Category Archives: Hobby

30-minutes Self-care Tips for Moms

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I’ve got these very useful tips from popsugar.com for moms out there to spare a few precious minutes to take care of themselves — self-care tips for you and me.

“Running allows me to set my mind free. Nothing seems impossible. Nothing unattainable.” — Kara Goucher, Olympic long-distance runner

If you have 30 minutes for self-care.

  • Borrow your kid’s coloring book, put on a Spotify playlist you like, and start coloring.
  • Write down something that’s bothering you or keeping you up at night. Then start thinking about the steps you need to take in order to complete the goal, working backward. So if selling your house is something on your mind, think about all of the steps that are getting in your way of doing it (i.e. fix the leaky roof, have the basement repaired, paint the porch, etc.).
  • Stash your phone in your pocket and go on a nature walk.
  • Make yourself some tea and take a soothing bath.
  • Cue up your favorite workout and get exercising.
  • Set up a phone date with a friend you’ve lost touch with. Make sure they’re available to chat with you too.
  • Go to a bookstore and dive into a book or your favorite magazines.
  • Start and complete a mini art project. Maybe it’s turning the pictures on your phone into an album.

3 Things You Need To Know Before Getting an Aquarium

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Source: http://www.mystationarylife.com/aquascape/

It’s well established that pets help reduce stress. While many people look to the companionship a dog provides or the calming effect of stroking a cat’s fur, it turns out those four-legged friends aren’t the only ones that offer emotional relief. In fact, they don’t need legs at all. Studies suggest viewing fish in an aquarium can positively impact one’s health, listing benefits such as reducing anxiety and decreasing muscle tension. Owners are able to escape the pressures of everyday life just by watching brightly-colored fish move effortlessly throughout the water. Coupled with a reputation for being relatively low maintenance, fish are a popular pet for people on the go. Before you rush out to the pet store, here’s what you need to know.

Number

There are plenty of fish in the sea, but not all of them need to be part of your aquarium. It’s easy to be attracted to a fish’s brilliant colors or unique features and want to include it in your set-up, but the more fish you have, the larger your aquarium needs to be. A 1-inch fish needs about one gallon of water, so keep your fish count low if living arrangements limit you to a smaller tank.

Source: http://www.travelandmusings.com/our-manila-ocean-park-adventure/

Location

Having the right setting is important for an aquarium. Hard, flat surfaces are a requirement, and it needs to be somewhere out of reach of children and pets. Anything but the smallest fish tanks also needs to be on sturdy furniture due to the weight of the water. For a set-up to go swimmingly, rely on the expertise of a professional by searching for Aquarium Installation denver or in your area.

Equipment

Healthy fish require more than just a tank and water. Cleaning supplies and water treatment materials are necessary, as is a heater, filter, gravel, fish food, hood and light. You’ll likely also want to dress up the aquarium with plants and decorative items.

There’s nothing fishy about wanting a pet. Keep these tips in mind before an uninformed purchase leaves you all wet.

How To Keep Your Pet Bird Happy and Healthy

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If you have a pet bird, then you don’t need to be told what special and fascinating companions they make. Birds are intelligent and inquisitive. They can be incredibly affectionate and loving as well. However, the sheer uniqueness birds bring to the table can really leave less experienced bird owners guessing as to how best to care for their feathered friends. Make sure your beautiful avian companion stays, happy, healthy, and well-adjusted with the following tips. 

Keep His Cage Stimulating 

Although it would be nice to be near your bird at all times, you’re naturally going to have to go out and live your life at some point. Your bird’s going to be spending that time in his cage, so you’ll want to make sure it’s a comfortable and engaging enough that he doesn’t actually mind too much. Start by making sure the cage is actually built to house a bird that’s the same size and species as your pet so there’s plenty of room.

Birds really like to play and keep their minds busy as well, so make sure you fill the cage with plenty of perches, mirrors, and other entertaining toys. For best results, buy a variety of different items and rotate them to keep things fresh and interesting for your pet. Birds will quickly become bored with environments that never change or offer anything new.

Feed Him a Tasty, Balanced Diet

Every living creature needs good quality nourishment to stay in the pink of good health, and your bird is no exception. Of course, your pet should be fed seeds and bird pellet products that are appropriate for his age and breed but don’t stop there. Most veterinarians and avian experts recommend also adding delicious fresh produce to your bird’s diet. Not only does this ensure he’s getting plenty of nutritious, wholesome food to eat, but this is another way to keep your bird happy and stimulated.

You’ll also want to monitor your bird for signs of illness or parasites. Like humans, birds often seem listless or depressed when they’re not feeling well. When birds have parasites, they often show signs of intestinal distress like weight loss and diarrhea. If you notice signs of worms or other parasites, you can buy bird worming products at Vet Products Direct, as well as other avian medicines. When in doubt though, a trip to the vet definitely never hurts. 

Socialize With Your Bird

Pets are just like people and children in that social interaction is a very important factor in their overall wellbeing. However, it’s especially important when you’re dealing with exotic animals (like parrots) that can easily feel out of their element in the average home. Regular handling and frequent interaction with you or other members of your household is the best way to make sure your bird’s social, emotional, and mental needs are well taken care of. 

How much social interaction is ideal for the average pet bird? An hour or two is a really good benchmark to shoot for, but many birds are incredibly social and would love the chance to spend even more time with you. If you work long hours or otherwise find it hard at times to spend as much time as you’d like with your bird, you can always consider getting another bird or two as well. They’ll keep each other from getting lonely on days you can’t be around as much as you’d like.

Few pets will provide the joy, companionship, and stimulation a bird will, but special pets definitely have special needs that have to be considered. How do you make sure your fine feathered companion absolutely loves his life?