With summer on the horizon, a camping holiday could be a good way to spend time with family and friends. Here are the most important items of camping equipment you'll probably want to pack so you and your loved ones will have the best possible vacation.

1. Tent
If you're going camping, an essential piece of equipment is a tent. From sturdy frame structures, large and small dome shaped tents, streamlined adventure covers and simple sun shelters; there's a tent for every occasion.

2. Sleeping Bag
These come in all makes and models, but the two basic types are synthetic and down sleeping bags. Synthetic sleeping bags are simple, affordable and will likely do for summer. Down sleeping bags are perfect for year round use, as they are purpose built to contain heat in the winter, yet are light and compact for summer vacations; a must for any serious collection of camping equipment.

3. Pack
Depending on how long you're planning to go camping, you will either need a full sized tramping pack, a day pack, or both. Your tramping pack will need to be large enough to store all your essential camping equipment, while your day pack should be light yet robust.

4. Camp Lighting
Once night falls on those sunny summer camping days, you'll need equipment to light your way. Handheld torches, head mounted lights, hanging lanterns, or even portable solar powered lighting systems are all great ways to keep the fun going long after sunset.

5. Camp Furniture
Relaxing in a comfortable chair playing board games or telling stories with family and friends is a key part of the camping experience. For maximum comfort you may wish to bring a portable table and chairs, or even a fold away pantry to store all your tasty treats.

6. LPG Stove
Dried rations are one way to camp, but if you want to have a classic kiwi fry up or a hot drink at night it would be wise to invest in a handy gas powered stove. This way you'll be able to enjoy the great outdoors with a little bit of luxury.

7. Campware
If you plan on cooking up a storm, or eating anything but trail mix for that matter, you'll need to bring a set of campware. Pots, pans, forks, knives and plates are all essential pieces of camping equipment to keep you well fed.

8. Cooler / 3 way camp fridge
The classic kiwi barbeque of steak, sausages and a cold beverage relies on a cooler or 3 way fridge to keep everything fresh and chilled. Providers of camping equipment tend to have a range of different sizes coolers and 3 way fridges to suit any sized traveling party.

9. Solar Shower
Just because you're becoming one with nature doesn't mean you have to completely leave behind the comforts of home. Solar showers will keep you clean and energized without impacting the environment.

10. Trekking Stick
If you're planning on doing some serious hiking on your trip then a trekking stick could be a valuable addition to your camping equipment. You'll be powering up mountains and traversing valleys like a pro in no time.

When buying fruits of any kind it has been noticed that people often ignore the kiwifruit and choose something else, which may be to their liking. It is often said that an apple a day can keep the doctor away, but one does not understand why a similar quote has not been phrased for the kiwifruit which has been used over the past 700 years is to treat a number of illnesses. People in ancient China were known to use this fruit both as a source of food and because of their medicinal properties. Research has been conducted recently to reveal how this can help the human body in a number of ways.

When people talk about the medicinal benefits of this fruit, they often concentrate on digestive health and speak about how it can help maintain the digestive system in good order. Manufacturers of kiwifruit supplements are perhaps to blame for this trend because they have failed to highlight the other benefits which can also be derived. Even though it is not well known the fruit can aid human health in a number of ways and is extremely beneficial for all.

The kiwifruit is sweet and green in color and has the capability to deal with acid indigestion, which usually happens after a heavy meal. A serving or two of the fruit will help soothe the digestive system and provide instant relief. Comments have been made by various people that this is a better alternative than taking the more commonly preferred antacid for such problems.

It is rich in vitamin C, vitamin E and niacin, which can be very helpful when people suffer from a cold. Even better is the fact that it has a high content of potassium and soluble fiber, which is required by the human body.

Large numbers of people suffer from hypertension, which is commonly referred to as high blood pressure. Having the fruit regularly will help people maintain a semblance of control over such conditions even as they take prescription drugs. People often believe that having a banana will give them the required levels of potassium they need. However, a better alternative is the kiwifruit which can provide the human body with far better benefits than the banana.

People who suffer from acne outbreaks and are conscious of the appearance of their skin can also rely on this product, which has been provided to them by nature. They will soon see their skin looking better along with a slowing down of the occurrence of acne outbreaks.

In order to derive all the benefits that have been spoken about from the fruit people will have to eat at least two a day which may sound difficult for most. In such conditions that can look for alternatives, which are available in the form of supplements and contain in them all the benefits that have been discussed. People can definitely choose to have the fruit as a source of food with the assurance that they will benefit from the properties contained within. At the same time, they can also rest assured that they will not lose out in any way by choosing kiwifruit supplements, which are also designed for the same purpose.

Collagen is the key element in the skin cells that makes your skin supple. Collagen facials boost the elasticity of your facial skin by enhancing or stimulating collagen production. An efficient collagen facial should not only deliver enough collagen to your skin but also stimulate your own cells to produce more collagen.

While there are a wide variety of collagen facial products, nature gives you an alternative resort to avail attraction in the most inexpensive way. You can actually make your own organic blend that can provide temporary effects which are similar to a collagen facial . Just follow these simple steps:

1. Assemble the things that you will need.

· Fresh avocado fruit

· Fresh kiwi fruit

· Lemon (optional)

· A small mixing bowl

· A small mixing spoon

2. Using the spoon, carefully get the creamy area of the avocado without including the tough section. Drop an adequate amount on the mixing bowl.

3. Slice the kiwi fruit into half. Remove its pulp and the hairy part. Drop this in the mixing bowl.

4. You may add drips of lemon juice to give extra vitamin C. But it may cause some itching when applied on a sensitive skin.

5. Mash the two fruits together; making sure that it is properly mixed.

6. You may now apply your home-made collagen facial .

7. Allow some time so that your skin can absorb it. After few minutes, remove it using a clean cloth.

8. Rinse your face with tepid water and pat it dry with a clean face towel.

You may choose to make more collagen facial in the future, so do not discard the left over fruits. Just make sure to follow the aforementioned steps.

Avocado fruit is rich in phtyochemicals called antioxidants that are well known to combat free radicals in the cells. On the other hand, kiwi fruit is rich in vitamin C and is also a good source of antioxidant. However, it is not wise to assume that blending these fruits and applying it topically can deliver collagen into your skin cells. Collagen cannot be absorbed by the skin pores, but applying this home-made mixture may enhance the collagen synthesis.

There are different types of prebiotics and this article is going to discuss some of them. Prebiotics are natural substances or compounds found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains that boost the natural production of friendly or good bacteria. These beneficial bacteria aid the digestion of food in the intestines and promote efficient absorption of nutrients.

These good bacteria also called probiotics additionally protect the lining of the digestive tract from harmful bacteria and toxins that are responsible for diseases like diarrhea. Prebiotics also known as dietary fibers act as food for the good bacteria.

Types of Prebiotics

* Fructo-oligosaccharides: These are found in fruits like tomatoes, banana, and kiwi. They feed the good bacteria, and promote the absorption of vital vitamins and mineral like Vitamin D and calcium.

* Xylo-oligosaccharides: These types of prebiotics are found in vegetables such as cabbage, lettuce, Jerusalem artichokes, onion and garlic. Kiwi fruit is also rich on in xylo-oligosaccharides. These types are also effective at lowering blood sugar and cholesterol.

* Soybean-oligosaccharides: These are derived from soybean and other legumes and nuts like peanuts. These types are broken down by probiotics into lipids that form the mucus lining in the intestines. They are also proven to help lower bad cholesterol and blood sugar; hence, they are helpful for heart disease as well as to those that have diabetes.

* Galacto-oligosaccharides: These are artificial or synthetic prebiotics and are commonly used as food additives especially in baby foods and biscuits. There are reports that they help to alleviate constipation. However, I am not an advocate of synthetic products because they are not compatible with our natural body; hence, they could be toxic to the body and may lead to some health problems down the road.

In as much as you can get prebiotics from natural foods, it may not be easy for you to get the amounts your body really needs in a day from food sources. So taking a quality prebiotic supplement that is made with 100% natural ingredients is highly recommended.

The best supplements are made with kiwi fruit because it contains not only dietary fibers, but also enzymes and phenol. These properties are proven to help keep the digestive tract healthy. They work together in synergy to balance the PH of the bowel, nourish probiotics and aid the digestion and absorption of food. They are also proven to strengthen the immune system and promote better overall health.

If you’re planning on going camping, sleeping bags are going to be a must take purchase. But how will you select the best one for you and your needs? Does it really matter how light it is and how cold it has to be before you stop feeling toasty in it? What exactly is the difference between a twenty and a two hundred dollar one?

If you’ve been camping before you’ll know that uncomfortable bedding gets everyone grumpier far faster than ants in the sugar. You want one that suits you and your needs to ensure you get the sleep you’ll need after all that tramping and playing during the day.

The shape

There are different shapes available, and each have different attributes. The most basic, the rectangular gives you space for your legs, so if you like a bit of wiggle room that is a good option. If you like a ‘snuggle together’ option, two of these can often zip together to create a snuggle sack for two. The mummy shape tends to weigh less which means it’s great if you are tramping or have to carry in your gear to a remote spot.

The wearability

If you love camping, sleeping bags are an important part of the investment. Buy to the higher end of the scale if you are planning on using one frequently. You don’t want one that easily tears, with flimsy fabrics, as it may feel cheap the first time you purchase, but the second and third versions will increase the overall price fast.

The scope of use

If you are planning to invest in a bag you can use in all conditions, it’s important to look at what temperature ranges it was designed for. Some can help you and your toes stay warm in near Arctic conditions, while others are best for warm summer nights. The key is to look at your “most use” plans and go from there. If you are planning to travel, then one that is good for cooler weather may be wise.

It’s a good idea to look beyond your camping needs too. Sleeping bags can be the perfect “take-along” if you have to bed down for the night at a mates house, or to squeeze into your luggage if you are going on your big OE. Finding one you can fall asleep in and wake up refreshed the following morning is going to make every night you spend in it a whole lot more pleasant.

Did you know that Yin and Yang, the principle at the heart of Chinese philosophy, applies to Chinese food and cooking as well? In Chinese medicine, all food can be divided into four Qis: Hot, warm, cool and cold; or yang, mild yang, mild yin and yin respectively.

In general, yang food improves blood circulation and warms us up, but too much yang food (or eaten during the wrong season e.g. summer) will induce constant thirst, hot flashes, night sweats and constipation. In contrast, yin food quenches thirst, cleanses our systems and cools us down, but if eaten inappropriately it will lower our metabolism and weaken our bodies. In particular, according to traditional Chinese, pregnant women are traditionally advised not to eat yin food (e.g. crab, watermelon) as it may increase the chance of miscarriage.

So what are some examples of yin and yang food?

Grains and Beans

• Mild Yang (warm food): glutinous rice, black rice, barley, sago, sorghum
• Mild Yin (cool food): wheat, barley, green beans, buckwheat, millet
• Right in the middle: Rice, corn (maize), sweet potato, sesame, soy beans, rice beans, oat, long beans, sweet peas, kidney beans, mung beans, lentil, broadbean

Meat and Dairy Product

• Mild Yang (warm):beef, lamb (mutton), chicken, shrimp, lobster, mussels, goat milk
• Mild Yin (cool): duck, abalone
• Yin: duck egg, crab, clam, octopus, squid, escargots, raw food
• Just Right: chicken egg and egg white, pork, scallop, fish, cow milk, yogurt

Fruits and Nuts

• Mild Yang (warm): peach, almond, dates, lychee, long yan, lemon, papaya, pine nut, walnut, chestnut, cherry, mango
• Mild Yin (cool):apple, pear, orange, strawberry, pipa
• Yin (cold): Persimmon, pomelo, banana, starfruit, kiwi, water melon, sweet melon
• Just Right: plum, pineapple, grapes, olive, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, coconut milk, peanut, hazelnut

Vegetables

• Mild Yang (warm): spring onion, garlic, leeks, coriander / parsley, onion, pumpkin
• Yang (hot): pepper
• Mild Yin (cool): tomato, celery, egg plant, choy shum, spinach, asparagus, artichoke, cauliflower, tofu (including soy milk), gluten, lotus root, winter melon, cucumber, mushroom, needle mushroom
• Yin (cold): bok choy, arrowhead, water spinach, watercress, bamboo shoots, seaweed, straw mushroom, bitter melon, water chestnut
• Just Right: carrot, potato, taro, mushroom, turnip (very mild yin), black fungus (very mild yin)

Other Food and Ingredients

• Mild Yang (warm): spices such as young ginger, clove, dill, rosemary, sage, turmeric, thyme, horseradish, cayenne, nutmeg, wild pepper, cumin, star anise; stimulants such as alcohol, coffee, black tea and other caffeinated drinks; red sugar, ginseng
• Yang (hot): Cinnamon
• Mild Yin (cool): green tea, honey, beer, chrysanthemum tea, mint
• Yin (cold): Soy sauce, soy bean paste, salt

How Does This Apply To Us?

According to the Chinese, each of us are born yin, yang or somewhere in between. For example, if you always crave for spicy food you may have a “yin” body; and if you love watermelon anytime in the year you are likely a Yang.

Your health condition can also indicate the yin-yang balance of your body. Constant cold hands and feet? A Yin; Get soar throat easily and have a quick temper? A Yang. Seasonal and geographic variations will also affect our preference on yin and yang foods.

The Advice

• When cooking yin food (applies to most veggies), add yang ingredients such as garlic, spring onion, ginger and coriander.
• Eat seasonal food: let the nature guide us how to eat.
• Balanced diet: if we eat a wide variety of food, the yin and yang will balance out.

With some animals its easy – they only eat one thing (snakes eat only mice / rats – except the rough greens who eat insects!). With other animals it can be a great deal harder!

Hedgehogs will eat pretty much anything or so we are told. There is a lot of advice from other hedgehog keepers on what to feed your hedgie. They will eat cat food, tuna, dry cat food, scrambled eggs, minced unseasoned meat, strawberries, kiwi fruit, apple, banana, yam, carrots, sweetcorn, mushroom – they are omnivorous. As treats you can give meal worms, morio worms, pinkies (baby mouse) – but these are full of fat so should only be given occasionally or you will end up with an obese hedgie:)

Well we have found different, and I guess just like humans and other animals, all creatures have their preferences. Pink (our albino African pygmy hedgehog) is not a fan of vegetation or vegetables! She loves her meat – wet and dry cat food, fish, chicken, beef, pinkies, worms, ham – she even likes pasta!!! Vegetables, she is a little more selective with – all veggies need to be cooked, as hedgies can choke on the stringy bits in them. She will eat cooked cauli and broccoli, the inside of sweet corn (she leaves the skins), some leafy greens (not iceberg lettuce!) potato (cooked). She does not like salad stuff (like tomatoes, cucumber, radish etc). She loves scrambled eggs and kiwi fruit, but you soon discover when foods don’t like your hedgie! Yuk! Scrambled eggs and kiwi gave her a messy belly! As a treat she will get a sprinkling of meal worms or 1 or 2 morios or a pinkie, or a very special crumbled sponge cake:) You MUST NOT feed your hedgehog milk or cheese – hedgies are lactose intolerant and these foods can make them VERY ill.

The trick is all about trial and error. Try your hedgehog with everything suggested, and find their preferences. Watch for the bodily reactions of your hedgie and you will soon discover what you can and can’t feed. Watch for what they leave in their food bowl and that will tell you what not to feed again. They are omnivorous, so make sure you find some fruit and veg that they like in order to feed a balanced diet. Don’t forget as well that hedgehogs are nocturnal, so don’t feed your hedgehog til mid evening (around 730 / 8 pm), if you put the food down any earlier it will dry out and spoil and your hedgie will not want to eat it – as soon as your pet catches the smell of the food, it will be out looking for it, and it is such a delight to watch it as it picks out its favourite bits first…

A final word of warning if you are thinking of a hedgie, they are quite smelly animals – they are clean and Pink is even litter trained, but they do give off quite a strong scent. We have a plug in air freshener in the room and it masks the smell. Apart from that hedgies are a beautiful and rewarding pet.

Selecting ripe fruit is easy if you know what to look for. These tips will help you select ripe fruit that is ready to be taken home and eaten.

Grapes

If white grapes are ripe they will have a yellow tint to them. Red grapes will have a deep color and every grape will be about the same shade. While still in the store shake the grape stalk. If more than a grape or two fall off they are overripe and will not taste as good.

Kiwi

The skin of the kiwi should be free from bruises. Softly press on the kiwi and if it gives slightly it is ripe. If you are able to push into this fruit and it has a mushy feel then it is no longer good.

Apples

To select a ripe apple look at the skin of the apple. It should be free from bruises and nicks. Apples with a lot of green, besides the Granny Smith apples, are not ripe. The apple should be firm to the touch as well. It should not feel hard but it should not have a mushy texture either.

Oranges

There is an easy way to tell if an orange is ripe. Run your hands around the fruit. It should have a plump feel to it. The surface of the orange will be smooth. It should also feel heavy when held. If the orange passes the above testing then give it a light squeeze. The fingers should be able to bounce back without a problem. The orange should have an oval shape. It if is too round then the orange is under ripe and will have a bitter taste.

Tangerine

To tell if this fruit is ripe look at the color. If there is some green on the fruit that means that it is not ripe. Give the tangerine a light squeeze. Like the orange, if the fruit is ripe, it will bounce back and will not be mushy. The tangerine should also have a bit of a heavy feeling to it as well.

Strawberries

To find the best strawberries; they should be plump, have a deep red color, and be shiny. The cap should be securely attached. The berries should be medium sized since they will contain less water than larger berries. Avoid berries that are green or have a pale color to them.

Blackberries

These berries will not be glossy and will have a little bit of a dull look when they are ripe. The best time for blackberries is the midsummer. The berries should be plump and dark.

Blueberries

Blueberries are at their best from June to August. When purchasing these berries they should be blue in color and should not even have a tint of red to them. The berries will have a bit of a silver look that is shimmery. That means they are ready and at their peak. These berries will not continue to ripen once they are picked so it is important to select carefully when purchasing them.

Plum

When looking for a ripe plum it should be heavy, but it should not be too soft. If the plum is very soft it is overripe. When squeezing the plum it should have a little bit of a give to it and not be mushy. The plum should also have a deep color.

Cherries

Cherries will have a deep, almost black, color when they are ripe. The cherry should be firm to the touch. It will also be juicy when bitten into. The stem should be firmly attached to the cherry but it should twist off without a problem.

Avocado

Avocados have become very popular over the past couple of years. They are full of healthy fatty acids that are good for the body. When purchasing a ripe avocado there are some things to look for. The avocado should have a very deep color, almost black. If it is green then it is not ready. The avocado should yield to some gentle pressure when squeezed. If it is too soft or too firm then it is not ready to eat.

These are some ways to tell if these popular fruits are ripe and ready to eat. By giving these fruits these simple tests it will help you, as a consumer, determine that you are getting the best tasting fruit.

Most people doesn’t know that some beauty secrets can be found in our own house particularly in our kitchen. We go to a shopping mall and search for any expensive beauty products that’s available and spend a lot of money just to have that products. For Asian people the most searched or in demand beauty product is the skin whitening.There are a lot of skin lightening products available in the market today, some are quite expensive and some are cheaper. Most of us are using different products that are available in the marketplace to test what is really the best and effective for our skin. But what people doesn’t know is that some whitening ingredients can be found in our home. A study reveals that natural fruit extracts can lighten the skin. Yes, and here are some of the fruits that can be found in our kitchen:

CALAMANSI Calamansi extract can lighten the skin because it contains natural acid and vitamin c which are proven to remove dark spots in our body. In fact some skin whitening soaps manufacturer used Calamansi as their main ingredients in the soap.

KIWI FRUIT This fruit is loaded with health benefits especially in our skin. Whether you eat or wear this fruit, Kiwi contain vitamins and nutrients that contribute to healthy, glowing and radiant complexion. Kiwi also contain a large amount of vitamin c which needed to produce collagen in our body. It is also rich in vitamin E which is very essential in our skin. It also help eliminates dark spots and make your skin more radiant.

TOMATO Tomatoes are a very common fruit/vegetable that are always available in our kitchen. Tomatoes are used as a natural cosmetic for the skin for it is rich in vitamin c and lycopene which is an anti-oxidants. The acidity of tomato can help reduce dirt and make your skin clean. Tomatoes are also a good remedy for sun burn skin, it cools the skin and neutralize the skin surface.

ORANGE Oranges are also a good source of vitamin c which is known to improve skin color and texture. One piece of orange contains a large amount of antioxidants which is very good for the skin. It removes any skin darkening cause by frequent exposure to sunlight. It also helps reduce acne scars, minor scratches and minor burn.

PINEAPPLE Aside from vitamin C, this fruit is also rich in Alpha Hydroxy acids which is known for skin lightening and slows down skin aging. Pineapple is also one of the best home remedies to reduce wrinkles, mole and warts due to its natural acid components. Rubbing pineapple slices into your skin can reduce dark spots and blemishes making your skin clearer and smoother.

If you want to save money or just afraid to try whitening products that are available in the market today, these are the best alternative to skin lightening. Nothing could be much better than natural remedies, aside from having no side effects, you can save a dime and be beautiful at the same time.

If you are like me you have seen all the ads on media about probiotics. They used to tell us to eat yogurt and that would help because of the active cultures of bacteria. Many of the probiotics use the same strands of bacteria that you find in yogurt. Now they want you to take tablets that have the same bacteria multiplied 10 to 100 times. While there may be some evidence that this can help your digestive system, there are over 4000 bacteria living inside you digestive tract. Which ones are the ones you should increase, and how do you know?

I don't think we know what all the benefits and functions of all the different probiotics found in your digestive tract. However, we do know how to feed the beneficial bacteria to allow them to flourish and prosper. The solution is to add a supplement that contains a prebiotic.

Prebiotics are soluble fiber which should not be confused with insoluble fiber which nothing can digest. When the media talks about the benefits of dietary fiber, they are discussing insoluble fiber which provides the benefit of cleaning out digestive tract. Of course when you consume insoluble fiber often get soluble fiber with it, but the best way to add a supplement that contains a prebiotic so that you can control the amount and quality of the fiber.

The supplement that I use gets its prebiotics from the skin of the kiwi fruit. This is the hairy skin that most people don't eat and therefore do not gain the benefits. However, if you consumed two kiwi fruit that were at their perfect freshness and ripeness and you ate them skin and all, you could get the same thing as found in the supplements I take. The problem is finding the kiwi fruit in this ripe perfect condition is not something that can be done all year round and eating the skin is also not desirable by many.

The kiwi soluble fiber gives you all the benefits by helping the good bacteria in your system grow and flourish. That is when you start seeing the health benefits. The company I purchase my supplements from recommends that you take the product for thirty days to determine how it will affect your digestive system before trying to do anything like weight loss programs or other life changes.

When I started taking these supplements I started noticing the symptoms of IBS that I was diagnosed with started going away and completely disappeared after a month. After talking them for several months I got out of the habit and eventually things became unbalanced again. I say this because recently some of the systems like diarrhea and painful bloating have returned. I plan to get back to taking my kiwi soluble fiber supplements immediately so that I can correct this problem.

This is not medical advice and I can't say what kind of improvement any given person may receive or not receive. However, since the human body cannot digest the soluble fiber at worst it just passes through you so you have very little to lose and everything to gain by trying them.

So you can see that prebiotics are the real solution to keeping a healthy digestive fauna growing inside you and the list of health benefits seems to keep growing as scientist and doctors discover more benefits provided by the beneficial bacteria living in your digestive tract. In fact some of those companies that sell the probiotics are now adding prebiotics to increase the improvements and keep the bacteria you are adding to your system alive. What have you got to lose other than digestive problems and disorders? To find out more about the supplements I take please visit by website found below and be sure to buy some and try them out.