Scatty.com

Author: scatty

How To Set Clear Financial Goals And Move Towards Them

Posted on by scatty

Do you feel like you’re just spinning your wheels but never getting where you want to go financially? You’re not alone. Millions of people just don’t know how to set clear financial goals and move towards them. It’s like they’re on a hamster wheel watching others succeed. Here are the secrets to getting off the hamster wheel and making real strides toward your financial goals.

1. Write down your goals

Get a notebook and write down your financial goals. Put the date on it so you can look back and see how long it took you to reach them. When you have your goals written down in black and white, they become more real. They will also feel more achievable when you’ve laid them out to look at again and again. Hang up the paper on the fridge or on a bulletin board. This way, you’ll see it everyday. It will be a reminder to keep moving towards them.

2. Make Goals Specific

Vague goals won’t motivate you. Make each of your financial goals as specific as possible. Instead of saying I will save $5,000, say, I will save $416 a month for 12 months. The more specific your goals, the better.

3. Make a Vision Board

A vision board is a visual representation of your goals. It helps to have pictures of what you hope to achieve. Many people are surprised by how their dreams become reality when they use a vision board. Cut pictures from magazines or print pictures from online of what you want. If your dream is to be a homeowner, use pictures of home similar to what you want. Hang the vision board where you can see it even day.

4. Take Action

Writing down goals and cutting out pictures won’t make your financial goals a reality. You need to take actions that will move you toward your goals. Examples might be getting a second job. You could drive for a ride-share company or make deliveries. You could open a savings account and make regular deposits. Don’t sit back and wait to win the lottery. Moving toward your financial goals requires action.

5. Be Honest With Yourself

Never try to lie to yourself or fudge the truth when it comes to your money. Don’t think that you’ve put $20 in savings when you only put in $18. The truth is always best. Take a good hard look at your finances. Are you spending too much on non-essentials? Do you have a bad habit that’s costing you hundreds of dollars every month? Take a long look in the mirror and promise to yourself that you will be honest about finances.

6. Keep Track

Have you ever wondered where all your money’s gone to? You need to keep track of where your money goes, every day. Use whatever tool you want. Accounting software, phone apps or just a piece of paper. Be like a miser and track every penny.

These are tips that you can use right now to set clear financial goals and move towards them. Now that you know, there’s no reason not to start right now!

5 Unique Places In The World To Visit

Posted on by scatty

Whether you’re well-traveled or planning your first vacation, these five unique places should be on everyone’s list of truly unique places to explore.

Hobbiton

Our first stop takes us to the imaginary and mythical world of Tolkien and the Hobbiton film location in New Zealand. It’s the kingdom of the Hobbits and the place that Frodo and Bilbo Baggins both called home.

In Hobbiton, homes disappear into the earth. The only hint of their existence is doorways located on the sides of hills. It’s said that once you pass over the threshold of one of these unusual houses, you enter a beautiful home that would “arouse the jealousy of everyone.” Because Hobbits love to party and drink, be sure stop at the Green Dragon Inn. There you’ll get a true taste of the Lord of the Rings with a pint of their finest hobbit ale.

The Door to Hell

In the Karakum Desert of north-central Turkmenistan, a flaming crater has been burning for decades. The sights and sounds coming from this crater are so frightening that the locals call it the “Door of Hell.” The crater is 98 feet deep and 226 feet across. It covers an area that is almost as big as a football field. The flames and heat are so intense that you can’t even stand close to many parts of the crater’s edge.

The flames are caused by natural gas that seeps from cracks in the surrounding rocks of the crater. This causes thousands of flames to burn continuously throughout the door to hell.

The Great Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole is located in the Lighthouse Reef Atoll near Belize City located along the Caribbean coast. Discovered by marine conservationist Jacques Cousteau, the Great Blue Hole is approximately 1,000 feet across and about 400 feet deep.

Blue holes are generally underwater sinkholes or inland caves. They are generally located in low-lying coastal areas. Most inland blue holes contain a mixture of saltwater and freshwater. Due to these unique water conditions, skeletal remains of extinct and still living species are well-preserved inside blue holes. Divers all over the world come to see the huge stalactites and stalagmites inside the passages of Belize’s Great Blue Hole.

Glass Beach

Glass Beach is located in the Mackerricher State Park near Fort Bragg in California. Due to its unique composition, it’s a popular tourist attraction. This remarkable beach stretches for miles. Its sand is covered by glass that can be safely walked upon.

Once this ocean area and beach were used as a landfill. The waves have eroded and weathered the glass fragments, then washed them to the shore.

Glass beach is a breathtaking attraction. Some people describe the beach as a fine piece of jewelry. Although there are many other glass beaches around the world, this California beach is by far the largest and most unique.

Lake Retba

Lake Retba is a pink lake in Senegal in West Africa. It’s one of the world’s saltiest lakes. In fact, with a saline level of 40%, it’s even saltier than the Dead Sea which has a saline level of 34%. The color of the lake varies by season and is more pronounced between November and June, during the dry season. At other times of the year, the pink color of the water is diluted by rainwater. The lake’s unusual color is caused by Dunaliella salina algae which is one of the few organisms that can tolerate the high saline levels. The red pigments produced by the algae give Lake Retba its striking pink color.

The 5 Biggest Sports Clubs In The World

Posted on by scatty

Sports clubs generate enthusiasm and loyalty from its fanbase. Millions of fans the world over dedicate hours of their time following and watching their favorite sports teams play. They also spend millions of dollars supporting their favorite sports clubs. Sales money coming into sports clubs includes tickets, official team merchandise, and more. The five biggest sports clubs in the world have both a huge fanbase and make the most money. Let the countdown begin.

Number 5 on our list is Real Madrid. Real Madrid is a soccer team based in Madrid, Spain. The value of Real Madrid is an estimated $4.75 billion, so if you want to buy this team, start saving now. They hold the record for the most Champion League victories, including the inaugural competition. The team rarely disappoints fans.

Number 4 on our list also comes from Spain. It’s Barcelona soccer team. Valued at $4.76 billion, this team is  only slightly ahead of Real Madrid in terms of size and popularity. Interestingly, FC Barcelona was founded in 1899, by a motley group of footballers from Spain, Germany, England and Switzerland. Today its team members hail from even more countries, worldwide.

Number 3 on our list of the five biggest sports clubs in the world is the New York Knicks, NBA champions. Valued at $5 billion, the Knicks are owned by Madison Square Garden Sports. Knicks is actually shortened from Knickerbockers, which is the name the original founder gave his new team. Knickerbockers are a style of rolled up pants that used to be popular in the 1600s.

Number 2 is the New York Yankees, of Major League Baseball. Owned by the Steinbrenner family through an LLC, the Yankees are still based out of New York City. The Steinbrenners paid a handsome $8.8 million for the team back in 1973. We would call that a good investment, considering that their current value is $5.25 billion. The Yankees major fan competition is the New York Mets, but they aren’t even on our list. Of the five biggest sports clubs in the world. The Yankees have been called the most successful professional sports team in the U.S., with 27 World Series championships under their belt. Not too shabby.

Finally, we get to the top player on our list of the five biggest sports clubs on the globe. It’s the Dallas Cowboys, owned by Jerry Jones. Jones paid a mere $150 million for this football team in 1989. It’s now valued at $5.7 billion. The Cowboys have an estimated 8.35 million Facebook fans, and that’s not even counting fans who aren’t on social media. The home games of the Dallas Cowboys are attended by over 727 thousand people annually.

So that’s it, sports fans. If you’ve ever wondered which are the five biggest sports clubs in the world, now you know. So if you want to root for the biggest sports clubs, you’ve got your list to choose from, among soccer, American football, basketball and baseball.

5 Simple Changes You Can Make To Your Life To Help The Environment

Posted on by scatty

You love our planet, and you want to do all that you can to help it heal. Taking small actions each day can go a long way in helping the Earth. Here, we’ll take a look at five simple ways you can change your life that positively affect the environment. 

Number one: reuse and recycle. When you cut down on waste in your home, you’re doing your part to help the environment thrive. Reducing your consumption keeps food, clothes, and other products out of landfills. Reusing and recycling items instead of buying new or throwing things into the trash (and eventually, the landfill) reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps to conserve the Earth’s natural resources (like water and fuel). Next time you’re about to toss an item in the trash, stop and think: is there a way you could give the item new life?

Number two: change your transportation situation. Sometimes, it makes sense to fly or drive, but often, public transportation, biking, and walking can get you where you need to go. Carpooling is also a great way to cut down on the number of cars on the road, reducing your contribution to global warming. If you have to drive, be sure to keep up with local emissions regulations to ensure that your car is meeting government standards. 

Number three: go meatless one day each week. The production of farm animals (especially cattle) has a negative impact on the environment. Farm animals require large areas to graze. The creation of these areas requires deforestation, a process in which trees are cut down to make space for agriculture. This decreases the number of plants available in the area to transform carbon dioxide into oxygen. Farm animals also produce large amounts of methane, which contributes to the destruction of the ozone layer and contributes to climate change. Simply going meatless one day each week can have a large impact on the amount of meat you consume in a year, and doing so can positively affect the environment. 

Number four: consider switching to solar power. While getting solar panels installed on your home can take some time, doing so pays off in the long run. In addition to adding value to your home, solar panels eventually pay for themselves by saving you money on your electricity bill. Be sure to take advantage of any tax credits that you may qualify for when you switch over to solar energy. 

Number five: save water. Just one percent of the water on Earth is suitable for human consumption. Saving water can help you do your part to save the planet. Limiting showers to five minutes, cleaning your outdoor walkways with a broom instead of a hose, and washing only full loads of laundry can all go a long way in helping you save valuable h2o.

Top Ten Fun Exercise Ideas For Different Fitness Levels

Posted on by scatty

Exercise is an important part of long-term health. The problem is that physical fitness is not always fun. You may not enjoy going to the gym and lifting weights. By making changes to your exercise routines, you can enjoy the process and make it fun at every level of fitness. 

Have a Dance Party

Invite a few friends over and put on your favorite songs. Dance around your living room. Alternatively, go out dancing with friends. Even if you aren’t a skilled dancer, it is a fun workout when you are dancing with friends or family.

Play with a Frisbee

Call your friends and play some ultimate frisbee. You can also play with a pet dog or children. Spend time at a local park and enjoy the game.

Go Rock Climbing

Try rock climbing or going to a climbing gym. The activity is a fun way to exercise, develop a useful skill, and improve your ability to plan ahead. Bring a friend or loved one to make the activity more interesting.

Go for a Hike

Plan a hike with friends, family, or even a local hiking group. Spend time outdoors in nature while you also enjoy a workout. Intensify your hikes as your fitness level improves by increasing the duration of the hike or finding more challenging trails.

Take Martial Arts Classes

Learn a useful skill while doing a workout with a martial arts class. The classes require running, jumping, falling, and moving around with a group. It makes the class fun, while you also improve your fitness level.

Go for a Walk

A walk around your neighborhood, in a local park, or through an interesting shopping district is an option for any fitness level. Bring a friend for a chat while you enjoy a low-intensity workout. You can increase the difficulty by walking up and down hills or increasing your speed.

Go Swimming

Enjoy a local swimming pool during the warmer months. You can also find an indoor pool for swimming throughout the year. Swimming is low-intensity, easy on the joints, and a fun way to exercise. 

Play with Water Balloons

Gather a group of friends, join in with your children, or get the whole neighborhood involved in the ultimate water balloon war! Set up teams or enjoy a free-for-all with a fun activity that is appropriate for all ages.

Jump Rope

Get a large jump rope and two friends for a fun activity with loved ones. You can also use a small jump rope for a fun workout in your home. Give yourself enough space to swing the rope over your head.

Play Workout Video Games

Set up your favorite workout video game and follow along with the routine. You can use a Wii Fit, a dance video game, or any virtual video game that requires active movement and activity.

Improving your health and fitness does not mean going to the gym and working with weights. Enjoy your workout by focusing on fun activities that require running, jumping, or moving around.

Top 10 Cutest Cat Breeds

Posted on by scatty

From stunning coats to distinctive markings to charmingly adorable personalities, let’s take a look at the top ten cutest cat breeds.

Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is fluffy, large and exceedingly friendly. Known as the gentle giant of cats, the Maine Coon is very easy to love. When fully mature, these large cats average around 12 to 15 pounds. They have a sweet and playful attitude towards life, making them an excellent family pet.

British Longhair

With cute chubby cheeks and rounded eyes, the British Longhair is one of the cutest cat breeds you’re sure to run across. As its name implies, the British Longhair’s stocky body is covered with luxurious fur. The British Longhair is a very calm, quiet and dignified feline companion.

Ragdoll

With its gorgeous fluffy coat and striking blue eyes, the Ragdoll is regarded by many as one of the cutest cat breeds around. Their cuteness is matched only by their affectionate, calm and laid-back personality. Ragdolls love hanging out with their human family, including children. The name “Ragdoll” comes from their tendency to flop down and relax, especially loving to "hang" out in the arms of their humans.

Scottish Fold

The Scottish Fold’s curled ears give this feline a very distinctive appearance and unique cuteness all at the same time. The Scottish Fold is calm, undemanding and moderately playful. This breed of feline develops a very close bond with their human families.

Munchkin

With their characteristic shortened legs and small, low stature, the Munchkin’s appearance is sure to make one smile. Even adult Munchkins look kittenish. The Munchkin’s fur, which may be long or short, comes in a variety of coat patterns. Munchkins make excellent companion pets due to their sweet, friendly and playful personalities.

Russian Blue

Perhaps Wonderland’s Cheshire Cat was related to the Russian Blue whose slightly upturned mouth gives it the appearance of smiling. In addition to its winning smile, the beautiful Russian Blue cat has a beautiful silver coat. The Russian Blue is moderately active, politely playful and has a winning personality.

Birman

The Birman cat is also known as the Sacred Cat of Burma. Legend has it that the Birman was given its stunning blue eyes and luxurious coat as a reward by a goddess because of its loyalty and dedication to a priest. The Birman makes an ideal pet due to its affectionate, gentle and playful nature.

Persian

Its round face, short muzzle and luxurious fur give the Persian its characteristic cuteness. Sometimes referred to as “furniture with fur,” the Persian may remain completely still for extended periods of time. The Persian is very calm and docile. They love to be petted and to cuddle up with their humans.

Siamese

The stunning Siamese is a sweet and adorable feline that doesn’t like to be left alone. It’s happiest when surrounded by its human family; therefore, they make amazing companions. They are vocal and have been known to talk to their owners all day long. The Siamese is one of the smartest cat breeds in the world.

Bengal

The Bengal is a hybridized miniature of its namesake, the Bengal leopard cat. Due to their breeding, Bengals are larger than the average house cat. They have muscular bodies, are very energetic and require lots of exercise and play. Although Bengals have the stripes, distinctive rosettes and coloration of the leopard cat, they are less wild than their cousins. Bengals are both curious and intelligent. 

 

5 Red Flags In Relationships

Posted on by scatty

Tired of getting years into a relationship and learning it was destined for failure from the start? Looking for red flags early in dating can help you determine whether a suitor is potential partner material earlier in the process, saving you heartache and opening the door for the right person at the right time.

It’s important to keep in mind that no partner is perfect. One red flag is not a reason to abandon ship. If you notice one or even two red flags, have an open conversation with your partner about your concerns. If you notice red flags in yourself, seek counseling. It’s never too late to become a better version of yourself. 

Onward! Five red flags you should keep an eye out for in relationships. 

The first red flag is entitlement.

Keeping an eye out for entitlement early can save you trouble later. Somebody suffering some self-entitlement believes they’re owed special treatment. 

Does your partner believe the rules don’t apply to him or her?  Do they often forget about the needs of those around them? Do they think they deserve special treatment when they go out, because of their title or some other reason? 

The second red flag is jealousy and mistrust. 

Occasional jealousy and mistrust are common and even normal. But constant or consistent mistrust is a red flag. Trust is the foundation to any healthy relationship and it starts early. 

Your partner might be overly jealous or mistrustful if: 

  • they accuse you of cheating on them (and you aren’t)
  • they remain in constant contact with you
  • they prevent you from spending time with others or insist on tagging along when you do
  • they search your phone, read your messages, or invade your privacy
  • they check on you to see if you are where you said you would be 

The third red flag is the inability to resolve conflict in a healthy way. 

Observe closely when conflicts arise. Does your partner place blame, deny their involvement, shut down, or lose their temper? 

Conflict is bound to arise in any long-term relationship, and the right partner can work through conflict in a constructive and respectful way. They should be able to both listen to your concerns and express their own concerns without demeaning or degrading you. 

The fourth red flag is gaslighting. 

Simply put, gaslighting is a form of manipulation that leads you to believe you’re crazy or losing your mind. It might involve distracting you, lying to you, discrediting you, blaming you, minimizing your feelings, and rewriting history in their favor. 

A gaslighter might ask you to make eggs for breakfast, and then lose their temper when you serve them and tell you they asked for pancakes. When all is said and done, you begin to wonder if you really are losing your mind and they asked for pancakes after all.

The fifth red flag is harming your relationship with friends and family. 

If your partner is hurting healthy relationships with people you love, it’s a red flag. If the people you love don’t accept your partner for reasons out of their control, that’s another topic – and begs the question whether those relationships are healthy are not.

How To Help Your Dog Be Happy

Posted on by scatty

Dogs are a human’s best friend. They provide us with pleasure, companionship and joy. In return, we can help our dog be happy and strengthen our bond in several ways. 

Provide Exercise

Exercise is essential for your dog’s physical health. Dogs also need movement to combat boredom. While you may need to crate your dog while you’re at work, offer adequate exercise, too. Take walks, runs or hikes together. And play games like fetch or tug-of-war. Even dancing and swimming keep your dog active. 

Rotate Toys

Your dog probably has a favorite chew toy, ball or stuffie. Even preferred toys can get boring, though. Stimulate your dog when you rotate toys. A few times a week, toss all the toys in a bin and bring out a fresh selection. 

Improve Diet

Feed your dog a nourishing and nutritious diet. After finding food she likes, follow serving size recommendations based on breed, size and age. Offer fresh water throughout the day, too. 

Promote Chewing

Chewing is a natural behavior. That’s why a bored or upset dog will chew on furniture and shoes. Offer plenty of chew toys to stimulate your furry friend. Bully sticks provide protein while dental bones clean your dog’s teeth and freshen his breath. 

Head Outdoors

Dogs love to sniff and explore. Meet this need with plenty of outdoor walks and playtime. Switch up the route or location every few days to add additional adventure and stimulation.

Offer Socialization

Dogs can be social creatures who need playtime with other dogs. Schedule doggie playdates with a neighbor’s pet or visit a dog park. If you’re new to doggie playdates, choose a neutral location, remove toys, start with introductions, and make sure your dog feels comfortable.  

Put Your Dog to Work

Some dogs thrive on hunting, digging or protecting, so give your dog a job. Hide a treat, several toys or yourself, and make them use their noses to find the objects. Or teach your dog to carry laundry and fetch your shoes. Also, consider setting up an agility course in your backyard. Give your dog a purpose and watch her thrive. 

Implement a Training Regimen

Your intelligent dog can learn tons of tricks beyond sit, come and roll over. Challenge and stimulate your dog to crawl, bow, spin, or jump through hoops. Use positive reinforcement methods and a consistent training schedule to give your dog confidence and strengthen your relationship.

Enjoy Snuggles

Pups appreciate physical touching like petting, brushing and snuggles. Maybe you don’t want your dog on your bed, but you can scratch her favorite spot. Or learn soothing massage techniques.

Study Your Dog

Because every dog is different, study your pet. Figure out what he likes and needs to be calm, stimulated and happy. For example, learn his boredom cues, offer his favorite treats and let him choose the walk route. 

You can help your dog be happy. Practice these tips as you support your pooch.

 

5 Strange Pets You Can Legally Own

Posted on by scatty

When it’s time for a pet, who wants to stick with something boring? Everyone has a cat or a dog. Why not choose something more exotic? There are several exotic animals you can legally own. With one of these, you’ll be the talk of the neighborhood.

1. Serval Cat

Imagine a pet that looks like a miniature cheetah. That’s the Serval. Don’t worry, though. This exotic pet does well in captivity. It won’t tear through your yard at lightning speed. Also, they’re great hunters in the wild, but happily eat prepared food at home.

Servals are native to Central and Southern Africa. They live up to 19 years. You’ll love the exotic look fo their spotted coat.

2. Capybara

The capybara is the world’s largest rodent. These exotic pets kind of look like guinea pigs. Yet they can grow to 170 pounds. So they certainly are not cage pets. You’ll need more than one because they do best in groups. Because of their size and needs, pet capybaras also need a large outdoor space with a pool or pond. They are legal to own in most states.

3. Fennec Fox

The fennec fox has big ears and a small face. This adorable addition to your home may be legal with the right permit. But don’t let that adorable face fool you. These little guys are wild animals. They’re also skittish. This means they don’t like to cuddle. Also, they’re nocturnal. You’ll find they have a lot of energy when you want ot sleep. If you’re up for that challenge, this is one of the cutest exotics you can own.

4. Two-Toed Sloth

Many people are obsessed with the adorable, lazy sloth. Shockingly, it’s legal to own a two-toed sloth in several states. This exotic pet requires specialized care and doesn’t like to be held. You’ll need to give it climbing space and prepare for a long-term commitment. But one perk is that they don’t move fast. You’ll never have to chase your pet through the neighborhood if you choose a sloth.

5. Tamandua

The tamandua is a 10-pound variety of anteater. This popular pet has a personality similar to a cat. They may even be willing to cuddle. This makes them appealing as an exotic pet. You’ll draw plenty of attention walking a tiny anteater. Keep in mind that they sleep a lot. They are also nocturnal. This means they may be active at night.

Which exotic pet strikes your fancy? Before you buy, make sure you research local laws. Each state has its own exotic pet regulations. Always check the laws in your state before buying a pet. Also make sure to research care for your pet. Finally, choose a reputable, captive breeder.

Relaxation Techniques To Restore Clear Thinking

Posted on by scatty

Finding ways to reduce stress and relax your body is critical for your well-being. Proper relaxation techniques help clear your mind and restore clear thinking. The key is finding the right techniques to suit your needs and goals.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Progressive Muscle Relaxation, or PMR, is a technique used to reduce stress at the physical level. You start with your feet and toes. Tense up the muscles, hold the tension for five seconds, and then release the tension. Repeat the process in your calves. Move onto your thighs and then your core muscles. Repeat the process in your hands and arms. 

By the time you complete the relaxation technique throughout your entire body, you will reduce the tension in your body. It helps you feel relaxed and stress free. Furthermore, the active focus on tension and relaxation on each part of your body draws your mind away from anxiety, stress, or specific concerns. You are able to clear your mind by focusing on a specific task.

Deep Breathing

Deep breathing is a relaxation technique that focuses on your breath. Take a deep breath while you count to ten. Hold your breath for ten seconds. Release your breath for ten seconds. If you have difficulty with ten second increments, then start with five seconds and move up to ten as you increase your lung capacity.

The advantage of deep breathing for relaxation is the focus on counting. Since you count each inhalation, hold, and exhale, you take your mind off of stressful situations or concerns. It helps you put your concerns into perspective by giving your mind a break from the thoughts.

Meditation

Meditation is a useful way to relax and restore clear thinking. Since you have different types of meditation that range from mindfulness meditation to clearing your thoughts directly, you can choose a personalized strategy to meditate.

A simple way to meditate is to turn on a candle and stare at the flame. Clear your thoughts by simply staring at the flame until you do not have any active thoughts. Alternatively, use mindfulness meditation to recognize your thoughts, accept them, and then let them go.

Listen to Calming Music

Music affects your mood and mind. When you listen to calming music, it helps you relax and focus on the sounds. Depending on the type of music, it may make you feel happy, content, or calm.

In the case of relaxation, focus on calming instrumental music. Soft music without any lyrics or words will allow you to clear your thinking and relax into the sound of the music.

Relaxation techniques range from active measures to passive strategies. The key is finding a strategy that works with your mind and helps you calm your thoughts. By considering meditation, deep breathing, or Progressive Muscle Relaxation, you can reduce stress and anxiety. The result is a calm feeling that allows you to restore your clear thinking and focus on finding real solutions to any problems that contribute to stress.