Would you ever expect to see a jellyfish gently pulsating its way through your cottage lake? Probably not, but apparently it's becoming more likely. Lucky for us, freshwater jellyfish do differ slightly from marine jellyfish. In case you spot something with a whorl of string-like tentacles floating around in your lake, it's important to know these jellyfish are not harmful to humans.

Many people think that when summer rolls around, everything slows down, but not for me! Cougars in Muskoka, cottage gifts and summer memories. Even when I'm away on vacay, like I am this week, there is still so much that catches my attention. (Not to mention a few celebrity sightings!)

I just got off the phone with my brother. He and his wife will be joining my fiancé and I at our newly purchased cottage on the lake. This will be our first time hosting big bro and his bride of three years. They usually host all family gatherings and are amazing at it! My sister-in-law is the Canadian Martha Stewart. I feel overwhelmed and stuck. Where do I start?

Why do some people get invited back to the cottage year after year and others never make the list? Simply put, some people are just better cottage guests than others. While most guests are an absolute pleasure, there are some that are memorable for all the wrong reasons. If you are fortunate enough to be invited to a cottage this summer here are eight tips that could help put you on the top of the "invite back" list.

You might be worried about committing a faux pas and ending up on the host's blacklist. You also may be new to the wilderness, which can be an even bigger concern, for different reasons all together. Whether you're a good friend, an acquaintance or a tag-along, following some simple guidelines can ensure that everyone has a great time and that you get invited back.

By: Jackie Davis Good news, cottagers: 2011 was packed with research and technology breakthroughs that may, one day, help in the battle against...