How to dress for outdoor activities in winter

f_01311717980_tent2.jpgIf you are going outdoors in freezing or minus temperatures you need to dress up the part. You need to build up a thick amour of clothing to shield you from cold winds, liquids, or objects that can come in contact with your body.

The Torso Insulation:
First you need to invest in some really good winter apparel. If you are a frivolous person like I am, you need to be sensible and go for sturdy brands rather than expensive names. Columbia, The North Face and Spider are some really well known names that go around. Then for layering you can wear your favorite tees, or some really smart warm tops to give a dressy look. Just make sure they are long sleeved. My personal recommendation is a smart hoodie, they have built in hoods and omit the need to carry any caps around.

Leg Warmers:
Next you need to keep your legs and toes warm. For that wear another insulated pair of tights or legwarmers. Wear not too warm and not too cold fitted tights or insulated leggings or even thermal pants. Just make sure you don’t end up getting too warm cause then you’ll be too hot. Start with the tightest fitted and end up with the loosest piece on top. I would say that you wear stockings the reason being that they have socks also attached to them and then you don’t have to layer on too many things on your feet. Invest in a good sturdy pair of snow tights if you’re going for skiing or sledding. The worst thing is feeling the snow seep up your legs. If going out to a party wear your skinny jeans on top as they keep you warm and look good. To avoid bumps and lines wear skin tight thermal stockings underneath.

Feet Defrosted:
SOCKS, you need to invest in a good pair of insulated socks. If they don’t match your outdoor wear or jeans tuck them inside but keep your feet warm and dry to avoid the frost and numbness that comes with the cold. Invest in a good pair of sturdy boots, and yes they can be good looking and sturdy. Buy long boots so that they come up to your knees at least and further keep your feet warm and insulated. It is important to keep your hands and toes really warm with extra caution to avoid frost bite.

The Hand Mitts:
Wear gloves; invest in a good insulated black leather pair. They look good and match almost everything. In fact buy a white one as well. It can be frustrating not being able to show off a manicure but the cold is just as annoying.
Finally, use accessories with scarves and jackets. Put on your scarf such that it covers your head and neck properly allowing no wind to frost bite your ears. Put on a smart hat which matches your outfit and also don’t forget to tuck in your shirts in your jeans to avoid any loose ends.
In the end, you can look good and be warm at the same time.

Outdoor Activity Ideas For Children

f_21311783121_outdoorrecreation-6.jpgIf the child wanted to do or is interested in a certain activity, think outside the box.  Be creative! Integrate an ordinary finger painting with and activity away from the house such as picnic.  Getting kids mobile and active, not only during schoolwork, isn’t just because we don’t like kids to be overweight.

Children can enjoy nature trips such as hiking.  Hiking isn’t only good for the kids but it also give the necessary exercise adults should be doing.  Hiking could be done almost throughout the year. During spring time, it’s a great time of year for looking at the first flowers of the season and watching birds which are in flight throughout this season.

Bird watching is among the outdoor activities that can be cherished by both parents and kids. It is one among several activities that kids can engage in where they can build up their horizon educationally and enhance their social skills.

Bird watching or birding has aided children in terms of growing their knowledge in the field of creatures and birds.  This is an activity that kids and grownups like, the appeal doesn’t wear off since there are thousands of bird species that can be viewed anytime.

In summer, animals are most alive during this season.  Kids can watch and sport squirrels in the trees and other animals.  Autumn should be the season for acorns, pine cones, seeds and other objects for collection. Winter isn’t the friendly season.  Still, even in this cruel weather, hiking can still be regarded.  Kids can learn how to analyze animal tracks and their food consumption during this season.

Apart from nature hiking, wildlife watching is a sure hit amongst children.  Much like bird watching, all you require is just good eyesight and a green area. Like bird watching, there are field leads where you could distinguish the animals that you have already seen.  Just make certain that the wild things are kept back in the wild.

Another great recreation sport with the kids during wintertime is snowshoeing.  Just make certain that the kids are decently covered using warm clothes before they head out the door.                    

 Gardening is likewise a great way of involving them with science, explaining how things develop as they grow along the way such as carrots, radishes, leaf lettuce and pumpkins.  When involving kids in gardening, be sure that they should be asked what to make of their harvest.  There are numerous outdoor activities that could be done such as picnics, camping and kite flying.

You may also pick some apples, berries, peaches and pears.  The entire family can jump in with this outdoor activity.  After picking some and nibbling a little of the fruits that you’ve picked, they can create some delightful fruit cobblers.  Not only do you learn regarding fruits and experience lots of fun, you also get to have an opportunity of a marvelous dessert.

If the child wanted to do or is interested in a certain activity, think outside the box.  Be creative! Integrate an ordinary finger painting with and activity away from the house such as picnic.  Getting kids mobile and active, not only during schoolwork, isn’t just because we don’t like kids to be overweight.

There is a study carried on by the UCLA Center for Healthier Children that kids who get high classroom performance are those kids who have an expanded flow of blood and oxygen to the brain.  By exposing kids to sunlight and outdoor activity, they get their needed oxygen.

You could also do some star gazing.  Get a map and include the children in looking and distinguishing planets and constellations, even discussing its history. This experience can be followed by going to the library to be well-read about the solar system.

Copyright © 2011 Athena Goodlight

Fun Outdoor Activities

f_11311783119_peaksandtownfromairportcompressed.jpgIt is actually fun to hang out with your family or friends indoors. You can do many things like watch a movie, play board games, and many more. All of these can actually provide you with a very happy and unforgettable experience. However, if it is fun to hang out indoors, try going outdoors. It is actually more exciting and adventurous.
By spending time with your family or friends outdoors, you can learn many things aside from just having fun. One of things that you can nurture is your leadership and team work especially if you are out with a lot of friends upon which you can form groups. Here are some of the best activities that you and your family or friends can do outside.

Picnic – This is probably one of the simplest yet popular activities which are often done outdoors. It is not too expensive too. All you need is blanket or anything that you can place on the grass to sit on, some sandwiches and juices or any type of food that you prefer, and something to spend the time and have fun such as volley ball, badminton or even just plain playing cards. Though it sounds very simple, it still gives a some kind of excitement to individuals.
Sports – Another thing that you can do is play outdoor sports. There are a lot of them upon which you can choose from like basketball, football or even baseball. You will not only enjoy the happy moments but also gain a healthier and fit body.
Fun games – This could probably be the most exciting thing to do whenever you are outdoors with your family, your friends, or even both. You can form different teams and play a lot of outdoor games. There is the sack race, treasure hunt, and many more and at the end of the day, there will only be one team which will be declared as winner. The main thing that makes this exciting is the element of competition. But in the end, everybody is going to have a one-kind-of a day.
Fishing – Some people consider fishing one of the most boring things that a person can do outdoors. However, there are also some who enjoy the calmness of the waters. If you are the type of person who appreciates fishing, then one of the things that you can consider bringing aside from your fishing equipment of course is a book so that you can be able to read peacefully whenever there are no fishes coming on your bait.

Actually, there are no exact activities that can be done outdoors to be assured of one’s happiness. Even the most common and simple things can be a lot of fun if you do it with your friends and family. As long as you’re having fun, it doesn’t matter what you’re doing. Also, you should never forget to take precautionary measures. One of the best and long-lasting things that you can do is by getting insurance. There are a lot of insurance companies nowadays which are willing to help you when it comes to handling your medications.