DIY Life

We recently explored a couple cool uses for Altoid tins. First up was the open source hardware project, the Minty Boost iPod charger. Second was X-Entertainment's Sanity Saving Altoids Survival Kit. Want something more serious? Here's the original can't-live-without-it Field & Stream magazine Altoids Tin Survival Kit.

This kit is a survival kit of the old-fashioned kind, with the emphasis on survival in the outdoors. Nope, no crossword puzzles in this one. Says the author, everything you might need -- with the exception of shelter and a blanket to keep warm -- is packed into one little tin. Here are a few of the key items included: mini fire starting tools, waterproof matches, and fire-starting tabs, a tiny candle, an LED flashlight, water-purification gear and fishing tackle, tiny compass, and -- to attract help -- a wee signaling mirror. But wait! There's more. (Can you believe it?) There's also some teensie-weensie first aid supplies, blades, and a tiny wire saw, string, needles, glue, foil, and (naturally) a safety pin. That's one loaded little tin! Check out the wondrous F&S slide show to get started.

When most people think of camping they imagine a few nights of sleeping outdoors in a state or provincial park, hiking during the day, and roasting marshmallows and drinking by the fire at night. To others this sounds like a poor excuse for "roughing it," and they are not at all satisfied by regular camping. Some people want extreme survivor type experiences where they are actually battling the elements and challenging themselves to the fullest, both physically and emotionally. If you're one of these people, your season is coming. Start planning now for winter snow camping.

Snow camping takes a lot more preparation, and carries harsh impacts for those who plan poorly. If you're planning on trying this out for the first time, it's wise to get some expert advice, especially when it comes to packing. This checklist is a great resource, listing off all the snow camping essentials. Each category has an abundance of items listed under it. It is a very thorough list so be sure to check it out in its entirety. Here are the main headings:

One of the biggest risks of being stuck out in the wilderness is being without water. Water is simply necessary. What if all you could find was a dirty mud puddle? Would you know how to turn that filthy water into safe drinking water? This MacGyver style DIY tip shows you how to purify water when you're stuck in the wilderness.

What you need

1. Empty plastic bottle
2. String
3. Match(es)
4. Wood (or other combustible material - a shoe might do)

What to do

1. Collect the dirty water in the bottle
2. Tie a string around the bottle
3. Build a fire
4. Holding the bottle by the string, put it directly over the flames
5. Let the water boil
6. Drink the water once it has cooled down

The school bell is about to ring in a new year, but there is a group of adults who need just as much attention for Back-To-School preparation as the students: the teachers. Most people don't realize, but a summer break for a teacher is not a break at all, but an opportunity to lesson plan for the upcoming year, get those state required classes completed, fight in line at the local state board of education for re-licensure, and catch up on the required reading for next year.

Regardless, going back to school is just as exciting and demanding on teachers as it is on students. Unlike students, however, most teachers have the added stress of family and household demands. So, here's a survival guide for the teacher on easing back into the school year without fainting from exhaustion.