7 Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds To Bring Home

Whether it is your partner or your child that convinced you to get a house pet, there are many furry friends to choose from. Let us focus on the low-maintenance dog breeds. All dogs require ample love, care, and attention. However, there are some breeds that are willing to dance with your hectic schedule.

Welcoming a family pet is an exciting and life-changing milestone. As with all significant decisions, there must be a lot of research needed. Consider getting one of these seven family-friendly breeds.

#1: BOSTON TERRIER

Originally bred to be fighting dogs, the Boston Terriers of the modern age are affectionate, gentle, and delightful. Its tuxedo-like markings earned them the nickname “American Gentleman”. While it requires a daily walk, it mostly remains inactive while indoors.

#2: PUG

The humble Pug is a loyal and playful dog. Pugs are usually socially active and they welcome homes filled with human interactions. The Pug’s simple life is complete when it gets to enjoy his or her own bed and watch the day go by. It is the perfect flat furry buddy!

#3: CHIHUAHUA

Ideal for small homes, the Chihuahua requires minimal exercise. They are easily carried around due its weight of about 1 kilogram. This breed is perfect for people who travel a lot. As a friendly reminder, please train your Chihuahua to avoid the yappy personality they are known for.

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#4: DACHSHUND

Dachshunds have a positive disposition and are typically game for anything you throw at them. As family dogs they are loyal and good watchdogs. Its exercise consists of running around the house or leisurely walks outside. IF you work in a pet-friendly building or you work from home, your Dachshund will be content just sitting by your side as you focus on your tasks.

#5: GREYHOUND

With its built, you will not suspect that one of the fastest dogs can be such a coach potato! The Greyhound is an athletic dog that cannot wait for a warm cuddle in your lap. Its mellow personality combined with the minimum grooming necessities make it one of the most low-maintenance dogs in the large-sized dog groups.

#6: MALTESE

With its shining coat fitting of a royal, the Maltese is suited to live within a small apartment as they do not shed. What it needs is a home filled with love, attention, and care. It also enjoys playful sessions with its companion. Owners should administer a regular grooming routine, which may include brushing, combing, and shearing.

#7: CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have the ability to adjust to its owners’ temperaments. Its flexibility makes it an ideal companion for kids and other pets. Brushing every week is necessary to make sure that their longer coats do not tangle.

Despite your busy schedule and hectic lifestyle, providing quality love and care for your canine is easier with the help of dog-centered apps and dog walking companies. Not to mention, there is a wealth of pet tips and tricks online. However, nothing beats a snuggle session between you and your furry friend after a long day at work!

Sources: 1 & 2

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Cheap Storage Hacks To Organize Your Home

Due to the safety measures and social restrictions brought by the pandemic, we tend to spend most of our days at home. Now is the perfect time to declutter and reorganize your own space! From creating your own key holders to storing your stuffed animals, these tips will squeeze your creative juices without breaking the bank.

Use what you have as you organize your home with these cheap storage hacks:

#1: MULTI-PURPOSE FILE DIVIDERS

Do not throw your shoe boxes just yet! Shoe box, usually made of paper, is more than just a storage for shoes. It can also be used in packaging several items in retail stores or in your home. If you have a collection of bills, photos, sewing supplies, tools, and other small items, you may store it inside a shoe box for easier access.

Divide the sections of the shoe box by cutting the cover into rectangular and square pieces. Get creative! You may also cover the shoe box with a patterned fabric to echo the décor of your room.

#2: HAIR TIE HOLDERS

Let us face it! Hair ties always get lost. The solution? Store your hair ties on an empty tissue roll core. Widen the hair tie and insert it on the empty tissue roll core. This way, you will know where to find them.

Aside from hair ties, the empty tissue roll core may be used to store your cords. Prevent getting your cords tangled by tucking in the cords inside an empty tissue roll core. Put a label on the cardboard tube so you will know which cord is which.

#3: STATIONARY VASES

Jars can be ideal for preserving jams, jellies, sauces, mustards and flavored vinegars. Basically, it is storage for your food. But aside from that, you may organize your office supplies with a jar. Let the jar act as a stationary vase for your paper clips, pens, staplers, highlighters, and more.

You may also style your jar by painting it with enamel or a chalkboard paint. A chalkboard paint allows you to create a blackboard area with a durable black finish. This product can be applied to any smooth non-porous surface such as drywall, plaster, metal, and glass.

#4: STUFFED ANIMALS STORAGE AREA

Keep all your child’s stuffed animals in one area by sticking a few Velcro strips or hook-and-loop fasteners on the wall. Attach the half of the strip on a lightweight stuffed animal and the other half on a wall. Use the soft side of the Velco or the hook-and-loop fastener to avoid getting potential scrapes on your beloved little one.

#5: REUSABLE STORAGE BAGS

Tired of seeing your children’s toys scattered around? Do not forget the smaller ones such as the action figures or doll clothes that are lying on the floor. Well, re-sealable or reusable zipper bags may come in handy. The most famous brand is the Ziploc bag, but you may also use other variations of this. The see-through exterior provides easy identification of the stored contents.

Just store your child’s toys, crayons, and markers in a labeled reusable storage bag to keep it organized. You may also keep some manuals and brochures inside.

#6: FRAMED KEY HOLDERS

You will be surprised to know that a picture frame may be revamped as a key holder and a dry-erase board. Let us start with the key holder. Create your own aesthetically pleasing key holder with a single picture frame. Simply remove the glass and paint the background or cover it with fabric or colored paper. Then, attach several key hooks using a strong adhesive. Hang the frame near the exit door. This will ensure that all keys are kept in one place.

Lastly, you may create a dry-erase board with a picture frame. Stay on top of your tasks and errands with a DIY dry-erase board. Use an old picture frame and put a fabric or a wallpaper inside. Use a whiteboard or a dry-erase marker to note down your reminders on the glass.

#7: BEDDING BAGS

Tote bags, made of canvas, are usually inexpensive. Take your beddings and blankets and put it inside the tote bags for heightened organization. You may also put your old or underused clothes inside the tote bags and donate it to those who need it the most.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Sources: 1 & 2

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Surefire Ways To Save Money While Taking Care Of Your Pets

As much as you love and adore your pets, long-term care adds up. From pet medications to cleaning supplies and vet visits, it is essential to reduce your expenses without endangering your pet’s health. Fortunately, there are many simple saving tips that can employ to keep the costs to a minimum.

CULTIVATE A SAFE SPACE

Responsible care starts with creating a safe environment for your pets. Prevent hefty and harmful accidents from occurring by storing poisonous, sharp, and dangerous items out of your pet’s reach. For instance, bleach and other household cleaners may cause serious accidents for your pets. Yarns can also get stuck inside your kitty’s intestines and cost you more than thousands of dollars for the surgery.

CONSIDER PET ADOPTION

The age-old advice encourages us to adopt and not to shop. Instead of making an impulse purchase at a pet shop, you can rescue lovely animals from animal rescue centers and other animal organizations. You can provide an adopted animal a wonder new life for a lower purchase price compared to investing on a purebred animal. Purebred animals such as Golden Retrievers can cost up to S$5,000, especially if they come with a pedigree certificate.

This tip is beyond saving money. It brings the fulfillment of knowing that you have saved a life too. Just ensure that you are adopting from a reputable animal welfare organization or a rescue center. One example is the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Singapore, houses a variety of animals since its existence in the 1800s.

REDUCE THE VET TRIPS

The best way to eliminate medication costs is to prevent diseases. Vaccination is truly cheaper than the treatment for your pet’s disease. Consult your vet about the vaccination that your pet needs such the vaccination against Feline Panleukopenia virus. This virus is a highly contagious, severe infection that causes gastrointestinal, nervous system, and immune system diseases.

If your pet is already sick, ask the professional if a generic brand of medication works as well as the branded one. Generic brands are cheaper than the branded ones but they can also give the same effect.

MAKE YOUR OWN PET TOYS

Resist the temptation of purchasing several pet toys from pet stores. Often times, cheap plastic toys are poorly made and can easily get broken. Handmade toys work just as well. Moreover, you will be able to make sure that your pet’s preferences are met, using safe materials.

Most cats are fond of cardboard boxes and laser pointers. While, most dogs are fond of tug-o-war toys or empty plastic water bottles tied-up in a sock. Search thru the web for more ideas!

SLASH YOUR PET’S DENTAL EXPENSES

Gingivitis can damage your pet’s kidney and your finances since it requires expensive treatment and professional cleaning. To avoid this, do regular dental care at home. Wrap a significant amount of gauze on your finger and swipe your pet’s teeth. Brush your pet’s teeth using pet-friendly toothpaste, which may come in savory flavors such as chicken or malt. Toothpastes usually cost about S$10 per tube.

GROOM YOUR PET AT HOME

It is not only safer to groom your pet at home during this time, but it is also cheaper. It is possible to groom your long-haired furbaby at home. All you have to do is to equip yourself with an ear solution, pet shampoo, brush, and nail clippers.

Opt for a pet shampoo that can ward off parasites and fleas such as the ones available in Carousell, Lazada, and Kohepets. Having this special formulation is helpful due to Singapore’s hot weather.

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Which of these pet care saving tips are you already using? Feel free to share us some of your coveted tips!

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6 Low-Maintenance Indoor Plants That Purifies Air

Many Singaporeans have dabbled into gardening in the recent months due to the limitations of the Circuit Breaker. One thing is for sure, bringing your first houseplant home can be exciting and intimidating.

With the endless varieties of indoor plants, you may not know where to start. Consider starting with these forgiving plants that will not easily die on your watch.

#1: SNAKE PLANT

Plant lovers all over Instagram have been posting their own pots of Snake plants. Snake plants are aesthetically pleasing and are easy to take care of. In fact, it was the first plant that my uncle requested for when he moved into his new home.

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They do not need to bask in a ton of light and they can weather different conditions such as drought. Its blade-like leaves come in varying colors and patterns that offer beauty and air-purifying benefits.

#2: SPIDER PLANT

Add architecture and personality to your indoor space by placing a Spider plant. A Spider plant has “spiderettes” or small plants, which dangle from its stems like spiders hanging from a web. These spiderettes can be planted into smaller posts as this plant loves to reproduce.

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Another benefit is its ability to remove harmful xylene, toluene, and formaldehyde from the air. It accomplishes this without harming your curious and beloved pets.

#3: ALOE VERA

Aloe vera is one of my favorite plants because of its multi-purpose applications in the beauty and skincare industry. Although Aloe vera is a desert plant, direct sunlight can create black spots on its leaves. So, keep it away from the sun’s rays. Find a place that can help you take take advantage of its air-purifying benefits such as your bedroom.

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This plant is believed to have similar effects to a combination of air purifiers. Besides being a skin balm, it can also remove microorganisms from our air. Not to mention, its plump leaves can provide a soothing gel for burns and cuts. Allow this succulent to dry completely in between watering. You may water as little as every two to three weeks.

#4: PEACE LILY

Ahhhh peace! Who does not want peace to enter their homes? Native to tropical rainforests, the Peace Lily delights in dim lighting. You can put it in a windowless office or an enclosed bathroom. This will add brightness to your space with its subtle white flowers. Moreover, it removes trichloroethylene gas and ammonia fumes from furniture and paint.

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When this indoor plant has had enough water, it will subtly droop its leaves. This is a sign to move it into a new pot for better drainage.

#5: BAMBOO

Like air plants, Bamboo can grown without soil. Simply place its stalks in a vase full of water with pebbles or marbles at the bottom. If your bamboo starts to grow beyond your first container, just upgrade to a new one without additional re-potting procedures.

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Aside from being low-maintenance, it is capable of providing a higher amount of oxygen in comparison to other types of plants.

#6: RUBBER PLANT

If you have pollen allergies and you cannot seem to hold your sneezes with certain outdoor plants then, you may opt for the Rubber plant. A rubber plant cleanses the air by removing formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide. Its flowers and fruits do not grow often when its kept indoors too. Thus, they are perfect for newly painted or renovated flats.

The rubber plant can withstand neglect as it thrives in drier soil. They can be watered only once a week.

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Spruce up your home and purify your air with these forgiving and low-maintenance indoor plants!

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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Keep Yourself Busy With These Brilliant Stay-At-Home Ideas

Not all establishments are opening during Phase 1. This means that many Singaporeans are still working from home. Staying mostly indoors for long periods of time can take a toll on anyone. One way to get rid of the unpleasant feelings you have been having is to keep yourself busy. Here are five stay-at-home ideas that you can explore to spice up your days!

#1: BOOST YOUR CHILD’S ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Increase your child’s grades by using technology to your advantage. Distance learning is no longer limited to schools as more enrichment and tuition centers have been opening their doors to modern possibilities. Companies such as 88tuition and ThinkersBox can help your child excel in various subjects.

The former provides video-based learning materials suitable for students from Primary 1 to Secondary 4 for subjects such as Mathematics, Mandarin, and English. The child will be able to take his or her own pace through reviewing and re-watching these videos. The latter provides enrichment classes for kids geared towards enhancing their brain development. ThinkersBox enables your child to concentrate well with its Brain Booster sessions focusing on developing concentration, stronger attention span, and other cognitive abilities. See these websites for yourself!

#2: SPARK JOY IN YOUR WARDROBE

Your routine may consist a cycle of: eat, sleep, and repeat. However, this does not mean that you have to forgo dressing up. You still need do occasional grocery and office runs. Do this in style by de-cluttering and mixing up your wardrobe. Start by cleaning up your closet and searching for items that you can donate or dispose. Get rid of these items. Lastly, you can purchase online to avoid coming in contact with the mall crowds.

Buying your new outfit online is so convenient these days. Virtual Boutiques such as Zalora and Love, Bonito have a wide array of selection. Take advantage of their seasonal promotions such as the previous Chinese New Year sale.

#3: EXPERIMENT IN THE KITCHEN

While following the CB period, my sister unleashed her talents in baking. She recently cooked the most delicious and chewy chocolate chip cookies. She had everyone involved and so can you! Make cooking a family affair or a friendly competition among parents. The two opposing dishes can be judged based on the taste, affordability, and presentation. Who says dining at home has to be boring?

Your family’s routine may have changed due to the pandemic, but you do not have to lead a bland life. Take this time to spend quality moments with your family such as when you cook together in the kitchen.

#4: RE-VISIT YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS

With time in your hands, take this opportunity to re-visit your financial goals. What were you aiming to achieve in the new decade? What were the financial steps that you put on hold, before the pandemic? Browse educational articles online to help you brush up on your financial knowledge or gain new money insights through in-depth research.

You can consider opening a trading account as you begin your investment journey. Or, you may educated your children about the basic concepts of money. It pays to integrate a sense of curiosity in them at an early age.

#5: DO MENTAL CHECK-INS

Mental health is as important as your physical health. Ask yourself, your friends, and family members a simple question. “How are you feeling today?” This question can unlock many underlying issues or problems faced due to the COVID-19 situation. Some people have a hard time sleeping at night. While, others cry due to their anxiety of not going back to work.

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Checking the emotional state of people close to you can show how much you care for them. Allow yourself to experience these complex emotions and know that you will not be in the same state forever.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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