Five Great Gift Ideas for Kids from Crayola Under $20

For more than 100 years, Crayola has always been helpful in raising creativity of children all over the world. Parents and educators alike have enjoyed the creativity that Crayola products bring out in children, both in school or at home. Since the first box of eight crayons rolled out in 1903, the Crayola brand has evolved into a range of products like crafting activities, creative toys, and  art tools that bring out the best in children's imagination.


Save up to 30% off retail on Crayola® at Discount School Supply. 

Whether during the holiday seasons or for any occasion, you may be considering practical and innovative gifts for children while on a budget. Crayola would be an excellent choice to start choosing great gift ideas for your children. Here are five awesome gift ideas that are mostly under $20.

Telescoping Crayon Tower

 This product has a 3-tier telescoping tower of 150 crayons. It's specially designed case collapses for easy storage. A promotional code can be found inside and enter those at the Play Zone you will find at the Crayola® web site. This code transform you or your kids into a cartoon and you can create, print and color your own story. This Tower contains 118 regular crayons, 16 metallic FX crayons and 16 glitter crayons.

Crayola® Tabletop Portfolio Style Easel

 The Crayola Tabletop Easel can be easily set up wherever you sit. You can use regular paper or the dry-erase surface. Inside you'll find an easel, 2 slide pouches, 5 dry-erase crayons, 20 supertip markers, an EZ-Erase mitt, a double-sided dry-erase board and 10 sheets of white paper. For ages 3 and up.

Crayola® Cutter

 This is the new and improved Crayola Cutter allows kids to cut all types of complicated shapes safely and easily. The cutting wand can be used like a pen that makes cutting fun and easy as tracing. This kit includes a Crayola Cutter with refill cutting tip, 4 sheets of craft foam and a project idea book. For ages 8 and up.

Crayola® Glow Station On the Go

 This product gives you the ability to produce astonishing illustrations using light. The light wand can be used like a pen to make luminous freehand drawings. Included stencils can also be used to make different glowing shapes and scenes. Package contains a light wand, 1 stencil sheet, 6 stencil tracer shapes and 1 light texture sheet.

Color Wonder® Floor Puzzle
Your kids will love putting together 12 oversized, easy-to-handle pieces and seeing wonderful, fun images take form. Measuring 2-foot by 3-foot, the Crayola Color Wonder Floor Puzzle has lots of hidden surprises. Hidden images appear as you color them. For ages 3 and up.



© by Tip Writer November 11, 2012

Discount School Supply Online Buying Guide at discountschoolsupply.com

Discount School Supply company mainly aims to offer the best school supply products at bargain prices, backed up by high quality level of service.

Discount School Supply® is a website which offers a wide array of products and resources for schools, teachers, and families. With a catalog of over 500 pages containing more than 5,000 products from more than 25 various categories, this is truly a one-stop shop for school supplies. The company has established itself as a leading supplier of Arts & Crafts products, including large selections in other categories such as Dramatic Play; Active Play; Infant & Toddlers; Furniture, Storage & Equipment; Math; Science; Language; and Special Needs. They also regularly release specialty catalogs to expand their most popular categories.

What does Discount Supply sell?

Their product categories include the following:

Arts & Crafts

Infant & Toddler

Dramatic Play

Active Play

Furniture

Manipulatives

 

They carry several quality brands such as Colorations®, “The Brand Teachers Choose,” our line of top-quality Arts & Crafts materials; and BioColor® paint, “Creativity in a Bottle," Crayola®, Elmer’s®, Fiskars®, Duplo®, Lego®, HighScope®, Angeles®, Carpets for Kids®, Children’s Factory®, and Jonti-Craft® .

Aside from products, they also provide services such as curriculum support and curriculum resources for Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.  Other curriculum support products are Pocket Charts & Stands, Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Montessori, HighScope®, Books, Music Curriculum Resources, and Creative Curriculum for Toddlers.

Another area worth exploring on their website is the Free Resources page where you can find the following:

Head Start Program

New Center Openings

Circle Time

Free Grant Database

Shipping Information

Discount School Supply® offers free shipping on orders over $79 worth of products within the 48 contiguous United States. Orders under $79 have a minimum charge of $5.00. For shipments outside the 48 contiguous United States, including APOs and FPOs, customers will need to contact the customer service for details and instructions at 1-800-627-2829 or contact by email for a quote.

What forms of payment are accepted by Discount School Supply?

The payment options include credit cards (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa) and PayPal.  Institutions such as schools or local government agencies and other business establishments may apply for a credit line.

Does Discount School Supply® offer further discounted items or coupons?

Discount School Supply® has a clearance section which features products such as arts and crafts, active play, furniture, curriculum resources, manipulatives, dramatic play, teacher resources and others at reduced prices. It is regularly updated, so it is best to check back often to find new discounted products added to the list.

© 2012 Athena Goodlight

Groupon Deals and Customer Buying Guide

Groupon is a website where discounts on products, dining, travel, recreation, and other exciting deals are featured daily. Groupon deals are available in 48 countries worldwide.  Shoppers save time hunting for deals and discounts because Groupon does the job of negotiating discount rates with business establishments. Deals are updated daily and are sent to thousands of Groupon subscribers by email.

Groupon offers these exciting features to their customers.

Personalized Deals -With the relevant information provided by the cusomer (zip code, gender, and age), Groupon can suggest better deals to fit the customers' interests and location.

Buy & Redeem Groupons on Mobile Devices

Groupon Gift Cards - Groupon members have an option to buy gift cards in electronic of physical card type. Groupon gift cards are sent to the recipient through email or regular mailbox. Customers may add a personal touch and choose the delivery date of the Groupon Gift Cards.

Business Partnerships - Business owners have the opportunity to reach more potential customers by partnering with Groupon. Being with the Groupon network means more product exposure and more focused target market daily.

Returns and Refunds

When a customer experiences problems in claiming coupons, Groupon assures to correct the error or return the purchase. If the business linked to the deal closes down permanently, Groupon will refund unredeemed Groupons.

What warranties are offered on products sold through Groupon?

All products distributed through Groupon are sold AS IS. Products sold on Groupon come with manufacturer's warranties. If some problem should arise, the customer should get in touch with the manufacturer directly.

Groupon Customer Service Contact Details

Groupon has assigned customer representatives per country where Groupon operates.  The main office of Groupon is located in Chicago. Their other offices are in Palo Alto California.  Regional offices are located throughout North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia, and in many countries around the world. More contact details can be found in their customer support page.

The Help Center hotline number is 1 (888) 375-5777 available Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm CST.

What other incentives does Groupon offer apart from discounts?

Groupon offers an affiliate program for website owners which allow them to place relevant, dynamic website content or galleries. Depending on the country of operation, Groupon members may be rewarded with either points or cash for referring new members to Groupon.

© 2012 Athena Goodlight

StrawberryNET Cosmetics, Perfumes, and Skin Care Online Shop

StrawberryNET is a one-stop shop for brand name cosmetics, perfumes, and skincare products at marked-down prices.  The company serves over 190 countries offering more than 20,000 types of products from over 2,700 brand names on their website.

The products offered on the website are classified into the following groups for easy browsing:

• SKIN CARE
• MAKE UP
• HAIR CARE
• WOMEN'S FRAGRANCES
• MEN'S SKIN CARE
• MEN'S FRAGRANCES
• GIFTS AND SPECIALS
• NEW PRODUCTS

Shoppers who are looking for top brand cosmetics would be glad to know that these can be found at StrawberryNET.  Brands available include: Adrien Arpel, Aveda, Anna Sui, Bloom, Biotherm, Borghese,  Bvlgari, Britney Spears, Bobbi Brown, Calvin Klein, Cellex C, Chanel, Christian Dior, Clinique, Clarins, Darphin, Dermalogica, Decleor,  Elizabeth Arden, Garnier, Estee Lauder, Giorgio Armani, Givenchy, Guinot,  Glycel,  Guerlain, Gucci, Kinerase, H2O+, Kanebo,  La Mer, La Prairie, Lancome,  Lancaster, L'Oreal, Lierac, NARS, MAC,  Monteil, Nina Ricci, Max Factor, Obagi, Orlane, Origins, Payot, Revlon, Perricone MD, Sisley, Shiseido, SK II, Shu Uemura, Swissline, Squina, Valmont, Stila, Ultima,  Versace, Z. Bigatti, YSL, and many others.

Customers have different payment options.  StrawberryNET accepts major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and JCB.  They may also pay thru PayPal.

StrawberryNET Return Policies

If a product delivered does not satisfy the customer, the item in question may be returned to StrawberryNET  within 14 days of receipt for replacement or refund. The customer should contact the customer service within 14 days after receiving the item and return it in its original, unopened, and unused condition.

Shipping

StrawberryNET accepts orders and delivers products to more than 200 countries all over the world.  However, they do not ship to Italy, France, Germany, and Monaco.

Are StrawberryNET products authentic?

 StrawberryNET sells 100% genuine brand items by the original manufacturer.  Being sourced from various places internationally, the product packaging may slightly differ from other similar products. To ensure freshness, products are stored in temperature-controlled areas. 

StrawberryNET Customer Service Contact Details

A Customer Service page is available on the site for easy access should customers need to contact a representative of StrawberryNET.

Other contact details are as follows:

email:  info@StrawberryNET.com. 

Phone:  +852 2591 0300 or +852 2811 5399 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Address:

StrawberryNet

Strawberry Fields

No.4, A Kung Ngam Village Road

Shau Kei Wan, Hong Kong.

StrawberryNET Discounts and Promotions

The Gifts and Specials page has several discount offers

• Coupon Deals
• Top 20 Specials
• Extra Special Discounts
• Special Purchase
• Unboxed Specials
• Fragrance Super Specials
• Special Loyalty Discounts
• Special Volume Discounts

Furniture and Interior Designs for Children’s Room from ABaby.com

ABaby.com is an online source and one-stop shop for branded furniture for infants and children. Since the founding of the online company in 1998 it grew and expanded to a bigger store which offers an extensive range of outstanding designer products to cater to the needs of parents and babies.

The selection of products offered by ABaby.com website can be surfed by categories:

·           Baby Furniture

·           Children’s Furniture    

·           Bedding          

·           Nursery Decor

·           Bassinets & Cradles   

·           Mattresses      

·           Play-Time       

·           Personalized Gifts

Return and Exchange Procedures

If for some reason a customer is not satisfied with an item ordered, it may be returned for refund or exchange within 30 days upon receipt. Items may be accepted for return are long as they are in the original condition and packaging, unused, with tags still attached, and with a valid return authorization form (which can be requested by email at ra@ababy.com). For larger items, a 15% restocking fee will be charged. However, only non-custom items will be accepted for return.

The customer pays return shipping fees including those labeled as "free shipping." Items for return must be handled only by insured couriers (e.g., FedEx, UPS, USPS Parcel Post).

Does ABaby.com ship internationally?

ABaby.com accepts and ships orders worldwide including APO/FPO addresses via UPS, FedEx, and USPS. Merchandise which require special handling, such as large and breakable items, an additional shipping fee may be added. White Glove Delivery shipping option is also another service offered with a higher fee. This is most appropriate for shipping oversized items. This service included the unpacking, placing the furniture in the designated room, assembly of merchandise (except cribs and beds), and discarding of the packaging materials all done by the delivery White Glove delivery staff. Assembly of cribs and beds, however are not part of this service.

Customer Service Contact Details

customer service hotlines: 1-877-55-ABABY and 1-877-55-2222

email: info@ababy.com9.

For inquiries or replacements

email: sales@ababy.com

toll free 1-877-55-ABABY Monday thru Thursday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM and Friday, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM EST.

ABaby may also be reached by mail:

aBaby.com

1958-59th Street

Brooklyn,NY11204

ABaby.com Discounts and Coupons

ABaby.com a page dedicate to marked down items. This is the Sales & Promotions section. Also offered on this page are Deal of the Day, Weekly Specials, Clearance Sales, and Free Shipping. For email subscribers, exclusive deals and offers are regularly given. ABaby discount coupon codes can be found on different online merchants. Discounts are applied upon entering the coupon code during checkout.

Clarins Skin Care and Beauty Products Online Shopping Guide

Clarins is a well-known brand of for skin care and cosmetic products, which has been offering a broad selection of treatments for all types of skins since 1954. Clarins products has natural ingredients such as natural plant extracts and essential oils which are formulated to treat skin problems such as dry skin, acne breakouts, skin aging, hyper pigmentation, sun damage, crow’s feet, fine lines, irritation, and wrinkles.

The Clarins website serves not only to display the products but also offers beauty and skin care advice as well. The site has pages for Expert Beauty Advice and Application methods. Downloadable guides are also available and online consultations are also offered. 

Clarins skin-care products and makeup collection are available both in retail outlets worldwide and online. The main product families offered are:

Face

Body

Make-up

Sun

Well Being

Clarins Men

Gifts & Sets

Fragrance

Special Offers

Spa
Clarins Self-Tanners

Clarins men - Shave
Clarins men - Age-Control
Clarins Body
Clarins Pregnancy

What are the return policies of Clarins?

Items purchased from the website of Clarins may be returned within 30 days of shipment. Clarins will only accept unused items purchased on the website. Opened items may only qualify for returns if proven damaged or defective.

What guarantee does Clarins offer?

All Clarins products have a 30-day money-back guarantee.

What are the shipping options available for Clarins?

Clarins offers these shipping options: Standard Delivery, Express Delivery, and Overnight Delivery.  Orders over $75 qualify for Free Shipping.
Free Standard Shipping on all orders over $75 - no code necessary!

Is international shipping available?

Orders made on Clarins.com may only be delivered to the contiguous 50 states. There are no available shipping services to PO Boxes, military addresses, or international destinations.

Where can Clarins store outlets be located?

Clarins has retail outlet in 150 countries worldwide, and is networked with 20 subsidiaries.  Clarins products are available in most skin care an cosmetic sections of department stores or drugstores. A Store Locator is provided on the website to help customers find the nearest Clarins retail outlet.

How can customers contact Clarins Customer Service Department? 

For inquiries and concerns, customers may Clarins hotline at 1-866-325-2746. The office of Clarins is located at 4 rue Berteaux Dumas, 92 200 Neuilly sur Seine, FRANCE.  Customers may also email Clarins via the Contact Us page of the website. 

Are there discounts and coupons offered by Clarins?

Clarins has a SPECIAL OFFER page on their website. In addition, Clarins also offers Reward points for purchases made on the website. Registration is needed to participate in the rewards program. Customers get three free samples of their choice for every order made.

© Athena Goodlight 2012

Online Jewelry Shopping at FineJewelers.com

FineJewelers draws its inspiration from  the 47th street, the jewelry hub of the world.  Established in 1995, Finejewelers.com aims to provide the largest selections of fine jewelry online.

image via Wikimedia

The company specializes in providing an wide range of diverse preset diamonds and jewelry pieces, materials, and styles made by the most respected jewelry makers worldwide including those designed by famous jewelry designers like Benchmark, Carlo Viani, Chisel, Disney fine jewelry, Ed Hardy, Effy, Hershey's, Inory, Karina Bridal Couture, Mother and Child, Green Earth, SilveRado, Reflections, Stark, Black White, Versil, White Ice, Zable, and Zoe R. assuring that all products sold in their stores are designed with the highest quality and authentic details.  Finejewelers offer a lifetime warranty, free jewelry cleaning services, and free gift wrapping with gift card.  Their website offers a comprehensive and organized presentation of items including details of shipping.  Customers can also register on their website to get more great discounts and updates on their latest items. FineJewelers discount coupons can be availed HERE.



The huge selection of jewelry includes the following:

92.5 Sterling Silver
Accessories
Ankle Bracelet
Anniversary Band
Bands
Bangles
Beads
Birthstones
Body Jewelry
Bracelets
Chains
Charms
Children's Jewelry
Designer Jewelry
Earrings
Engagement Rings
Eternity Bands
Family Jewelry
Jewelry Sets
Men’s Jewelry
Necklace
Pearls
Pendants
Rings
Watches
Wedding Bands
Wedding Sets
Clearance Section

Review of Perfume.com Online Perfume Store

Shopping for perfumes can be easy if you know where to find stores that offer all the perfume brands that one could ever imagine.  Perfume.com is one of the biggest sites when it comes to perfume stores online.

Perfume.com has been operating for more than 6 years, selling top fragrances and designer brands at great discounts compared to the regular store prices.  The site has a large selection of over 12,000 perfumes, with products organized in such a way that any user won't have a hard time surfing through their product catalogue.>>> MORE






Their perfumes are classified accordingly.



For Men
For Women
Summer Scents
New Arrivals
Highly Rated
Romantic Scents
Celebrity Scents
Gift Sets
Skin Care

Get Perfume.com Discount Coupons

Product Review: Top Three Baby Carriers

Baby carriers have been used since the dawn of civilization to keep babies close yet allow parents the freedom to continue doing their daily activities.  "Babywearing" is being practiced in many cultures since ancient times; and modern-day folks have seen its benefits up to this age.  With multitasking mothers, having a baby does not mean that one has to stay in bed or on a rocking chair.  Having a baby carrier allows for hands - free baby carrying and it fosters parent-child bonding as well.

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By definition, baby carriers are contraptions made of fabric; some are reinforced with plastic or metal buckles and bindings, which secure a baby to an adult's body, permitting for the adult to work while carrying the baby. There are three basic types of baby carriers: slings, front carriers, and backpacks.

BABY SLINGS

A baby sling is the most organic carrier for babies.  It is basically a long piece of cloth that wraps around an adult's body and is secured at one shoulder. Many baby slings offer different sizes, from petite to plus, that give you more or less fabric. Babies curl up in an almost horizontal, fetal position inside the sling and in time graduate to more upright riding.  The fastening of the sling depends on its type. Ring slings have fabric wound through two rings; pouch slings are a continuous loop of cloth material that provides a pouch seat for baby; Asian-style slings feature straps that tie; and encloses a single piece wrapped around the body and fastened in place. Slings may be adjusted to provide babies ample room to lie in the fetal position, face outward, or even straddle their parent's hip. Slings may be used by newborn infants up to about 6 months.  These are not suited for activities such as hiking. The privacy and quick access they offer make them very popular with breastfeeding moms.

image via Wikipedia

SOFT FRAME CARRIERS

Soft frame baby carriers are little fabric seats having leg openings for babies and shoulder straps for the adult wearer that is safely fastened at the back of the adult.  These baby carriers are more structured than slings, resembling mini, open backpacks worn in front. Nearly all soft baby carriers are designed for front carrying, but some are configured for hip riders. Babies may face in toward their parents chest, or outward toward the world.  In soft carriers, babies are positioned vertically which required tiny riders to have at least some neck control, that's why these are not recommended for newborns. Several baby carriers have small pockets for baby accessories, assorted hooks and loops for baby toys, and detachable washable bibs.

BABY BACKPACKS

Baby backpacks, are also called "frame carriers" and "hikers."  These baby carriers are designed for lengthy baby-carrying excursions and offer a seat for babies to ride on an adult's  back. Similar to a hiking backpack, these are made with lightweight metal frames and extensive padded straps to help comfortably distribute the baby's weight. Baby backpacks are made of tougher, often waterproof material; some even come with sun canopies.  These backpacks are designed for older babies who can sit up on their own. Several models include ample pockets, so you'll be able to leave the diaper bag at home, and reflective stripes for outdoor or nighttime safety. Others even have kickstands that can allow the baby to be set on the ground, still seated like a tiny, upright camping chair.

© 2012 Athena Goodlight

Toddler Activity Stations Review: Activity Tables, Walls, and Cubes

Toddler activity stations have become favorite investments among parents and daycare centers.  This may come in the form of a toddler-size table, an activity cube, or an activity wall.  These items are compact and portable where children can spend more time enjoying and developing and discovering their mental and psychomotor skills.

Activity Tables

Generally made of plastic, activity tables usually feature either a removable top or detachable legs that give babies a chance to enjoy playthings on the floor even before they are able to stand.

LeapFrog Learn & Groove Musical Table

While all activity tables aid in the development of motor skills, some are aimed more toward play-like simple stacking of blocks and shapes or page turning-while others offer a complete kindergarten program.

Pros: Anything that encourages a toddler to stay busy in one place for a few more minutes than usual is considered a good buy for any parent.

Cons: Not all activity tables are created equal. Our aunt or uncle may have bought our kids a flimsy version with ugly music that we still remember even in our nightmares.

Activity Cubes

Activity cubes are favorite items in lounges everywhere.  Activity cubes are big, hollow, and sturdy boxes that feature five sides of fun. This is a classic item that offers the old-fashioned awe of wooden mazes, wacky bead roller coasters, and all styles of things that can be skidded, spun, and slapped. Children love no-frills fun, however activity cubes are weighty and hard to move, which can also be particularly rough on kids' heads.

Anatex Deluxe Mini Play Cube

Pros: The colored wire roller coaster is a sure favorite every time.

Cons: Unfortunately, even with the appealing look, activity cubes can pose some danger. Some may have sharp corners, while other models have been recalled for major safety issues such as poisonous lead paint and small choking hazards.

Activity Walls

Activity walls are the king of activity toys. These are basically large, freestanding, molded plastic constructions that offer their embedded amusement vertically.  While these are primarily designed for early walkers, most designs have activities that crawling babies can reach as well. Activity walls are mammoth-sized structures with and mammoth sized fun.  However, what stands up could fall down. It is important to choose an activity wall with a broad, solid base that won't easily be toppled by jerky toddlers.

 Little Tikes 3 Corner Play Around Place

Pros: Toys with more than two years life span is worth the investment.

Cons: They take up a lot of space also for a long, long time.

© 2012 Athena Goodlight

Facts About Aggressive Animal Behavior

image via Wikipedia

Aggression is used by various animals to acquire resources such as food. Researchers on the African savannas commonly enjoy keeping track of which hyenas killed a wildebeest, which lions took the carcass from them (or vice versa), and which jackals and vultures competed to snatch a morsel before being chased away. These forms of animal battles create a spectacular scene to watch. Most creatures do not generally clash in this way. The wildebeest being beaten over didn't, in life, stage bloody battles with other wildebeest over which among them would graze a plot of grass.

Competition requires lots of energy, and many species seem to minimize such conflicts. In some animals there are postures of surrender that tame the aggressor of the like species. The monkey faces away, the wolf rolls over, and the assailant ceases. What does an attacker experience whose assault is stopped in this action? For many animals the creature potentially to be its closest competitor, to want the same foods or similar nest sites, is one of its species, in a few cases, its own partner. Research remarks that size variation in some species adds to the survival advantage. For example, a female osprey is larger than her mate; they gather fish of various sizes, which lowers rivalry between them, increasing their collective food supply.

It has been observed that parrots seem to enjoy having enemies. This could in a way, boost flock solidarity, prevent interbreeding between species, strengthen the pair bond, or hold other valuable function.  In chickens, there is such a thing called "pecking orders," ethologists have observed these behavior in many flocks. This behavior is now identified as dominance hierarchies.

The notion of dominant and submissive animals has obtained a growing popularity in species in the same way as the idea that aggression is valuable as it helps a creature dominate.

In subsequent years the dominance hierarchy idea became more questionable, with a couple of scientists postulating if such hierarchies are genuine or merely a product of human perception. It is worth taking note that among wild flocks, chickens do not organize strict pecking orders as they do in poultry farms.

© 2012 Athena Goodlight

Attempting to Understand Animals and Their Emotions

Whether some animals experience emotions to a lesser or to a greater extent in intensity compared to humans could depend upon the type of emotion involved. Animals without doubt feel pity towards one another, sometimes even crossing beyond the species barrier, but it seems unlikely, although not impossible, that they feel emotions as complex or as intensely as human beings do. For example, it is questionable that the dolphins care about humans slaughtering one another as several humans care about the killing of dolphins by some humans. But this may only be owed to the fact they don't have similar access to information that mankind do. Perhaps they are aware and have principles of noninterference in human affairs. Perhaps they rightfully are neutral, or take a more farsighted view.

There are several emotions, on that humans may feel less intensely than several animals. Many people experienced the feeling, in some cases, that several animals appear to show happiness. One of the reasons for the popularity of observing birds is the pleasure of listening to birdsongs, which appear as joyful. As Julian Huxley, describing the courting ritual of herons twining their graceful necks together, wrote: "Of this I can only say that it seemed to bring such a pitch of emotion that I could have wished to be a heron that I might experience it."

The intensity of emotions in some animals is one recurring source of human envy. Emotional support animals are even valued in the medical and domestic environments. Joseph Wood Krutch states: "It is difficult to see how one can deny that the dog, apparently beside himself at the prospect of a walk with his master, is feeling a joy the intensity of which it is beyond our power to think much less to share. In the same manner his dejection can at least seem to be no less bottomless. Maybe the kind of thought of which we're capable dims both at the same time that it causes us less victims of either. Was any man, one wonders, ever as dejected as a lost dog? Probably certain of the animals can be both more elated and more utterly desolate than any man ever was."

© 2012 Athena Goodlight

On Cat Beds, Cat Poles, and Scratching Posts

A pet cat's needs include a special place for himself. It could be a box or basket with a cloth a cushion lining. Cats need privacy during their rest, so it should be located away from the activity center in your home. Occasionally, the cat will sleep on the assigned bed, but there are other areas preferred as well. A favorite spot is commonly an unmade bed. The unmade bed is attractive to cats because they enjoy nesting in blankets.

During winter, cats love to curl up.  During summer, they love to sunbathe but sometimes they look for cool, secret places beneath bushes where they can sleep undisturbed for a long time. Whether your cat loves the indoors or outdoors, he should not be kept in the basement especially at night as this causes respiratory disorders and rheumatism. Aside from that, a cat can get sweet dreams just about anyplace he chances upon.

A kitten should be trained to know where the litter box is, but would not need so much explanation as to its purpose. Cats are clean by instinct, and not only wish to have a toilet away from their living quarters, but bury their waste matter, too. When the kittens know where the box is, they would use it.

Pet cats will also need a place to stretch and trim their claws. A house is filled possibilities for this purpose, like upholstery and carpets, but the idea is to guide his attention elsewhere. For this intent, a scratching post is needed. A split log placed horizontally on the floor is an ideal scratching post. The cat can scratch and stretch on it. It could also be vertically attached to a base very much like an indoor tree stump. A lot of pet owners make or buy scratching poles covered wrapped with carpeting, however some cat authorities do not advice this. They assert that the cat can't differentiate your carpeting on the scratching pole and floor carpet.  Wrapping the pole with sisal rope is more recommended. The cat who goes outside will not necessarily confine his scratching activities to nature.  It should be emphasized again that not all cats are offenders, but if you wish to have a picture perfect home interior, be cognizant of the fact that your cat does not come with a guarantee that he will always prefer to use the scratching post.

© 2012 Athena Goodlight

More Tips on Cats and Cat Care

Cat Carriers to Bring a New Pet Cat Home

image via Wikipedia

Simply due to the fact you aren't a mom cat, you mustn't carry your kitten by its neck. You may position your hand lightly below his torso, keeping his legs safely together  using your fingers, and allow one other hand to assist what's left by cupping its hind. It is possible to teach members of the family to handle your pet in the same manner.

The best way to take the new pet kitten home is in a little box (no lid, as it would frighten him). A pet carrier is a must when transporting a full-grown cat to your home. A cat carrier is a ventilated, confined box big adequate for your adult cat to turnabout inside. The handle of the carrier should be sturdy. A cat can go anywhere in this carrier and barely know he's been there since the outside is not so visible. It is perfect for traveling to and from the vet, the kennel or pet boarding place if needed, or for any form of travel. It is more ideal for you as the owner and possibly less likeable for the feline who does not enjoy confinement. This would keep the cat from meddling with the proper handling of the car by lodging its neck through the steering wheel or trying to ride in the driver's lap. In whatever case, it is the most dependable and most expedient way of transporting a cat from one point to another  These pet carriers are for sale at pet shops in various shapes, sizes, materials, and prices.

If it is the new kitten's first ride in an automobile, it is reasonable that feelings of fear and separation anxiety is present. It is important to comfort the kitten or cat with your calm and gentle voice while softly stroking its back. It will help to alleviate some of the trauma of the unusual environment he is entering. Keep in mind that the cat has been separated from the familiarity of his past to now live with total strangers. No one likes being whisked away from protection of a family. But you will promptly win him over using your winsome means and a little warm milk.

© 2012 Athena Goodlight

Beginning Bird Watching in Winter

image via Wikipedia

Observing how birds adjust to extreme atmospheric conditions of the winter weather in their natural habitats makes winter season an excellent backdrop for all bird watchers who look for birds in sheltering forests and protected ecological niches. Ruffed Grouse normally immerse deep into snow banks, where they find protection from the cold and wind. House Sparrows are found flocked together under eaves or in the corners of barns, homes,  and other buildings. Vesper Sparrows, Lark Buntings, and Dickcissels also seek similar winter shelters.

Suggested Birdwatching Activities in January

Begin by writing on your journal what you observe about the bird  behavior on your feeder. As the year progresses you will notice variations not only in the species of birds you see but also in behavior and feathers. On the coming year, as the cycle restarts, you will be able to make a comparison about what you observed then comparing the present notes. You could start out your observations by taking note of the food each specie favors and then the ways that the species feed. Which species feed at your tray individually at one time? Which species don't share with others or hog the tray? Which feed together at once? You'd remark that a few species are spunkier than others, nipping a morsel despite the presence of a larger or sinister bird.

by: Tip Writer

Bird Watching Tips for Winter Season

A bounty of birds is commonly associated with springtime and summer, but in paradox, the repulsing snow and falling temperatures in wintertime could also give you a highly productive bird watching experience. Tree branches are exposed, and fields, marshes, and swamps unfold for excellent viewing, so bird watchers could delight in one of the best bird watching seasons of the year. The fun is further heightened because a lot of uncommon species from way up north may be seeking a more comfortable life in less cruel surroundings in winter.

Due to more the critical situation of food availability for bird survival when the temperature drops, winter bird feeders attract strange birds from time to time, which overcome their fear of entering a house and garden to hunt for food. For example, even if flowers and insects are absent, hummingbirds can bear freezing temperatures as long as they can get food; and birds that delight in southern climates would come up north due to a surplus of food supplies by feeders.  Some feeders volunteer over an entire winter season up north of its usual range, and others still feed long after other species already left the area. Yearly, more people bring out food for birds, so in various areas an increasing number of birds are making their initial appearances at feeders, among them Gray Catbirds,  Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Rock and other wrens, Verdins, varied Thrushes, Phainopeplas, Bronzed Cow-birds, Lark Buntings, Song Sparrows, and Chipping Sparrows.

Read more:
Suggested Birdwatching Activities in January

© 2012 Tip Writer