap. You can also drop them in the ultrasonic cleaner. They can pretty much take whatever you throw at them. Just because they are the strongest mineral doesn't mean that they can't chip or crack if you try hard enough.
So, don't hide them in the jewelry box, saving them for a special occasion. These dazzling gems are meant to be worn and because of their durability, they can be worn every day. With all the choices in cut and types of settings, these shimmering stones can be worn as a fashion piece or you can wear diamond earrings on a special occasion. Whatever you do, wear them!
Women crave dazzling diamond eternity bands as their wedding rings. A round solitaire engagement diamond ring. is classic, but more and more brides are opting for the fancier cuts such as the rectangular emerald cut and square princess cut. Visit the site at http://www.gemaffair.com.
By Andrew Stratton