Things to Consider about Rat Cages ( posted on February 23rd, 2012 )

If you’re thinking of purchasing a rat cage for your pet rat, remember that the bigger the cage, the better it is. The smallest possible size is 2 sq ft per rat, but the smallest you ought to consider is 4 sq ft. Remember also that these are social creatures; two can be kept in a cage although some just keep one.

Tall and Wide Cages

If you’re getting a tall cage, don’t let that extra height go to waste. Add some shelves, boxes, hammocks, anything your pet can jump and play on.

There are also short but wide cages. This is less ideal than tall cages. However these may work for old rats that can’t jump anymore. If you have lots of rats, you can use Web based calculators to determine the needed dimensions. As stated though, the ideal size is 4 sq ft for a single rat.

Solid vs. Wire Shelving Cages

Some owners like wire shelving cages because all the waste heads down the cage. This keeps the animal from stepping on it. The problem with wire shelving is it can injure the rat’s foot. If you’re going to buy wire shelving, avoid the 1“x ½”, as they’re the ones that cause injury most often.

Another way to prevent injury is to just cover the flooring. You can use mesh needlepoint canvas, wiring it to the shelf using twist ties. This allows waste to go through but the surface is now softer. You can also layer the rat cage floor with fabric. However, you do need to replace it when it gets dirty.

Aquariums

Some like to use an aquarium because the litter is kept in the cage. The problem with these solid edges is it traps heat inside. It also prevents good air flow, which means odor will build up more quickly.

To avoid these problems, buy a tank topper. This is a wire mesh set atop the aquarium. These tank toppers provide extra room and allow air to circulate freely. Solid cages are suitable for mother rats and her babies; the solid walls mean the little ones can’t escape.

Suggestions for Buyers

Look for cages with shelves that can be rearranged. There are also collapsible cages, ideal for those times you need to store it aside. For unobstructed access, look for cages with large doors.

If you have small rats, avoid those with 1” wide bar spacing, as the animals can slip through. The ½” spacing is suitable for any rat size.

Don’t buy galvanized wire cages, as some rats get sick when they chew on it; opt for powder coated instead. After you buy a cage, read the instructions first, as these cages can be hard to build.
Note: these cages are also referred to as rodent cages, ferret cages or even bird cages. Don’t be confused when you look for one.

If you’re purchasing rat cages, the major factors to think about are the size and material composition. Be informed about these aspects, and your pet will enjoy its new home.

COMMENTS: No Comments »

CATEGORIES: Uncategorized

Different Types of Dining Chairs ( posted on February 23rd, 2012 )

Buying dining room chairs is not as simple as it seems. Since this furniture will determine how comfortable the guests will be, the chair dimensions, design and spacing have to be analyzed carefully. An uncomfortable chair can ruin everything so you need to go over the facts and figures carefully.

Measure the Dining Room Space

The size and shape of the dining room will influence the type and style of chair you’ll buy. Don’t forget to measure the table too. Be certain there is enough room for the people even when the table and chairs are all there.

You’ll want to include 20 to 24 inches of space from the table to sit and move the chairs. The space between the walls and the table should be around five feet.

Chair Sizes

To get the right fitting chair, measure the table from the underside down to the floor. The typical table measures 30 inches (give or take a couple of inches). The table aprons are usually 25 in from the floor.

As for the seats, they come in various sizes. Typical seat height from the floor is 16 inches, with the seat width 15 inches (back) to 18 inches (front). The depth is usually 16 inches.

The chair back height from the seat is a foot to 20 inches while the armrest varies from 7 to 9 inches. Dining room chairs usually fit without problems. If the chairs have arms, be certain they will fit comfortably under the table. You also must ensure the distance between the table legs and the arms are a good fit.

Shopping Tips

If you are shopping online, check out reviews to see what people are buying from the Web. If shopping in retail stores, you can just sit on the chair. Tip: if you are tall, you‘ll want extra deep chairs with tall backs.

Types of Wood Chairs

Windsor chairs have angled legs with turned stretchers and saddled seats. The backs have turned spindles. The slat-back chairs have a simple design while the Parsons chair is tall and has elegant designs. Buy only those made of solid wood; avoid plywood.

Plastic and Metal Chairs

If you want to buy plastic chairs, choose those that have a solid design but not uncomfortable. Today’s steel chairs are available in a variety of designs, from the simple to the elegant. Most of these chairs are upholstered.

Fabrics

The most common type is a mixture of polyester and cotton. Leather is also widely used. The advantage of using polyester is it is easy to clean and comfortable. You can also opt for silk or velvet, although these are rather delicate.

Microfiber is also a good choice, as it is sturdy. If you want the finest leather, go for full grain leather. Suede isn’t as costly, but not as durable as full grain either.

To choose the proper dining room chairs, you must combine style with the correct measurements. Once you have the spacing figured out, you can buy the chairs that fit your design.

COMMENTS: No Comments »

CATEGORIES: Uncategorized

Antique Brooches ( posted on February 23rd, 2012 )

Antique brooches or pins are nice collector’s items that should be in every woman’s jewelry box. If you have at least one of such an amazing pieces, you can well expect many elegant fashion statements using just about any kind of outfit. Antique brooches stand for a very unique appeal. They switch easily from ordinary pins to interesting accents that would make any kind of wardrobe look fabulous. To make them truly useful, you must know how to display them and feature their elegance and style at their best.

Uniquely Enchanting
Antique brooches have very impressive appearance. They are elegant and sophisticated; fashionable yet delicate. Those who are in possession do not often find use of them today with many new styles of accessorizing. Still, it would not hurt if you feature your charming collection whenever an important and special occasion calls for it.

If you are not as comfortable using your antique brooches too often and they almost always end up standing in your jewelry box for long, take note of some new ways of making them more than useful.

Get Them Out of the Box
Did you know that your ordinary jewelry pieces have more uses than plainly perking up your wardrobe? Yes, the classic charm of antique brooches can be used in many ways and they are not necessarily limited to enhancing your fashion statement.

The first best way of displaying your antique pin is to use them as table napkin pins. Perk up a special dinner with your mom on Mother’s Day or your husband on your wedding anniversary by pulling off two of your favorite pins and using them to enhance your special table setting.

Another way of showing off the charm and appeal of your antique pins collection is by using your favorite pieces as fridge magnets. Since you will be using glue to attach the pins to the magnets, you must carefully choose the brooches you will involve in this project. It is advisable that you pick out pieces that you love seeing over and over but you hardly find any significance to your wardrobe. Meaning, you no longer intend to wear them.

Or In?
If you are more comfortable keeping your vintage pins collection hidden and exclusive for your own admiration, you have all the right to. That is not very wrong. Even when your antique brooches end up as merely objects of your collection, they are serving their beautiful purpose already.

Why, antique brooches are not really intended to be worn frequently. Yes, they perk up specific wardrobes but they also sometimes do not appear as the perfect fit or the perfect accessory. In this case, the family favorite heirloom can land into the jewelry box and show off just when needed. Some women also find it therapeutic to break open the jewelry box and admire all the beauty that’s inside.

But oh, do not be afraid or limit your brooch use. You do not only use them as a fashionable accessory to a classic cocktail dress or enchanting evening gown. It can also enhance the look of your handbag or make your hairdo even more outstanding. No matter what, you will surely love the difference it makes.

COMMENTS: No Comments »

CATEGORIES: Uncategorized