About 360 MAGAZINE

360 MAGAZINE is an award-winning international publishing on popular culture and design. We introduce avant trademarks to efficacious architects. We are a LGBTQIA2S+ friendly publication--officially recognized by the NGLCC. Our core demographic ranges from 19 to 39-year-old college-educated trendsetters within their respective international communities. The pages in this art book satisfy their strong interests including music, art, travel, auto, health, fashion, tech, philanthropy, design, food and entrepreneurship. It's an introspective digital/print/tablet portrait series, which encapsulates artists/brands/entities who embody the true essence of our publication- empowerment, equality, sensuality and most important of all, humanity within a global society.

5 Ways to Save More Money for a Down Payment on Your Home

There are plenty of reasons to buy your own home. Some of them are practical. In many places, mortgage costs are lower than rent. There are tax breaks associated with having a mortgage. A house can also be an excellent investment. However, many of the reasons are also emotional, and you may find yourself wanting to a buy a home even if it might not be the optimal financial decision. 

It can be comforting to know that you are not reliant on the whim of a landlord. If you are a DIY type, you may long to have a place of your own that you can put your stamp on. One of the big barriers to homeownership is money, and having more money for a down payment can get you a better payment plan. Below are several ways to help you save for this down payment.

Make a Budget

This is the first, fundamental step. Making a budget nearly always means that you will find places where there is waste, and you can put this money toward a home instead. Even though you are probably enthusiastic about saving, you should make sure that you don’t cut your budget to the absolute minimum because this is too hard to stick to. A budget that you can live with allows slow and steady savings.

Sell Your Life Insurance Policy

You might actually not realize that you have some valuable items that you could sell, such as your life insurance policy. Both permanent and term coverage can be sold, and it only takes a few seconds to get an estimate of your policy’s value. If you are single and do not have dependents, this might be a particularly attractive option. On the other hand, if there is a family that depends on you and they would need the money from the policy if anything happened to you, you may want to look at selling other items.

Sell Other Items

You can make money selling clothing, furniture, books, cookware and more. Whether you want to put them online, have an old-fashioned yard sale or take them to a consignment or other shop that buys used items, this is a quick way to make some cash on things you weren’t using anyway—and you won’t have to move them to your new home.

Gig Work

Gig work can be a great way to pick up some extra money because unlike a part-time job, it requires little commitment. You can deliver food, give people rides, walk dogs, mow lawns or do any number of other things and put away everything that you make toward your down payment. You might be surprised at how fast this can add up.

Look for High-Interest Savings

You can turn the money that you’re making from all of the above suggestions into even more money if you can get paid interest on it. While many traditional savings accounts offer low interest rates, if you do not need access to your down payment money for a while, you might look into certificates of deposit and other vehicles that may give you higher rates and make you some money without having to do anything at all.

Marijuana illustration by Heather Skovlund for 360 Magazine

Hemp Oil: Benefits and Side Effects

Hemp oil is the full spectrum oil that is derived from the hemp seeds of the Cannabis Sativa plant. It is now widely used in wellness and health care products due to its non-intoxicating traits. The hemp oil is extracted by cold pressing the hemp seed, which contains less than 0.03 percent of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 

Although the seed does not contain the same amount of compound as the plant, it has a rich profile of nutrients, fatty acids, and useful bioactive compounds that are beneficial for health. It is used in making a wide range of products including foods, health products, fabric, rope, natural remedies, and much more. The seeds of hemp are edible and are considered highly nutritious with a high concentration of soluble and insoluble fiber, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for heart health and skin health.

Leaf Nation describes the various benefits of using hemp oil:

1. Good for Mental Health

The brain requires plenty of good fats to operate, and hemp oil fulfills this need with its fatty acid content. The cannabinoids of the hemp oil interact with the two prominent receptors in the brain, namely Adenosine and Serotonin. Adenosine receptors determine how you experience anxiety. On the other hand, serotonin receptors are associated with depression. The adenosine receptors help to curb anxiety; hence, if they are active, your anxiety level will be low. The slowing down of these receptors causes anxiety. The moment there is a drop in their activity, you start to feel anxious. Similarly, the serotonin receptors help combat the problem of depression, the more active they are, the less likely you are to feel sad or depressed. Hemp seed oil keep both the receptors functional, thereby reducing anxiety and depression.

2. Gives Relief from Pain

Hemp oil is very effective in treating pain, especially pain caused by inflammation. The endocannabinoid system of the body is responsible for signaling pain to the brain. Hemp oil combats pain by interacting with the core components of the endocannabinoid receptors of the brain. It creates anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects that help with pain management. It has proven to relieve pain caused due to arthritis, neuropathy, and fibromyalgia.

3. Relieves Muscle Tension

Hemp oil that contains cannabinoids is proven to help with the problem of stress and tension in the muscles. It produces an anti-inflammatory effect on the body that relieves tension caused due to exertion, extensive workouts or injury. It also helps promote easy recovery from exercise. For relieving muscle tension, the hemp oil should be used topically, via rubbing on the affected muscles to release tension.

4. Good for Skin Health

Hemp seeds are a good source of polyunsaturated and essential fatty acids. It has the optimal range of Omega-6 to Omega that is considered healthy for the skin. The vitamins and fatty acids of the hemp oil keep the skin healthy and prevent breakouts. The fatty acids in the oil act as a nourishing agent and help reduce the signs of aging, including inflammation and oxidation. The omega-3s and omega-6s present in the hemp oil helps to fight a number of skin conditions including acne, eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, etc. When used in skincare products, it contributes to stronger skin that is more resistant to viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. 

5. Good for Heart

Hemp seeds are very effective in reducing cardiovascular problems and ensuring a healthy heart. The hemp oil contains a high amount of amino acid arginine, which produces nitric oxide in your body. Nitric oxide is a powerful neurotransmitter that helps blood vessels relax and improve blood circulation. It also improves blood flow in the arteries of the heart. This ensures lowered blood pressure and reduces risk of heart attack. The gamma-linolenic acid found in hemp seeds also reduces inflammation, which decreases the risk of heart disease.

Despite the numerous benefits it offers, hemp oil might have certain side effects on some people. For example:

1. Mildly explosive

A lot of care must be exercised while using hemp oil for cooking because the oil releases toxic peroxides that are very harmful. The peroxide is mildly explosive and can catch fire. It can damage organs, tissues, and even the skin.

2. Production of Tumor Cells

The hemp oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acid that helps in the reproduction of new cells in the body. The rich ploy-unsaturated fatty acid of the hemp oil can increase the risk of prostate cancer in some people, as it triggers cell reproduction.

3. Weakens the Immune System

The hemp oil can reduce the efficacy of the immune system, as it is very rich in poly-unsaturated fatty acids. It has a direct effect on the immune system and leads to bacterial and fungal infections in the body.

4. Causes Hallucination

Although hemp oil is non-intoxicating in nature, it does have psychoactive properties. It contains THC that can cause aural hallucination in some people. Hence, it is not recommended to otherwise sensitive people.

5. Slows Brain Development

The neurons in the brain require Omega-3 fatty acids, of which hemp oil is rich in. Consuming large quantities of hemp oil can lead to acidity and fatty acid imbalance in the brain, which leads to brain development problems.

6. Unsuitable for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Woman

Studies show that hemp oil consumption during pregnancy can lead to smaller babies with lower birth weight and other unwanted outcomes. The active ingredients in marijuana can harm a developing baby and hence it is not advisable during pregnancy, or even while breastfeeding.

Besides the side-effects given above, hemp oil can lead to fatigue, diarrhea, changes in appetite, changes in weight and even interact with certain medications. Therefore, it is highly recommended to consult your doctor before starting to use hemp oil.

Breakfast graphic via 360 MAGAZINE

3 Reasons Colombian Coffee Is Considered The Best

If you are thinking of giving coffee a try for the first time, or if you want to change the particular beans that you have been using by now, there is one thing that you should definitely keep in mind. Colombian coffee is considered to be the best in the whole world practically and that speaks volumes of its quality. Why is that so, though?

Why does this particular type stand out so much? There’s no doubt that you can find the very best colombian coffee on the market and taste it in order to check its specific taste and quality, but here’s the thing. You probably first want to know why it is considered to be the best in the whole wide world. Well, it’s time to give you an explanation.

You are either trying to find this out just because you want to soothe your own curiosity, or you are actually searching for the right beans to buy. Whatever the case may be, one thing is for sure. You want to know the reasons why Colombian coffee is so esteemed, so that you can determine whether those reasons are enough for you to try it out. So, let us take a quick look at some of the most important reasons that you should have in mind.

The Geographical Location Plays A Role

Here is the first thing you should understand. Coffee needs to be grown in the right environment in order for it to be of great quality and to thrive. Sure, you could try growing it anywhere you want and you could perhaps succeed, but the point is that the geographical location plays a huge role in its quality. Well, Colombia definitely has a lot to offer when it comes location.

To put things simply, this country has the ideal weather conditions and the perfect soil, meaning that the beans planted there will most definitely thrive and prosper. The climate is also amazing, as the country gets both enough sunlight and rainfall, and those two things certainly play a part in the quality of the coffee that’s grown. So, the first reason why Colombian coffee is the best is because it grows in the best possible conditions.

This is what you should know about this particular product: https://www.littlecoffeeplace.com/colombian-coffee-guide

Growing & Harvesting Methods Are Also Important

In addition to being grown in the perfect locations and weather conditions, the truth is that these beans also need to be cultivated the right way. In other words, the human factor plays an important part in the quality. One of the reasons why Colombian coffee is considered to be the best is because people are rather committed to using the right growing and harvesting methods.

Simply said, those growers are dedicated to the work they do and they are determined to make the very best products. The best part is, it seems that they are succeeding in doing that. For starters, they make sure that the beans are grown on steep slopes, so as to be surrounded by trees to provide them with the shade they need. Then, there is also the fact that the beans are said to be hand-picked, which is a rather careful method that can make all the difference in the world.

The Type Of Beans Matters

If you have tried out Colombian coffee, then you must have been happy with the taste, because finding a person that doesn’t find this product delicious is extremely difficult. In fact, people seem to be obsessed with these particular beans, as explained on this page, and there are definitely quite a few great reasons for that. The type of the beans is most certainly one of the reasons. What does that mean, though?

In case you aren’t quite sure what I mean when I mention bean types, let me explain. Arabica is one of the types that is considered to be superior when compared to the second type that’s called Robusta. Thanks to the terrain and the general geographical conditions, Colombia actually produces 100% Arabica beans. Given the type of beans, the terrain and the care with which coffee in Colombia is grown, it’s no wonder that it is considered to be the best in the world.

Tips for Getting More Activity into Your Life

Are you interested in changing your lifestyle to make it more active? If you’ve always been more of a couch potato than a weekend warrior, it can be hard to get motivated to move more. However, there are plenty of ways to ease into a more active lifestyle, and some of them even allow you to keep doing the same favorite activities you’d do from your couch.

Indoor Machines

If you have a lot of sporty friends, they’re probably always touting the benefits of the outdoors to you, but let’s face it: the drawbacks include things like heat, cold and bugs. If you don’t love the outdoors and you aren’t a fan of exercise classes and really all you want to do is keep watching your favorite streaming comedy or drama, you can have your cake and eat it too. Stationary exercise bikes and treadmills allow you to watch whatever you like or even read while you move. You might be surprised at how easily the miles slip away when you’re distracted.

Starting Small

Maybe you actually love the idea of being the kind of person who heads out happily for a 10-mile run or a 50-mile bike ride but you’re intimidated by the idea of getting started. Those first steps can be the hardest, but starting small doesn’t just make it easier for you. It’s actually the key to success. If you try to do too much, you’ll quickly get discouraged, but taking a short walk on your lunch break or making an effort to get more active with your kids are easy ways to slowly make activity a more regular part of your life. 

You might also look at ways to ensure that physical activity is enjoyable and comfortable for you. If you want to get into hiking, you don’t have to sleep in a tent every night. You can take day hikes and still sleep in your own bed every night. If the thought of cycling up big hills or on hot days intimidates you, you may want to consider an eBike. These battery-operated bikes essentially let you put in the amount of effort you feel comfortable with. If you do choose cycling, make safety a priority and wear a helmet. This can save your life if you are in accident.

An Active Desk

If you spend a lot of time working at a desk, this is actually a prime opportunity to get some movement in throughout the day. Sitting on an exercise ball instead of in a chair can help you strengthen your core while a treadmill desk lets you pedal while you work. You can even try out a standing desk.

Join a Group

A great way to get motivated to make a change in your lifestyle is by joining a group, either virtually or in person. On social media, you’ll find many different options based on activity, age or other factors. This can be especially helpful if you don’t have friends or family members who have particularly active lifestyles.

Marijuana illustration by Heather Skovlund for 360 Magazine

Cultural History of Marijuana 

One of the most controversial and talked about topics over the course of recent human history has been marijuana and its consumption. It has been the topic of debate for a number of years now as it was always considered a drug that could be potentially dangerous to a person’s health, much like any chemical drug might do. 

All of this controversy led to the recreational use of marijuana being banned practically worldwide, and the medicinal use only available to those who were absolutely desperate for it. Today, many states in America have legalised both just the medicinal use and even the recreational use as well, making the market grow insanely and be massively successful. This has led to exciting new inventions for those with an interest in the marijuana culture, like vaporizers, electric grinders, or even electric dab rigs. While people may know these basic facts, they might not know the actual cultural history that comes surrounding marijuana, so if you want to learn more, here is some information about the cultural history of marijuana. 

Ancient times

Marijuana, also known as weed, cannabis, or pot, has an incredibly long history that could consider it to be an ancient drug. Most countries and cultures didn’t intend to grow the plant and make use of it in order to feel a high, but rather for medicinal purposes. It is said that it was most likely to have been discovered somewhere in Asia all the way around 500 BC. 

Earlier hemp plants are known to be native to Asia and are slightly different to the cannabis plants that we make use of today that have been specially grown with different strains to feel different and more intense highs. Typically, beyond its medicinal use, hemp fibre was used to make paper, clothes, and ropes and even provide food from the seeds. 

It has also been seen to have been used ceremonially with the graves of shamans in both Siberia and china having burned cannabis seeds in them, dating all the way back to 500BC

The 19th century

Moving forward with technology and research, in the early 1800s an Irish doctor who was studding in India discovered that marijuana extracts would help people with severe stomach pain and nausea who were likely suffering from cholera. Throughout the 1800s these extracts were sold by doctors and pharmacies all over Europe and the USA as treatment but there were problems that had been noticed. 

Through further research is was discovered that the source of the problems was THC, a chemical compound within the marijuana plant that has psychoactive properties. Before this discovery, marijuana was considered a miracle plant that as curing people of all sorts of ailments. 

The 20th century

Moving in to the 20th century, this is when things started going downhill for the marijuana industry with the Marijuana tax Act being imposed in 1937 as a way to heavily tax those who sell, are in possession, or use marijuana and ultimately ban the product. Later on in the 1900s there was a big stigma placed around the use of marijuana classifying it as a drug in the same category as that of heroine, LSD, and cocaine, all of which are chemical that can be harmful to the body. 

With every single part of the marijuana plant now being illegal, some people lost their means of natural medication and had to go through a lengthy process and fight in order to get the right to at least have marijuana for medicinal purposes. To this day, some places will still only allow people to buy marijuana from dedicated dispensaries and only if they have a medical marijuana card allowing them to do so. 

2021

2021 has seen the insane growth of the marijuana market practically worldwide. Today, there are states all over the US and countries around the world that have started to legalise the recreational use of marijuana. Now, because we are living in a time where technology is ever evolving and research is more easily done than ever, there are so many new and innovative ways to consume marijuana and so many different accessories available on the market for cannabis lovers to make use of and try out. 

There are many different methods of delivery from oral, to inhalation, to even topical. With all this, there are more and more health benefits being discovered almost daily making marijuana a great alternative to modern medicine and for those who would rather be using something more natural. 

To explore the cultural history of marijuana, delve into the rich collection of Proto Pipes. From their origins to their significance in counterculture movements, the Proto Pipes offered at https://smokea.com/collections/proto-pipe provide an intriguing glimpse into the historical journey of cannabis.

new candy illustration by Rita Azar by 360 Magazine

What to Know Before Traveling with CBD

By Ed Donnelly, founder of AmourCBD

CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is the oil found in the stem of hemp plants, which has the THC extracted to reach levels below 0.3%.  CBD products have become essential, and as travel begins to pick up, many people are unsure if they can bring their favorite CBD products with them.  Here are a few things to keep in mind when bringing your CBD products along.

Consider state laws

Hemp’s classification changed under the 2018 Farm Bill from being considered a Schedule I drug, meaning it is no longer considered a controlled substance, thus making consumption, production, and transportation across state lines legal. In order to even be considered hemp, products have to meet very strict requirements.  For one, the THC percentage in the product cannot be higher than 0.3% otherwise it can be considered marijuana which is yet to be legalized on a federal level.  Thankfully, AmourCBD products have a 0.00% THC guarantee and are produced in an FDA regulated facility so travelers need not worry.  When transporting hemp, the product has to be produced lawfully under the 2018 Farm Bill, and the USDA has to have issued approved regulations and procedures within that specific state.  Each production plan was submitted individually by states—additional information pertaining to that can be found here.  

TSA Compliant

While transporting marijuana across state lines is not allowed since it has not been legalized on a federal level, travelers can still bring most cannabis infused products with them, like CBD, as long as they contain under 0.3% THC. Like most hygienic products such as makeup and lotions, the TSA requires that any products brought in carry-on luggage do not exceed 3.4 oz and are stored in a resealable, clear 1 qt bag. Anything greater than 3.4 oz has to be stowed away in checked luggage. All AmourCBD products are less than 3.4 oz and can be brought safely on the plane. Additionally, CBD products do not need to be declared at the airport during domestic travel as they are federally legal in the United States.

Benefits of CBD for travel jitters

Why would travelers want to bring CBD along?  Various studies have shown that CBD can be used to help alleviate symptoms associated with insomnia, anxiety, and some muscle pains. Whatever your fear may be, whether a fear of heights, flying in general, or uneasiness during turbulence, consuming products like AmourCBD’s 10mg Gummies can help significantly when conquering your flight.  Not enough legroom or stiff muscles? AmourCBD’s Pain Relief Cream, which is the very first FDA-registered CBD cream on the market, has an active ingredient of lidocaine which helps soothe discomfort quickly, and without residual smells.  If you want to combat jet lag or simply want to rest on a long flight, travelers can also use CBD in place of products like melatonin.

International Travel Guidelines

When traveling internationally, CBD regulations can become a bit less straightforward. While it is legal to travel with CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC domestically in the United States, other countries have different laws regarding CBD use. Before bringing CBD products along for international travel, check on the regulations of the country you are traveling to in order to ensure you are abiding by that country’s laws. If you are unsure, professionals suggest leaving CBD products at home since many countries have stricter CBD-related drug laws than the United States.

Check for THC in CBD Products

Be sure to double check the ingredients of your CBD products before travel. As previously stated, CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC are federally legal, but CBD products containing higher doses of THC can vary in legality by state. Especially when traveling to or from a state where marijuana is legal, make sure to check your CBD products for their THC levels. Luckily, AmourCBD products contain 0.00% THC guaranteed, ensuring safe domestic travel.

Keeping rules and regulations in mind when traveling with your CBD must-haves can help ensure a smooth and relaxing trip, especially during a time we need it most.

Lady Gaga illustration by Heather Skovlund for 360 Magazine

Lady Gaga × Dom Pérignon

Today, more than ever, the world needs the power of creative freedom. A force to open up new horizons, to move us forward. A force that brings Lady Gaga and Dom Pérignon together for a collaboration.

This is the celebration of how pushing boundaries of creation, constant reinvention and passionate dedication to one’s craft can elevate us, individually and collectively.

Starting April 6, in the shape of an artistic project comprising an advertising campaign, limited edition bottles and a sculpture designed by Lady Gaga… Emerges an invitation to enter the shared universe of two iconic creators.

Because Dom Pérignon wholeheartedly embraces the causes of the artists it collaborates with, this alliance will empower meaningful support for Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation.

Computer illustration by Heather Skovlund for 360 Magazine

Your Online Privacy Is in Your Hands

Many Internet users don’t take online privacy seriously because they believe that they have nothing to hide. Even if you don’t want to secure your data from the curious eyes of big brother, you should be aware of other privacy threats on the Internet.

  • Other states: Even if you trust your own government, do you trust other states? Many foreign governments take a keen interest in the online activities of other citizens.
  • Marketers: Advertisers and other businesses use many methods to track your Internet activity to build an online profile that they can sell to other organizations.
  • Acquaintances: Many people who are curious about you will consume your publicly available data that’s of a private nature.
  • Stalkers: Ex-partners, jealous lovers, stalkers, or predators can use malicious software to breach your privacy. Some stalkerware can take your pictures and record your videos through webcams when you’re not aware. Stalkerware can also monitor your physical movements through the GPS on your laptop.

Share Your Data Sensibly

It’s a good idea to take basic security precautions on social media. Accept friend requests carefully. Verify suspicious-looking profiles to ensure that they’re legitimate. Limit posts that carry sensitive information to your friends and avoid sharing confidential information publicly.

When downloading apps, avoid handing out permissions needlessly. For example, does your fitness app really need access to your contacts, camera, and videos?

Of course, set strong passwords for all your social media accounts to keep hackers at bay. A good password should be at least 12 characters long and feature upper case letters, lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.

Avoid Suspicious Websites and Emails

Avoid visiting unknown websites and clicking strange emails and files. Cybercriminals can infect fraudulent websites, emails, and files with malware like adware or spyware that’s designed to breach your privacy, security, or both.

Stay Wary of Strangers

Trust your instincts and be cautious. Avoid friend requests from people you don’t trust. Likewise, please don’t click on links from such people as they may be Trojan horse attacks engineered to install stalkerware on your devices. Similarly, don’t accept tech gifts from strangers. For example, a USB drive or keyboard could be a keylogger that records your keystrokes, allowing a cybercriminal to read your emails or learn your login credentials.

Find a Good VPN Service

Protect your network with a firewall and a top-of-the-line VPN service. For example, Malwarebytes VPN protection will encrypt your data with its technologically advanced software and even mask your IP address.

Without your IP address, states, threat actors find it exceptionally challenging to track you to your location across the Internet. There are other advantages to subscribing to an excellent VPN service too. For one, you can bypass geo-blocks and consume entertainment from different parts of the world. For example, a VPN can allow you to watch Netflix USA while in Canada! But please steer clear of free VPNs as they’re slow, carry spyware, and may even spy on you.

In addition to network security tools, use advanced antivirus software to protect yourself from malware like viruses, worms, spyware, adware, ransomware, and even dangerous stalkerware. With the right cybersecurity software and some vigilance, you can surf the Internet all day stress-free.

Kaelen Felix illustration for cat story in 360 MAGAZINE

How To Travel Safely With Your Cat in 2021

It does not matter whether you will visit your family a hundred miles away or are determined to introduce your kitty to its predecessors – exotic cats – during safari abroad; traveling with cats is always a challenge. Unlike dogs, which have a tender attachment to the owner, cats are not that enthusiastic about this kind of entertainment, as they are mainly attached to the house.

Thus, the longer your trip is going to be, the more thoroughly you should organize it. It will surely take a lot of effort and patience to prepare your cat for travel, but the right approach will allow you to avoid stress on both sides. Below, you will find all the essential tips to keep your pet safe and sound during your wanderings together.

Choose the Right Transportation Option

You might have decided on, for example, taking over a car lease and enjoying the possibility to drive on your own, but if you do not have a vehicle, you will have to use other means of transportation, such as trains, planes, or steamboats. Ensure that you choose the safest and the most suitable way to take your cat on a trip with you, but remember that the possibility of carrying a pet on a plane or train depends on the policy of the carrier company.

If you plan air travel with a cat, make sure to choose an airline considering its rules regarding animals’ transportation. Some airlines may allow your pet to travel in the cabin as your carry-on baggage, while other airlines require you to send it to the cargo hold. The latter option is undeniably more dangerous, so here are some tips to make sure your pet will be flying safely in the cargo hold:

  • Choose a large, comfortable, well-ventilated, and airline-approved cat carrier.
  • Place a label that contains your contact information and information about your travel destination – your name, address, and phone number.
  • Feed your pet no later than 4 hours before the flight.
  • Keep your cat calm before flying by talking reassuringly to it and maintaining non-verbal communication.

Get Your Cat To Get Used To a Car

If your primary vehicle for the trip is a car, make sure to give your pet enough time to get used to it. You can (and should) start this process a few weeks before setting off. The main purpose is to put your cat in the carrier in a car for a while – cats feel calmer where they feel their smell. It will ease your time on the road later.

Ensure that you carry out the process consistently by following those steps:

  1. 1-2 times a day, choose the time before eating and take your kitty and the carrier to the car.
  2. Ensure that you talk to your pet quietly and calmly.
  3. When you get in the car, close all the doors and wait for a little – the cat should calm down.
  4. Let your cat out of the carrier to explore the space in peace.
  5. After that, take your pet back to the house, and feed it.

As soon as it gets comfortable in the car, take it for a ride – even a very short distance will be enough for the first time. Each time, gradually increase the duration – from 5 to 10, 20, 30 minutes. This will allow your kitty to perceive the interior of the car as its own territory soon enough.

For safety reasons, it is recommended to keep the pet in the carrier while driving the car. Thus, your cat will not interfere with you or the driver, excluding the possibility of an accident.

Traveling Preparations Advice

A key to a comfortable and safe journey is thoughtful preparation. Here is a list of necessary things to travel with pets alongside some other things that may come in handy:

  • Identifier sewed to your cat’s collar, with your contact information in case it gets lost,
  • Harness (not a collar) to safely remove your kitty from the carrier,
  • Leash to safely let your cat out on stops,
  • Cat food and your cat’s favorite treats,
  • Extra blankets in case it gets cold,
  • Your pet’s favorite toys,
  • Cat toilet.

Choose the Right Cat Carrier

The suitable pet carrier or a crate should be spacious enough to allow the cat to fit at full height, lie down, get up, and turn over comfortably. Also, it is crucial to make sure that the carrier or crate is installed securely on the seat and does not move when the car is driven.

Modern carriers have special openings for attaching the seat belt or have their own straps to hold steady. Usually, there is a soft, small mattress inside, and the bottom of the box is covered with a non-slip fabric.

Get a Temporary Litter Box

During long-distance trips, disposable cat toilets are the most convenient option. They are small boxes with an absorbent, disposable litter that you can purchase additionally. You can install this toilet on the floor inside of the car – as it is filled, it is easy to replace the disposable part with a new one.

Prepare Documents

Regardless of whether a health certificate is required or not, it will not be superfluous to take your cat to the veterinarian a few days before setting off and check whether the vaccinations are up to date. The set of needed documents will vary depending on your destination country, but each pet, like a person, must travel with its own passport.

Consider Medication

It all depends on the pet, but if you know in advance that your kitty reacts nervously to a change in the environment, consider consulting with your cat’s veterinarian about what kind of remedy to take. Do not ever give your pet tranquilizers or other sedatives without a vet’s prescription.

Conclusion

Traveling with pets requires many preparations in advance, mainly because it is crucial for them to get used to changing environments to keep calm during the trip. Make sure to allocate enough time for your cat to get comfortable in its new carrier as well as the car if you travel by it. If you want to bring along your cat on a flight, try to find an airline that allows animals in the cabin.

Remember to have patience and always communicate gently with your cat – it will allow you to facilitate the adaptation process and reassure your pet that there is nothing to stress about.

DIY Guide for Garage Door Installation

A new garage door can modernize the exterior of your home and improve your home safety as well. Some retailers offer complete garage door installation services. However, sometimes, you will be required to repair the garage door in case of breakdown. Doing it yourself may save some extra cash. If you have in-depth skills, you can install your new garage door in a matter of days. 

To successfully install the garage door safely and effectively, ensure all the necessary tools are available. Once this is done, follow all guidance and installation tips provided by the manufacturers. 

You will need to have several mandatory tools and equipment as you prepare to install the garage door. Once you have all the necessary tools, it’s time to dive into the real task. Here are few steps to follow for a successful garage door installation.

Ease the Tension of Your Garage Door

The first step during garage door repair Sugar Land TX is to remove the springs. During this step, you need to exercise extreme caution to avoid unprecedented injuries. You don’t want that heavyweight to end up on your toes. Therefore, make it a habit to release the torsion spring’s tension before commencing your garage door repair.

To successfully remove the springs, you need to use the adjustable locking pliers to clamp the spring shaft and wedge the pliers against the door’s wall. When you do that, you will notice holes in the spring cone. The holes are used to loosen and tighten the spring. Use the string rod to loosen the screw that holds the winding cone.

Disconnect the Garage Door

At this point, you have released the tension of the garage door. What follows is to disconnect the door from the opener. It would be best if you also were vigilant when disconnecting your door. After all, your safety is paramount during any DIY activity. 

How do you disconnect your door safely? Pull that red-colored handle. It is an emergency release handle. You will notice you’re moving in a vertical position to allow you lower and raise your garage door with ease. Start at the top and remove the hinges. After that, loosen the boots to separate the track and the panels. 

Assemble the Sectional Door Panels

At step three, the real installation begins. You can now replace a few things here and there to reinforce the panels against blowing in the center, make holes, and use the screw to secure the bar to the panels. Attaché the hinges on each panel and attach axial support to the top and bottom panels. After that, you will now start to replace each new panel with the previous one and repeat the process to the end. 

Install the Hinges and the Tracks

At this point, you are halfway through with your garage door installation. Attach the top hinge to the panel and place the axle into the hinges. Next, install the track and ensure wheels lie perfectly in the track. Lastly, secure the door cable to the hook on the panel axle support, then attach the bottom bracket to the wall. 

After that, put together every single material that supports the spring. Attach them to the track, then use the door ceiling support, place the curved section of the track on the vertical piece pre-crafted. After doing that, you then attach the other side of the ceiling bracket. Line your horizontal and vertical tracks up, and then bold them together.

Finish Up Everything 

You are almost done. The next step would be to connect the spring anchors to the springs. Attach the spring locking cone, bolt the two springs tightly to the header bracket.

Slide the torsion rod into the holes located in the side header brackets, and fix the pulleys to each end of this rod to install it. 

Attach the cable from beneath to the pulley wheel to turn the wheel. Doing this will help you pull any taut over the pulley. Slide the wheel to the header bracket to tighten all parts. After that, you then fix a pair of locking pliers to the rod outside the bracket.

Lastly, follow your manufacturer’s manual on carrying out garage door repair Sugar Land TX to help determine how many turns are required to tighten the spring properly. Once the spring is tightened correctly, replace all bolts to lock the spring in place before removing the torsion rod’s pliers.