| How to Play Pretend Posted: 26 Apr 2018 05:00 PM PDT Playing pretend is something so simple that it only takes your imagination. But if you're struggling for inspiration to make play fun, set up a play space. Let your child explore their surroundings or engage in imaginary play with them. Sometimes all your child needs are a few fun toys or the encouragement to just be silly. EditEncouraging Pretend Play - Follow along with your child's storytelling. Let your child guide the action and be the one that's in charge. Remember that pretend play doesn't have to make sense or be realistic. Instead of asking the kid too many questions or overwhelming them with ideas, say "yes" when they think of something they want to play.
- For example, if your kid wants to play underwater astronauts, don't discourage them or ask them if they mean scuba divers.
- Initiate pretend play by suggesting a scenario. You don't have to wait for your child to start imaginary play. For example, if you've just arranged couch cushions all over the floor, call your child over. Say, "Let's pretend the floor is covered with lava and we can only step on the cushions to get to the boat (the couch)."
- For a simpler way to start play, tell them what you'd like to play and ask them how you should begin. You could say, "Let's pretend we're making a movie! Where should we play? What do we need?"
- Make up imaginary scenarios during active play. If your child is bored or feeling stuck inside the house, get them outside and think of a silly, funny, or scary scenario to play. For example, go in the yard and run around as though a giant or monster is chasing you. Have your child hide while you seek. To give your child some control, tell them to chase you!
- To make hide and seek more entertaining, tell your child to pretend that they're a mouse hiding from a big cat.
- Give your child an imaginary task to do. If your imaginary play scenario is running out of steam and your child is getting bored, think of fun ways to involve them in playing pretend. Some play scenarios include:[1]
- Giving them the tools to plant an imaginary garden
- Asking them to make you a pretend meal
- Directing them to build a fire in your fort or couch castle
EditCreating a Play Space - Build a fort. Decide if you'd like to make an indoor or outdoor play fort. It's easy to make a temporary play fort by draping sheets or blankets over chairs and tables. Fill the fort with cushions, blankets, flashlights, and stories. Imagine you're both inside a frosty igloo or deep in a dark cave.[2]
- You can also stack up cardboard boxes or large play blocks to make a fort or castle.
- Outdoor play forts can be as simple or elaborate as you like. Make one out of snow, leaves, or wooden boards.
- Use your couch as a play base. Remove the large cushions from the couch and prop them up around the couch. Arrange them to make an obstacle course or drape a blanket over the cushions to create a couch fort. You can also stack the cushions to create towers for a castle. Pretend that the base is surrounded by a moat or beasts that you and your child have to get past.[3]
- Consider using the couch as a base when you're playing chase or tag.
- Set up canopies or tents to make a simple play space. Pop-up play tents or canopies over the bed can develop your child's imagination. Encourage your child to use the space for whatever they want to play. Your child might pretend they're on a boat with a canopy of stars above them or they might imagine they're inside a tent camping on the side of a snowy mountain.[4]
- Buy or create your own circular canopy by draping fabric over a hula hoop. Suspend the hula hoop from the ceiling to make a fun play space.
- To make a quick tent, lay a large sheet over a basic wooden frame or chair.
- Create a play corner. Designate a corner of your child's bedroom or the living room to be a fun play space. Choose a theme for the space and fill it with toys or comfy items. For example, fill the corner with stuffed animals to create a small zoo. You could also hang fairies to make a fantasy setting.[5]
- Play corners are great play spaces since they don't have to be in the center of the room and your child can always access it.
EditFacilitating Play with Toys - Put out blocks, legos, and dress up clothes. In addition to your child's usual toys, set out material for them to build and express themselves. Large cardboard stacking blocks are easy for younger children to use, while legos are better for older children. For kids that enjoy creating a character to be, set out dress up clothes. They can dress up and then play in their cardboard block fort.[6]
- Thrift-store finds, clothes you've outgrown, and old costume clothing make great dress up clothes. Include hats, accessories, and play shoes.
- Fill a toy box with stuffed animals, dolls, trucks, and action figures. Offer your child a variety of toys regardless of their gender. You'll find that kids enjoy having a variety of toys to play with. Instead of keeping the types of toys separate, let your child mix them up if they want to.[7]
- For example, your child may set up a village of action figures and have a large stuffed bear be the king.
- Get out a dollhouse. Set out a dollhouse with miniature furniture, decorations, and figurines. Remember that you don't have to limit your child's play to dolls. You can set out action figures, stuffed toys, and figurines in the dollhouse.
- If you don't have a dollhouse, fill a bookshelf or shoebox with the figurines and accessories.
- Give your child packing supplies. You've probably seen a child open a gift only to spend more time playing with the box it came in. Save boxes, sheets of bubble wrap, and ribbons to let your child play with.[8]
- Ensure that there aren't any sharp stables or small parts that a child could choke on.
- Raid your kitchen for play toys. Consider designating a drawer in your kitchen full of kid-safe items. Let your child reach for these toys to play with on their own or lay out a towel and scatter the items on it. Kitchen items that kids love to play with include:[9]
- Lids
- Measuring cups
- Spoons
- Pots they can bang
- Oven mitts and aprons
- Unique textures can spark your child's imagination, so mix up a batch of play dough, goo, or slime.
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Put Together a Great Outfit for Summer Posted: 26 Apr 2018 09:00 AM PDT Summer is the perfect time to go out and spend time with your family and friends, but it can be hard to know what to wear when the weather gets hot. Luckily, there are plenty of options that will let you show off your style while still staying cool. Whether you're hanging out with your friends, dressing up for a night out, or adding the perfect accessories to your outfit, it's easy to look your best all summer! EditChoosing a Casual Summer Outfit - Start with a casual shirt that is not too tight. Tight fabrics will make you feel hotter, so choose a shirt that skims lightly around your torso and allows you to move your arms freely.
- Tank tops and other sleeveless shirts are a popular summertime option. Pair them with distressed jeans or a pair of shorts and sandals for the ultimate in summer style.[1]
- A graphic tee paired with sneakers and jeans or shorts looks great on pretty much anyone.[2]
- Wear a short-sleeve, button-down shirt with khaki shorts and flip-flops for a look that will fit right in at the bbq grill.[3]
- Pick casual bottoms that will keep you cool. Loose, flowy fabrics and cuts which expose a little skin will be more comfortable than constricting or full-coverage pants. Try on different lengths of shorts, capris, and skirts to see what looks best on you.
- Other options for summer include culottes, skorts, and lightweight pants.
- Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics. During the summer, you'll be most comfortable if you wear fabrics that will allow sweat to evaporate. Cotton, linen, and athletic fabrics are all popular options.
- Linen pants are appropriate for almost any occasion. Dress them up with a button-down shirt and loafers or dress them down with a short-sleeved shirt and slip-on sandals.[4]
- If you're going to be working out or playing sports, try wearing a mesh tank top with a pair of breathable shorts and sneakers. Don't forget the socks!
- Bring an extra layer in case it gets cool. Whether you walk into a building with the air on full blast or you're hanging out on the beach after the sun goes down, bring a long-sleeved top along with you so you don't get chilly.
- A slouchy cardigan looks great with a graphic t-shirt and shorts.
- A dramatic caftan wrap adds a boho-chic flair to any summer outfit.[5]
- A long-sleeved t-shirt is the perfect accompaniment whether you're wearing jeans, shorts, or swim trunks.
- Incorporate your swimsuit into your outfit if you'll be around water. If you're going to be near the beach or a pool, don't hide your swimsuit! Try to build your outfit around it so you can show off your swimwear.[6]
- Let the straps of your bikini top show under a tank top or t-shirt.
- Wear your swim trunks in place of regular shorts so you'll be ready to jump into the water at a moment's notice.
- Opt for a casual dress or skirt for a feminine look perfect for a summer day. Breezy dresses are an excellent way to stay cool in summer, and they look effortlessly stylish when you wear them with sandals or sneakers.
- A shirt-dress and sneakers are a perfect blend of comfort and style. Make the look work-appropriate by layering it with a blazer.[7]
- A flowy maxi dress with sandals will give off beach vibes whether you're heading to work or hitting the grocery store.[8]
- A denim pencil skirt looks great whether it's paired with a t-shirt or an off-the-shoulder blouse.[9]
- Opt for a romper if you don't want to wear a skirt. You'll get the convenience of an all-in-one outfit, plus the added freedom of movement that comes with wearing shorts.[10]
EditDressing up for Summer - Look for relaxed tops when you're dressing up during the summer. Tailored styles are usually considered more formal, but clothes which are too structured can leave you feeling uncomfortable since they don't breathe.
- Flowy blouses and loose-fitting button-down shirts made from cotton, chiffon, and rayon are perfect for special occasions held on the hottest days of the year.
- Choose shorts made from a luxurious material to look dressy when it's hot. Tuxedo shorts are a popular option for dressy events during the summer, but you can also find shorts decorated with chiffon overlays, ruffles, or lace. Choose shorts with a boxy, structured cut for the most elegant look.[11]
- A flowy top with structured shorts and sandals looks casually romantic.
- Tuxedo shorts with a button-down shirt and heels gives off a business glam vibe.
- Wear a linen suit for a stylish way to dress up when the weather is hot. Summer might be wedding season, but when temperatures climb above in the shade, nobody wants to wear a heavy 3-piece suit. Opt for lightweight linen instead.[12]
- Pair your linen suit with a coordinating shirt in a lightweight fabric like cotton, rayon, or silk, and a pair of loafers or boat shoes.
- Wear a little black dress to show off your tan on any occasion. There's no wrong time to wear an LBD, so find one that fits you perfectly, then wear it everywhere, from a first date to a bridal shower.[13]
- If you'll be out in the sun and you don't want to wear black, look for a light-colored maxi dress or sundress made of cotton, jersey, silk, or rayon.
- If you have an hourglass shape or you're wider in the hips, a wrap dress will flatter your figure.
- If you have a rectangular figure, a dress with a peplum will add the illusion of curves.
- Opt for a formal jumpsuit if you don't want to wear a dress. Glam jumpsuits are on-trend, comfortable, and versatile. You can wear a jumpsuit to even the most formal of occasions if it's made from luxurious silk, chiffon, crepe, or brocade.
- Accessorize your look with embellished flats or stiletto heels, statement jewelry, and a clutch.
EditAccessorizing Your Outfit - Wear comfortable shoes that will keep your feet cool on a casual day. Avoid getting uncomfortably hot and prevent foot odors by wearing open-toed shoes as often as possible. If you wear closed-toe shoes, make sure you wear socks.
- Sandals come in a huge variety of styles, and they'll keep your feet cool while complementing almost any outfit. Not every setting is appropriate for sandals, though, so opt for a different shoe if you're dining at a 5-star restaurant or meeting with a lawyer, for instance.
- Canvas sneakers are casual and breathable, and they're perfect whether you're playing ball or hanging with your friends.[14]
- Choose dressy shoes that will let your feet breathe for nice occasions. Even if you're dressing up, it's important to be comfortable and keep your feet cool on the hottest days of the year. Opt for open-toed heels, loafers, and other shoes that will let air circulate around your feet.
- Flats, loafers, and boat shoes travel well and will help keep your feet cool. They're dressier than sandals, and depending on your outfit, you can wear them pretty much everywhere.
- Strappy heels are glamorous and elegant, and they'll instantly make your outfit seem dressier![15]
- Top your outfit with a hat. Protect yourself from the sun and add an extra dose of style to your look by adding a hat to your outfit.[16]
- A wide-brimmed, floppy hat looks great with a dress, but you can also use it to dress up a tank top and shorts.
- A baseball hat is all about casual cool, and it will help protect your eyes while you're hanging around outside.
- Slather on the sunscreen. If you're going to be outside for more than 20 minutes, you need to wear sunscreen, even if it's overcast outside. Choose a sunscreen that's at least SPF 30 and re-apply it every 2 hours.[17]
- Opt for light makeup if you wear any. Summertime heat and sweat can ruin a perfectly-applied makeup look, so go for a minimal look with tinted moisturizer, mascara, and a lip stain.
- For added protection, choose a moisturizer with sunscreen.
- If you don't have tinted moisturizer, just mix a little of your foundation with your favorite lightweight moisturizer.
- Use your lip color as a quick way to add a little color to your cheeks! Just use your fingers to dab a little of the color onto the fullest part of your cheeks, then use your fingers to blend it in a circular motion.
- Carry all your essentials in a woven bag. Straw bags are the perfect tote for summer. You can throw in whatever you need, whether it's a beach towel or that book you've been meaning to read.[18]
- Top off your look with your favorite sunglasses. Not only do your shades make you look cooler, but they also protect your eyes from harmful UVA/UVB ray. That's all the excuse you need to pop on a pair of too-cool aviators, glamorous pair of oversized glasses, or sporty pair of wraparounds before you leave the house.[19]
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Keep a Guinea Pig on a Budget Posted: 26 Apr 2018 01:00 AM PDT Owning guinea pigs is something that can really break your bank and cause you financial problems. They require a splash-out of money for their cage, hay and food costing a fortune each month. However, there are a few handy tips to get your financial plan on track. - Avoid adopting more guinea pig's than you can handle. Keeping the minimum of two guinea pigs together will suffice. If you struggle with money or think you will potentially struggle then avoid adopting any more than two cavies. As much as they're irresistible in the pet store, you'll most likely end up having to give them away afterwards due to the financial struggle.
- Compare prices. Avoid just going to the store closest to you. If you want to save on items, discover some other stores in town. By comparing prices and visiting more than one store you can find yourself a great deal on items you buy and save yourself money.
- Find an inexpensive yet suitable cage. Don't buy something that's way too expensive yet unsuitable for your guinea pig. Some pet stores tend to overprice their cages. Online stores or DIY C & C cages are sufficient enough. You can always build your own cage instead of purchasing an expensive commercial cage.
- Buy second-hand which are a lot cheaper (almost half price) than new store cages and are just as good.
- Two guinea pigs will need 7.5 square feet at the minimum.[1]
- You will find that C & C cages come up a lot cheaper than hutches and runs. You can also make your own by purchasing cubic grids and connecting them together. However, these are more suitable for indoor guinea pigs. They will not be practical for an outdoor guinea pig.
- Change your bedding. Bedding can be one of the most expensive parts of keeping guinea pig's with some people spending $20 a week on it! There is no need to spend so much on bedding that doesn't last and costs you a fortune. Switch to something that lasts longer or is cheaper.
- Fleece will last you a lifetime with it only needing to be washed regularly. However, keep an eye on utility and water bills. You will need to wash your fleece at least once a week.
- Switch to a different brand/make of bedding. Line recycled newspaper at the bottom of your cage for extra absorbency and longer lasting bedding. Switch to a cheaper bedding such as wood shavings (but avoid cedar and pine). If you're using hay as bedding you might be spending too much money.
- Don't overuse your bedding. You only need a small amount of bedding to go over the top of your bottom lining. Don't overdo it by packing the bedding up. It's a waste and isn't needed.
- Make your own huts and bridges. In pet stores, hide-outs can be $20-$30 which is a major fortune for the items used to make it! Purchase second-hand or buy from someone who makes their own. You can even make your own huts and bridges with untreated, pet-friendly wood. They're easy and cheap to make.
- Avoid wasting money on useless toys. Guinea pigs don't need toys or chew toys and often don't use them. Pet stores put these colourful toys on display to engage the customers when they often aren't needed and end up being a waste of money.
- If you want to provide toys and chew toys to your guinea pigs, you can always make your own for free. You can provide them with toilet rolls or wooden blocks as chew toys and socks stuffed with hay as a playful toy.
- Guinea pigs don't need chew toys as long as they have hay available to them. Their teeth are kept filed down and healthy when they chew on their hay. They usually don't use chew toys making them completely unnecessary.
- Avoid extra items. Mineral blocks, vitamin supplements and/or vitamin water drops are completely unnecessary and sometimes dangerous. Guinea pigs don't need artificial items to get their nutrients from and definitely avoid adding anything to their water as they might completely stop drinking! These items are another unnecessary waste of money.
- Spot clean daily. Spot cleaning can help your bedding last longer and keep the cage cleaner. Tidy up any patches of wee and poo. Your bedding can last 2 x as long using this method daily.
EditDietary Requirements - Find where you can buy your hay. Guinea pigs require hay available to them 24/7 which can become pricey if you aren't buying it from the right place. Most pet stores over-charge for a bag of hay in order to make profit. Try finding a place that grows their own hay and sells it for a cheap price.
- Some equestrian centres sell bales of hay which are cheaper and you get more for less. Essentially you want to be looking at $5 a bale which should last your guinea pigs months. Another option is to get your hay from a farm stop.
- Make sure the hay you buy is dust extracted to prevent any respiratory problems.
- Find where you can save on vegetable costs. There are a few useful and helpful ways on saving money when it comes to buying vegetables. You can feed leftovers, grow your own, find produce on sale, shop elsewhere, buy in bulk, or purchase vegetables in season. A factor that can effect your vegetable shopping is also your knowledge on vegetables and what you're buying.
- Feed leftover vegetables. You can feed them strawberry tops, carrot peels, cucumber cuttings, lettuce leaves, etc. Your guinea pigs can be your living compost. Before you feed them your leftovers ensure that the vegetables are free from any sauces, salt and pepper. Never feed them iceberg lettuce, tomato stems/leaves, potatoes or avocado.
- Grow your own produce. Having your own veggie patch is becoming increasingly popular in every-day homes as it saves on grocery shopping. If you don't consider yourself a green-thumb or cut out for growing your own vegetables you can always have a small herb garden.
- Shop for bargains and sales. Plenty of vegetables get reduced each day when they're coming up to passing their best before date. You can find bags of salad leaves and spinach for 50 cents or carrots reduced per kilogram. Some produce that have been bruised can also be found at a cheaper price.
- Shop somewhere less costly such as local or at a farmers market. Make sure you are comparing prices to see which place suites your financial needs. Majority of farmer markets tend to sale their produce for a cheaper price than super markets in order to compete for their income.
- Avoid buying vegetables that aren't in season because they will cost a lot more than their original price.
- Buy in bulk. Buying in bulk, or also known as wholesale, can save you a significant amount of money and even get you a discount on what you're buying. This includes hay, food and bedding. Avoid going to pet stores for overpriced items which are packed in small quantity.
- Agriculture and equestrian places usually sell items in bulk whilst in small prices such as hay and animal feed.
- Purchase your vegetables in bulk too. Find vegetables that are in bags or priced per kg. You can find yourself a bargain by shopping for vegetables that are kept in plastic bags such as cabbages and zucchini. You should also look for bags of herbs which can come up very cheap but plentiful for your guinea pig's daily intake.
- Find coupons and offers. Some super markets have weekly offers or coupons if you sign up online. You will find the latest discounts, sales and reduced items online. By collecting coupons, offers and such you can find yourself great deals in store especially on vegetable produce which can be the most expensive to buy for guinea pigs.
EditVeterinary Care - Examine your guinea pig yourself. You can perform a self-examination daily/weekly to spot any early symptoms of illnesses or parasites such as hair loss and/or unusual droppings.
- Keep note that an accurate diagnosis and treatment can only be done by a professional vet.
- Take your guinea pig to a veterinary school. Veterinary schools can offer you a lower cost when it comes to check-ups and treatment. Call up a veterinary school nearby to see if they will perform a reduced cost appointment.
- Go for a reliable veterinary school that you can trust and has supervision. If you feel something is off then go for a professional exotic vet.
- Get help with veterinary costs. You can apply for financial help online. Many organisations are available to help aid with veterinary costs if you're struggling to cover the money for veterinary care. You can find them online and contact them via email or phone.
- Prevent any issues. You can prevent things such as dental and gut issues already by simply providing your guinea pigs with hay and an adequate amount of vegetables. The healthier your guinea pig the less risks you run of having to take your guinea pig to the vet.
- Purchase plain pellets, don't go for any mixtures which can be pricier. Plain pellets have enough nutrients in them for a guinea pig.
- Don't splash out on unnecessary items that your guinea pig won't use.
- Purchase vegetables that are reduced.
- Make your own toys.
- Use any coupons you have.
- Don't feed your guinea pig avocado, iceberg lettuce, tomato stems/leaves, potatoes, dairy, meat or any human foods.
- Ensure your guinea pig is being cared for properly although you're on a budget.
- Whilst looking for the cheapest pricing on food, avoid buying anything that is of low-quality.
- Make sure the hay you buy is dust extracted to prevent any respiratory problems.
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