Archives for March 2016

Make Your Home A Safer Place

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It is easy to take our home safety for granted, especially when we just get used to living with things the way they are. But if you have small children or even elderly relatives and friends visiting it pays to give your home a safety check every so often. Doing so could help you avoid any nasty accidents. It can also be a good idea to get the tools out and check that everything is doing its job and working as it should. Make a list of items that might need replacing or fixing.

Check your smoke alarms.

Smoke alarms should be fitted in the kitchen and the hallway. You will need to install one upstairs as well. Check that existing alarms have good batteries by pressing the test button. Replace any batteries that are worn or disconnected. It can be a good idea to reacquaint everyone in the house with your fire drill.

Get gas appliances serviced

If you have gas for cooking or heating, you should have these appliances tested for wear and even possible leaks. Your heating system should be serviced by a qualified engineer. A certificate of safety should be signed off.

Check your property for any potential hazards.

Make sure that your floors are all sealed and there are no nails or screws coming loose. Even a small nail or screw head can cause a nasty cut on a bare foot. Check that doors and windows shut and operate properly and smoothly. Doors that are heavy and prone to banging could well trap fingers. It might be worthwhile fitting a soft brake on these.

Fit child locks on kitchen cupboard doors.

These are a brilliant DIY fix and nice and easy to do if you are prepared with the right tools. Child locks prevent small fingers and even cheeky pets from getting into cupboards.If you can, remove anything potentially hazardous or dangerous to a lockable space. Check that sharp knives aren’t accessible. It can be a good idea to have these on a knife magnet far out of reach.

Test out any fire extinguishers and replace as necessary. Make sure that you know how to use the equipment.

Check your electricals.

It can be a good idea to make sure that your sockets are not overloaded. Reacquaint yourself with tips to avoid electrical accidents in the home. Make sure that all wiring is safe and secure. Fit dummy plugs into unused sockets.

Stair safety.

Stair gates can be a real help in knowing that small ones are safe no matter where you are in the house. Make sure that your banisters are sturdy and easy to hold onto.Reinforce where necessary.

Windows and glass.

It can be worthwhile checking older style windows and doors to see if they are made from safety glass. Glass doors are particularly dangerous and should have something to mark them out in case anyone walks into them. Older glass doors should be replaced.

Emergency Supplies

Most recommendations stipulate that a house should have at least three days worth of emergency supplies. Check the dates on foodstuffs and drinking water.Make sure that you have fresh batteries for torches as well as a supply of candles. Check your first aid kit is up to date.

There is only so much you can do, but having done your best you will at least know that you have minimized any risk.

 

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Move House Smoothly With These Five Tips

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Moving house is one of the most stressful tasks we will ever do. There’s a whole load of careful planning and organization that needs to go into it. It may be dull, but thorough planning is key in helping you nail the whole move. A well thought out plan can help you move smoothly without any hitches. Want a hand in getting everything ready? Here are five great tips that will help take all the stress out of moving day.

Send Kids And Pets Away

Kids and pets won’t be able to help you out on the day, so there is no real reason for them to be around. They could even get in the way and slow you down! See if your kids could visit a friend or relative for the day. When it comes to pets, book them into your local kennels or cattery for the day. One important thing not to forget is that you will need to register your pet with your local council once you’re all settled in the new house.

Don’t Pack Unwanted Items

Before you pack, have a clear out of any unwanted or old clothing, furnishings and toys. There’s no point just moving all your clutter from one house to another. Declutter your old house so you are sure you only pack necessary items. Be really ruthless! If you need to, try out the KonMari Method to help you tidy up and get rid of things you don’t want or need.

Protect Your Valuables

Double check to make sure all your valuables are securely packed. Delicate objects should be packed with plenty of padding, and it is best to keep important documents together, so none go missing in transit. If you are moving laptops or computers, back them up before they go in the removal van just in case any sudden jolts affect them.

Make Sure Everyone Knows What’s Going On

Keep your moving company informed of the date and time you want them to be at yours. If the plan changes, let them know as soon as possible. They might have other commitments that they need to juggle around your move. Once their van is all packed up, give them your mobile number. This then allows them to contact you if anything serious happens on the road. It’s also a good idea to take their number as well, should you need to contact them in an emergency.

Don’t Unpack On Moving Day

You’re not superwoman, no matter how much you wish you are! Moving and then unpacking all on the same day is a bit too much for anyone to handle. Keep things simple. Make sure you pack a box full of essential things you’ll need for your first night in your new home. Now all you need to do is unpack this single box. Leave all the rest for the following days, when you have recovered from moving day!

Moving doesn’t have to be stressful! Use these fab tips to make moving day as simple as can be!

 

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Top Pamper Tips for the Single Mom

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Being a mom is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world. It’s exciting, fun and joyous. It can also be hard work and stressful at times, especially if you’re navigating motherhood alone. For the single mom there is often little time to spend on you. Some days you barely have time to run a comb through your hair, let alone go for a manicure or to the hair salon. Though you wouldn’t swap for the world, it is important to take some time out and to pamper yourself now and again.

When time is a factor any downtime must be scheduled. Find a relatively quiet day or evening and write this on the calendar. Try to plan ahead a little. Where possible, complete any chores for that day in advance. Preparing meals ahead of time and freezing them can be a real time-saver.

Let everyone know that you will not be available at that time. It’s not always possible to switch your phone off, in case of emergencies. However, if you have a ‘Do Not Disturb’ feature on your phone that only allows certain calls, then switch it on. Book a babysitter if possible or plan the time for when your child is in bed, at school or at the nursery.

Make the most of this time and do something that you enjoy. Take a long, hot bubble bath, listen to music, watch a film or take out yourbest hair curling iron and giving yourself a makeover.

Establish a ‘switching off’ ritual. Create a way to switch off from the rest of the day and mark the beginning of your pamper time. This could be changing out of your day clothes into something more comfortable. Or it could be having a shower or just sitting quietly for ten minutes.

Make it special. Make this time special. Light candles, pour yourself a glass of wine or use some of your favourite perfume or bath products. If you have time, prepare yourself your favourite meal and take time eating it. Don’t rush. Savour this time.

If setting aside a whole evening seems unattainable right now, there are small things you can do regularly to make youfeel good about yourself. Try setting aside half an hour before bedtime each evening. Use this time to enjoy a soak in the bath, read your book or catch up onNetflix. Safeguard this time each day and don’t let anything interrupt it. Make it clear that this is your time.

Plan some exercise. It may not be practical to go to the gym everyday but try going for a walk or a run. This is something you could do with your child. It’s surprising how much of a boost a bit of fresh air can provide. Turn it into something fun, like walking around the park or the zoo.

Recent research has shown great benefits frommeditation. This needn’t be daunting or time-consuming and can be completed in just ten minutes per day.

Whatever you do, enjoy it. When you begin carving out time for yourself it becomes easier to plan and execute in the future. Keep a regular pamper date. And don’t feel guilty. The happier and more relaxed you are, the better mom you will be.

 

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America’s Best Destinations For Camping

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Are you sick of city life? If you are, it may be time to get out into the countryside for some fresh air. There’s nothing better than escaping from the city for a few nights to go camping. It’s the perfect family holiday. It won’t cost you an arm and a leg. The kids will love the novelty of staying in tents, and they can enjoy all the space to run around in.

You won’t have to travel so far to hit a great campsite. There are many dotted across the United States, so there should be one within driving distance of your home. Want more information about five of the best? Check out this list.

pexels-photo (1)From Pexels

Moab

Head to Utah to experience everything Moab has to offer. The town is very close to the Canyonlands National Park. Movie fans will be in their element as the region has been used in many films. 127 Hours was filmed in Blue John Canyon, Horseshoe Canyon and other nearby sites. As it is a popular destination for hikers and other outdoor adventurers, there are many campsites in the area.

Glacier National Park

Not only is this national park a fantastic camping area, but its rocky landscape is perfect for large RVs. The area benefits from a fabulous location in Montana’s Rocky Mountains. You’ll find breathtaking scenery made up of snow-capped mountains and glistening lakes. There’s plenty of cool wildlife to spot too, including grizzly bears and mountain goats. Take a walk to the photogenic Hidden Lake for some stunning holiday snaps.

Joshua Tree National Park

Head to the south of California to see some of America’s famous trees. Indian Cove is an especially popular camping area and also offers many gentle nature trails. Cottonwood Spring was important during the Gold Rush. Today the area is often busy with hikers and birdwatchers.  The desert landscape means you don’t need to worry about camping in the cold!

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Yellowstone National Park

This beautiful and expansive national park spreads across Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. This large recreational area is on top of a volcanic hotspot, so you’ll find hot springs, deep canyons and geysers. The fertile soil also means there are many acres of lush forest. Another fabulous destination for wildlife, keep an eye out for moose, bighorn sheep and bison.

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend offers you three campsites to choose from. Once you’re all pitched up, you’ll have plenty to see and do! The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive has plenty of pullovers so you can stop to admire the scenery and take pictures. If you’d rather keep active, take a hike up the Chisos Mountains or hire a canoe and paddle down the Rio Grande Canyons. One of the most accessible canyons is the Colorado Canyon. You can access it by both car and boat.

These are just a few of America’s best camping destinations; there are many others out there! Once you’ve ticked off all these five from your bucket list, there are many more areas you can adventure to!

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3 Steps to Change Your Life

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The new year is not that new any more. 2016 is well underway and time is already flying by. For that reason, there has never been a better time to implement all those changes you’ve been promising yourself. There can be many reasons why we lose our motivation and lust for life. A combination of work, family commitments, health problems and money worries can all play their part. But it’s time to change our attitude. All those worries are only a part of life, the price we pay for life, if you like. Life itself is all the good bits in between! Changing your life can be a slow process or a rapid explosion of circumstances. Life is yours to make of it what you will, but it can be overwhelming if we want a change. Read on for three small changes that can have a huge impact.

Stop Procrastinating

We’ve all been there. The to-do list seems to get longer every day, with each task less appealing than the last. We’d love to decorate that room but don’t really have the time. It would be great to call that friend, but maybe when we’ve got more interesting news. For every task we want to do, there is a reason not to do it. It’s time to reverse the situation. If you have a tendency to overthink, this can be a difficult habit to kick. If you have to think about something, then think of all the reasons you should do it now. Perhaps something is a little bit out of budget, but in the future it may be even further out of reach. Perhaps we’ll have more exciting news to report to friends in the future, but maybe not! Maybe hearing from us right now is exactly what they need. Whatever your reasoning, getting into the habit of doing things as and when they occur to you can be an extremely positive change. You’ll feel motivated, proactive, and in control.

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Prioritize Your Health

You only have one body in this life and it is important to treat it right. It may not realistic to expect a life of flawless health, but it is never too late to improve. If you have been considering a dietary change, for example, try not to think of what you’ll be giving up. Think of how much better and more energized you’ll feel. If you are struggling with a long term discomfort or condition, prioritize getting it sorted. If your eyesight is deteriorating, for example, get regular check ups and consider glasses or even RLS or laser treatment. The important thing is to feel like you are gaining control. Make your body happy and healthy and you will be too.

Travel More

Travelling needn’t always be to exotic, far-flung destinations. Exploring your own town and country can be equally enriching and refreshing. Lots of studies have acknowledged that change and a sense of perspective contributes to overall wellbeing. Plan a holiday, day trip, or weekend away and don’t be afraid to go it alone. Spending time in your own company can also be very positive.

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How To Make Your Life Easier At Home If You Find It Hard To Walk

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We all expect to lead happy, healthy lives. The sad truth is some of us end up having walking difficulties. As a result, our mobility can get limited. Of course, we want to lead independent lives as much as possible.

So, how does one solve this problem? You might be thinking the prospects aren’t that good right now. But, the good news is you can make some changes in your life. By adapting a few things in your home, you can make your life easier – despite your limited mobility. Want to know how? Keep reading to find out more!

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Have unwanted furniture removed

The thing about furniture is that many of us accumulate items that we seldom need or use. If that’s the case with you, it pays to sell them or donate them to charity. Why? If your home has too much furniture, you will find it harder to move around.

If you’ve got clear paths in your home, there is plenty of space to maneuver. You don’t need to physically move anything yourself; you can get other people to help you.

Get a stairlift installed

Moving to a single-storey home like an apartment might not be an option for you. If that’s the case, what can you do to make it easier to go up and down the stairs?

One practical solution is to consider stairlifts in your home. For each flight of stairs you’ve got, you can have a stairlift fitted. They are simple to operate and are durable. You can get them in a range of different styles and colors to suit your needs.

Get a ramp fitted to external doors

If you have to walk up steep steps to your home, it can cause you great discomfort. One easy solution to that problem is to have a ramp fitted to your external doors. That way, you can enter and exit your home with ease.

At the same time, it makes sense to have some handrails fitted. They can provide extra stability as you walk. Be sure to have the ramps made wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair.

Opt for a walk-in bathtub

When it comes to bathing, the last thing you want to do is climb into your bathtub! Did you know that it’s possible to get a walk-in version? The door fitted to them ensures a good seal so that water won’t escape from the tub.

Plus, they have a flush finish. That means when the door isn’t open; the bathtub looks like a sealed, complete item!

Make your doors wider

If your mobility is getting worse, you may need to use a wheelchair or walking frame at home. As you can imagine, using one of those items poses a problem with narrow door frames.

To overcome that problem, you must get a carpenter to widen your doors for you. This will mean new doors and frames. But, the good news is you can get your doors to match the style and decor of your home.

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Disney/Pixar’s Finding Dory New Trailer #FindingDory #HaveYouSeenHer

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image015This new trailer for Disney/Pixar’s Finding Dory just came out and I couldn’t wait to share it with you. I know many Disney fans, myself included, have been waiting YEARS for this movie to come out.  We have to wait a little longer  to see the whole movie when it arrives in theaters June 17th.

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Like FINDING DORY on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PixarFindingDory

Follow FINDING DORY on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FindingDory

Follow Disney/Pixar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PixarFindingDory/

Follow Disney Studios on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/disneystudios/finding-dory/

Visit Disney/Pixar on Tumblr: http://disneypixar.tumblr.com

Visit the official FINDING DORY website here: https://disney.com/findingdory

FINDING DORY swims in theatres everywhere on June 17th, 2016!

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How To Create A Fun And Exciting Playroom That Your Kids Will Love

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No matter what size your house is, you can create a fun and exciting playroom for your kids. This will become an excellent place where they can be creative, play with each other and unleash their imagination. It will also be a place they can call their own and be responsible for. But creating a playroom is unlike any other room in your house. It’s a room where you can go over the top and be a bit silly making it a highly enjoyable room to decorate and furnish. To help get you started, read the suggestion in this guide and get inspired.

Choose a versatile theme

Selecting a theme for your kids playroom might sound like fun, but it can actually be quite difficult. You don’t want to pick something that your kids are going to get bored of in a few months. If you have both boys and girls this can also make things more challenging. Think of a theme that is quite broad while also being neutral. An adventure or circus theme are fantastic for playrooms and can be enjoyed by both boys and girls. This theme can then influence the colour of your room, the accessories and the furniture you use. Often some of the best playrooms are the most simple. So if you don’t want a strong theme to be present, consider simple wall decals or base your theme on a color instead.

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Use kid-sized furniture

There is little point providing furniture in your children’s new playroom if it is not suitable for them to use. When choosing furniture, always consider items that can be easily used by your kids. Otherwise, they won’t get used and will be a waste of money. Look for child-sized chairs and tables and cabinets with easy to pull doors and drawers. Also, position shelves lower down so they can reach their books and toys without help. This will make the space much more fit for purpose as well as encourage your kids to be more independent.

Include a quiet zone

While your playroom will most likely be used for hours of play, it’s also important that you include a quiet zone too. Your children can get quickly worn out after a long day or too much physical exercise from their games. So having this zone available will help them unwind and relax. It could be a corner in the playroom where they can read a book or draw a picture. You could create a teepee or fort that is decorated with rope lights and oversized pillows to create a calm and soothing atmosphere. This can be a place where you can read them a story which will calm them down before bedtime.

Your children will have hours of fun playing in their amazing new playroom and you’ll have just as much fun creating it. This is the perfect opportunity for you to let your own imagination run wild with themes, colours and furniture. So take what you have learnt and start creating the playroom of your kids dreams.

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