Weekend Lifestyle: Interesting hobbies to try - Amateur Geology

Since I am a huge advocate for trying new things, I thought I would create postings of new hobbies for you all to try.

One such great hobby (which I was turned onto by a friend but don't really have a passion for personally) is Amateur Geology, which is just a fancy name for rock/ mineral/ gemstone collecting. What makes this hobby so great is the fact that it can be done virtually anywhere, which also makes it perfect for people who feel they are stuck in towns where there is nothing for them to do. Another great thing about rock collecting is that it is a hobby which is not very expensive to follow/partake in, and which you can even (with great patience and by acquiring the necessary knowledge), turn into a small second income. You just need to make sure though that you do not try this new hobby in restricted areas which don't allow visitors to pick up and take home any natural objects (such as national parks or gardens).

Amateur geology/rock collecting is also a fantastic way to meet new people since you can join, or create your own clubs for comparisons or discussions et cetera. You could even read the appropriate books regarding collecting and give lectures (to fellow club members) regarding, for instance, the proper ways to excavate and classify different rocks/ minerals/ gemstones.

My friend (who sparked my interest in rock collecting) has actually managed to find some specimens that no one in his circles has been able to identify so far, which is extremely exciting for him as it would be for anyone in his position. He has since begun to send photographs of his specimens to various experts around the world for possible identification.

This is truly a fantastic hobby for anyone wanting to get out into the fresh air and beauty of the great outdoors. The only reason I am not very passionate about this hobby is the fact that I cannot withstand great deals of heat (which the South African sun provides for in abundance), however I must also add that I tried this hobby out at very odd (and hot) times of the day. If you are an early bird, then this one is definitely something you should give a go.

Interested? Well then here is a brief list of links you can check out:

Websites/pages where you can learn more about/how to collect rocks/minerals/gemstones

http://geology.about.com/od/rockcollecting/

http://discoverahobby.com/learn/Amateur_Geology

http://hubpages.com/games-hobbies/Amazing-Hobby-of-Rock-Collecting

http://www.collecting-rocks-and-minerals.com/

If you are located in the United States Of America, you can visit http://www.amateurgeologist.com/ which sells geology gear, books, maps (of where to look/search for rocks) et cetera.

A very good book on Amateur Geology is "A Field Manual For The Amateur Geologist" by Alan M. Cvancara. In my opinion, this book is the ultimate guide to amateur collecting and the only book needed if you wish to take up this hobby.

For all the South Africans out there that are located in or near Cape Town, Give the "Scratch Patch" at "Mineral World" a try. Their website is http://www.scratchpatch.co.za/ and contains their addresses and contact details. It is a great place to take the kids to spark their interest in stones and rocks, if you are planning on starting up the collecting hobby with them. A trip there makes for a great day out as well and I visit them each time I am in the Cape.

So what are you waiting for! Get out there and start collecting!

Happy Hunting, and be sure to let us all know how it goes!

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Weekend Lifestyle: Pamper yourself at home (at a fraction of the cost of a health spa)

We all deserve a little pampering now and again but unfortunately most of us can't afford the ridiculous prices charged at salons or spas. So, why not create the salon/spa experience at home for yourself?

It is a lot cheaper than you think and all you need are a few "investment pieces" to start you out. These include:

1. A foot spa

2. A face steamer

3. A face massager (with various brushes for cleansing and attachments for massaging)

4. Aromatherapy bath oils

5. Face masks (or a fresh avocado pear each round)

6. A manicure set (nail file, nail scissors. pumice stone and/or electronic foot/hand file)          

7. Nail polish

Still sound a bit expensive to you? Well not really. Remember, you will only need to purchase most of the listed items once and the rest (such as the bath oils, face masks and nail polish) should ensure you at least a few treatments before a repurchase is needed. Also, you can build up a collection of the items as you go along and you don't need to purchase all at once. You can then just create "mini spa/salon" days for yourself at home until you own all the items. The list is by no means extensive and you can add any items you see fit.

On the days when you plan to give yourself treatments (or home spa/salon days as I like to call them), make sure that you "book" yourself out for a few hours and that everyone in your household knows not to disturb you (unless there is an emergency). Play soft music in the background, put on your favourite robe/gown and slippers, open a good bottle of wine and proceed with the pampering. You can do your treatments in any order but I have found that the following order works best for me:

1. Pedicure (soak your feet in the foot spa, file your toe nails and then remove dead skin from your feet using the pumice stone).

2. Manicure (soak your hands in a warm bowl of water and then file your finger nails).

3. Face steaming session (using the facial steamer).

4. Face cleansing and massaging session (using the cleansing and massaging attachments of the facial massager).

5. Face mask and aromatherapy bath

6. Manicure and pedicure round off (nail painting)

Once done for the day I usually treat myself to a nice big green salad to round off the spa experience. Here is the recipe for my favourite green salad (just mix all the ingredients together in a glass bowl):

2 Ripe avocado pears (diced)

2 Large pickles/gherkins (sliced into rounds)

4 Lettuce leaves (shredded into pieces)

1/4 Green pepper (chopped into small pieces

1 English cucumber (sliced into half rounds)

1/2 Cup green olives

Enjoy your pampering!

Extra note: This works well for both women and men, so come on boys, give it a try! You will be amazed at how relaxed you feel afterwards.

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