Archives for November 2017

5 Simple Ways to Spruce Up your Living Room

November 16, 2017 By
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The living room is the first place that your guests see when they visit your home. You may share meals in the kitchen, but your family spends hours in the living room. If you have had the same design for years, revamping the living room may seem a hard task, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are five simple ways to give your living room a new lease of life.

1. Use Different Textures

One of the easiest ways to give any space a fresh look is to redecorate. Play around with different textures and materials. For instance, if you have the same texture for your walls, you can change the texture of one or two walls. Another idea is to add new pieces with different materials. Mix decorating pieces made of textiles, wood, leather, metal, and glass, depending on your budget and space.

2. Simplify your Design and Style

Homeowners try too hard to make their spaces stand out until the design looks complicated. Inspect your space and remove all unnecessary items. An over-accessorized space looks cluttered even when the accessories are outstanding. You can place some items in other spaces in your house or use them to revamp your outdoors.

3. Create a New Focal Point

Explore different ideas of a focal point and then get one that works for your space. You can choose a historic wall hanging, a large mirror, art piece, or a free standing electric fireplace. If you have had the same focal point for years, consider replacing it with a new idea. For instance, you can get a new art piece to replace an old wall hanging. The good thing about accessories is that you can use them in other spaces in your home.

4. Rethink the Furniture

One common mistake in many homes is excess furniture in the living room. You anticipate large birthday celebrations and visitors every weekend and hence buy more seats and tables for them. Such an approach is not realistic. The living room should only be functional for your family and probably a few regular visitors. Remove excess furniture in your space to make it more functional. You can also replace the furniture with new pieces that take up less space.

5. Add Optical Illusions

You can make any small room to appear bigger with optical illusions. For instance, you can use vertically striped wallpaper, tall lamps, or long curtains. A classical way of making small spaces bigger is mounting a mirror on one or two walls. Mirrors reflect light and make rooms appear brighter, which makes other pieces in the room visible. Another way of creating optical illusions is to use resin floors, which reflect light to all parts of the room.

Conclusion

You have multiple ideas to create a new look in your living room. You can have a different look every season or year on a low budget if you creatively use decorating pieces. Avoid cluttering the space with too many pieces or mixing different color themes. The living must remain enjoyable and easy to use for your family as you add or remove new pieces.

 

 

 

Filed Under: For The Home
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Tips for Reaching Your Health Goals

November 15, 2017 By
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Each and every year you set yourself new health goals, but do you actually reach them? Whether you want to lose weight, shape up or eat a better diet, it can be difficult sticking to your new regimen. In order to reach a happier and healthier new you, it’s important to make your targets tangible. If you aren’t specific about the number of pounds you want to lose, or how long you want to take you reach your new weight, then the chances are high that you will fail along the way.

So, if you are sick and tired of seeing your health and wellness goals fall by the wayside, then why not take matters into your own hands? First and foremost, work out what is motivating you to lose weight. Do you want to look and feel better in your clothes, and gain more energy? If you are clear about what you want, then you can use this goal to inspire you during your journey.

Have a Healthy Plan

Just as you would do on a road trip, you’ll need to make a plan and stick to it if you want to reach your health goals. If you jump into your new lifestyle without making any plans then you are bound to fail at the first hurdle. Make sure that you take time to draw up your plan. Be specific when it comes to time scale and the measures you are going to use to help you – such as keeping a food diary, or booking in several sessions a week with a personal trainer.

Make Changes to Your Diet

Weight loss doesn’t just happen in the gym; it needs to begin in the kitchen. If you are working out, without fueling your body correctly, then it won’t receive the essential nutrients that it needs. Similarly, you won’t want to make too great a reduction to the amount of calories you consume, as this will make your body store fat rather than build muscle tone. Sites such as My Nutrition Advisor can provide tailor made plans to help you reach your nutrition goals. Being on your fitness journey, doesn’t mean that you need to sacrifice on taste or texture at mealtimes either. Why not get creative and try out some new recipes? Be sure to track the amount of snacks that you eat during the day, and jot them down in your food journal.

Be Prepared to Plateau

There will be times when you fall off the wagon, or fail to lose a pound each week. Remember that this is normal, but don’t use this as an excuse to quit when you are doing so well with your new routine. Be sure to use your negative energy wisely. You could decide to try a new class, or even get your friends involved in your fitness regimen. Make sure that you don’t let negative thoughts get the better of you.

Reaching your health goals will take time, energy and determination. However, don’t let this put you off. If you establish your goals and stick to them then you will see results over time. Be patient and remember why you are on a health and wellness journey. Congratulations on reaching a happier and healthier new you.

 

 

Filed Under: Health, Fitness, Weightloss, and Wellness
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Is a Musical Instrument a Good Christmas Gift for Your Teen Son or Daughter

November 15, 2017 By
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If you have a tech mad teen who already has most of the electronics that they want, such as a good cell phone, laptop, games consoles and tablet, it can be hard to come up with a Christmas gift idea that will appeal to their techie side while also giving them some benefits.

A good option in this case can be an electric musical instrument, like an electric guitar, keyboard or drum machine.

Why Is an Electronic Instrument an Appealing Gift for A Teen?

Most young people like music, and even if they have never expressed much interest in it before, they certainly see things like guitars as cool. Electric guitars come in a huge range of styles, and you can check out companies like BuzzHarmony.com to find something within your budget that you think your child will love.

Perhaps an instrument similar to what their favorite musician plays could be an amazing gift, or something that allows them to teach themselves to play using internet tutorials so they can gain a new hobby.

Why Learning an Instrument Is Great For Kids

Another good thing about getting a musical instrument for your kid’s Christmas present is that learning to play it can give them a lot of new skills. Learning how to read music is surprisingly good for someone’s math skills, due to how written music works, and they will also learn good coordination and rhythm skills that will be useful for other things like sports.

Music can also be a really absorbing hobby that can allow them to focus on something other than their school work while still being productive, and with electronic instruments like electric guitars and keyboards they also get to learn about the technology that makes them work and how to program them to get different sounds.

Choosing the Right Instrument for Your Child

Budget obviously plays a big part in what kind of instrument you can get, however things like electric guitars come at different price points and can also be bought second-hand, so it can be an option even if you don’t have a lot to spend. You may be worried about noise while your kid practices, however with electric instruments it is possible to practice with headphones and not make too much noise, so as long as you factor these into the package you buy for Christmas you shouldn’t have to worry about waking the neighbors!

When choosing what to buy, think about what kind of music your child likes. If they are into rock and metal, then electric guitars or drums tend to appeal more as they can learn to play the songs they love. If they are more into pop, then a keyboard could be best as it allows you to create all kinds of electronic sounds and experiment with things like sampling.

Music can be a fantastic hobby and skill that may well stay with your child a lifetime, so if they are tech mad and you are struggling for choices, an electric instrument may well be the ideal gift.

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Ways To Improve Your Relationship With Your Pet

November 15, 2017 By
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Pets are funny and have a personality of their own. First-time or new pet owners learn this very quickly and are oftentimes thrown off guard. Even with your pet, it’s a relationship that needs nourishing. They’re definitely a responsibility and require your attention and care.

Maybe you’re busy with work and family and don’t even realize you’re not paying much thoughtfulness to your animal. Be aware that they’ll likely pick up on this and could become more standoffish. Don’t worry too much if this is you because you can make it better. See ways to improve your relationship with your pet.

Learn about their Breed

All breeds are different and require their own kind of maintenance and devotion. Even if you did some research upfront, now’s a good time to revisit what you found and learn more about your particular pet. There’s a lot of useful information out there for you to take in and help guide you to a better relationship with your pet. Energy levels, exercise requirements and demeanors all differ depending upon the breed of your animal.

Make them Feel Safe

It’s very important that your pet feels safe and has a space of their own in the home. Go online to Pet Crates Direct and select the right size and style crate for your animal. This site makes it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for, so you can buy a little home that your pet feels safe and cozy in. Buy them their own bed and put it in an area of the home that they can call their own. It’s a fine balance between making your pet feel welcome and not letting them run the household.

Get Tips from your Vet

Show your pet you care by taking them to the vet and keeping them healthy. You’ll want to make sure they receive the proper shots and take care of any issues while you’re there. At this time, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet about your current relationship with your animal and get any tips from them. Take notes and give their suggestions a try, because you never know what will stick and improve the bond.

Play with them

If you have a dog, bring them on walks and hikes with you and let them enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the outdoors. No matter what kind of pet you have, they all need time to play. Purchase toys that they find entertaining and seem to keep them preoccupied. Show your pet you care and love them by playing with them in and around the house. Not only is it healthy for your pet, but it’ll put a smile on your face and the stimulation is good for your mental health.

Conclusion

Pets aren’t always as easy to take care of as you envision. They require your love and attention on a regular basis to feel safe and satisfied. These are ways to improve your relationship with your pet.

Filed Under: Pets
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How to Successfully Train Your New Adult Dog

November 15, 2017 By
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Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to teach an old dog new tricks. In fact, you might be surprised to find it is easier to train an adult dog than a puppy, as they will have more self-control. If you want to develop structure to a canine’s life and prevent accidents, find out how to successfully train an adult dog.

A Dog Crate

Never assume an adult dog is house trained when welcoming him or her into your home. It is important to treat the dog as if he or she is a puppy. For instance, you should identify the best crate for your pooch at Dog Crate Sizes, as it must be comfortable enough for your pet to move with ease and grow with age. You can then keep your dog inside the crate when you cannot be there to supervise. Once you have released him from the crate, immediately take the dog outside to relieve themselves. Fortunately, adult dogs will have greater control of their bladders in comparison to puppies, so it’s much easier to house train your pet.

Be Patient with Your Pet

An adult dog will need time to adjust to the new surroundings. Don’t expect to house train your hound overnight, as the process could take anything from a few days to a month or more. Remember, an older dog will have its own history and may be initially nervous about living in a new home. Once a pet realizes they have found their permanent home, they will settle into the family and their daily routine.

Set Ground Rules from the Start

It is possible an adult dog could do things in their previous home that you will not stand for in your own home. For example, they might have been able to sit on the furniture or jump up at guests. It is therefore essential to teach basic commands to your dog from day one, which may help solve your pet’s behavioral problems. Establish boundaries straight away to help your pet quickly become a happy addition to the family.

An Obedience Class

An adult dog can learn new things. If you want to speed up the house training process, consider taking your pet along to an obedience class, as he or she can learn basic commands, such as sit, lay down and fetch. It will also provide your pooch with an opportunity to socialize with other dogs, and you’ll be able to learn how he or she interacts with other animals and strangers.

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective training methods. Provide your dog with both praise and treats when they do something right, and aim to keep the atmosphere both fun and upbeat during the training process. Also, never punish your pet when they do something wrong, as this will make your dog not trust you and potentially fear you, especially if they experienced a difficult life until they arrived at your home.

 

Filed Under: Pets
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5 Ways to Spruce up the Outside of Your Home

November 14, 2017 By
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Our homes are our so very important to us. We raise our children in them, and use the space to express our personalities, our hobbies and interests. Our homes are an extension of ourselves in these respects. However, we often concentrate our homemaking efforts to the inside of our homes, after all, that is where we spend most of our time, but we need to also apply that love and care and attention to the external areas too. Here are 5 ways to take care of the outside spaces.

Stucco and Cladding

Depending on the design of your home, the most visible areas are the walls and the roof, and using stucco or cladding is one way to make a big difference. You can disguise unattractive brickwork or mismatched brickwork from previous renovations, or even just to add interest to the external walls of your home. By applying stucco or adding cladding to your walls will also provide another layer of external insulation to your home and protect them from the elements.

  • Stucco

A new coating of stucco will tie the whole house together and give it a polished finish. New stucco needs to be applied over a firm layer, so ensure that you rectify any area of loose or damaged materials. You also need to ensure that the new stucco allows your home to breathe to lessen the risk of damp developing in your home. You should use a recommended and professional builder to do the work for you; you do not want to invest in your home and see the stucco cracking after a short period of time. Choose a pigmented stucco so that maintenance requirements are kept to a minimum.

  • Cladding

You can choose from a variety of techniques to clad your home, and you need to consider the pros and cons of each, but pay particular attention to the maintenance required for each one. For example, natural timber cladding is very popular, but you will be required to oil it to maintain its color and protect its durability. There are collections of stone cladding, composite timber cladding, and even fiber cement products to choose from.

You do not need to clad your whole house, you can just wall texture to add interest to an aspect or area to create the look that you want. Rendering and cladding work well together to update the outside of your home.

Porch

The addition of a porch to your house can immediately give great character to an otherwise uninspired and featureless façade. Your porch’s design should complement the design of your house and be sympathetic to its architecture and proportion. Complement does not necessarily mean mirror; you can add a porch with a contrasting design, but it must be able to add aesthetic value to your home and blend in seamlessly with the rest of your house.

You need to consider how the porch will affect the natural light that currently flows through your front door, a well-designed porch may even allow for more. When thinking about the design of your porch, you must consider its functionality, whether it’s to provide protection to visitors from the weather, a space for you to relax in, or even just a place for to store your gumboots and wet coats.

Knock Knock

Your front door is the entrance to your home, and yet, we often find that we neglect its upkeep. Entry doors see a lot more traffic than internal doors, and they are open to the elements and any airborne pollution. You need to check what your door needs to have done to it to restore it to its former glory, for example, a wooden door will require more regular maintenance than metallic doors or those made of synthetic fibers. Your door may be outdated, need treating with a wood preservative and a lick of paint, or simply just need a good clean.

If you are repainting your door, use this as an opportunity to replace the hardware that adorns it. Changing your front door’s hardware is an inexpensive way to update your door. Before you purchase and install your door accessories, make sure that you have a good think about whether your choice of hardware is appropriate to the era of your home. Wrought iron door accessories are lovely, but do they really suit the style of your mid-century house?

Windows

When you are looking to improve the exterior of your home, great care needs to be taken, especially if you are hoping to enhance and retain the character of your home. Your windows are a key feature of your home’s exterior, and as such, they require regular maintenance.

Windows have to withstand a lot of abuse from the elements: ice cold temperatures in winter, and scorching sun and rising temperatures in summer. Over time, the weather will take its toll on the windows, and you need to check that they are still fit for the job. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, gently apply pressure to the wood. If it is soft, it is a sign of decay. You need to also keep an eye out for termite infestation damage (termite trails include powdery digested wood, feces, and eggs), so that you can treat the wood before any permanent damage to the structure of your house is caused. If your windows are damaged beyond repair, you will need to replace them. Damaged windows can lead to water being able to access wall cavities and even the foundations of your home, so it is a false economy to patch them with remedial works.

The first step towards your window replacements is to consider the needs of the window. Do they need to match existing windows elsewhere in the property? Do they need to be made from a particular material? You also need to consider the budget that you have to replace them as purchasing new windows is a big commitment, and one that you need to get right first time. Replacing the windows can dramatically improve the external appearance of your house, and provide you with the added benefit of making your home more energy efficient too!

Landscaping

Tending to your garden can take up a lot of time. If your current garden design requires more maintenance than you have time to give, consider what you can do to lessen the burden. Perhaps you have flower beds that constantly need weeding, or a pond that lies stagnant and is more of a breeding ground for mosquitos than a feature that you are proud of.

Create outdoor living space that you can use to entertain, a deck or patio provides a low maintenance solution to reducing grassy areas, but not at the expense of being able to enjoy the outdoors. You can keep your area green with pots of plants, and introduce screens with climbing plants to add further interest and give you privacy.

Introduce beds of mulch to your garden rather than turf grass. It will be one of the best investments that you make: the mulch breaks down and fertilizes your plants and prevents weeds from growing. Mulch is an inexpensive addition to your family; it requires no mowing or watering, and only needs topping up in spring.

Think about the plants that you have growing in your garden. Roses, for example, are high maintenance, and need year-round care. You can dig up these energy and time draining plants and replace them with less demanding options such as Lavender, Achillea, and Astilbe. You do not have to have a flowerless garden to be low maintenance, just selective with what you choose to grow.

Spruce up your fences and sheds by applying a treatment that has a stain that will enhance the rest of your garden. There are many options available on the market that can really add to your garden’s and property’s appeal. Choose a color that is best for your home’s design; a colonial or cottage style house would suit a crisp white, while a rustic home would benefit from an oak colored stain. Think about how the color will blend in with your neighborhood, your neighbors may consider that a bright yellow fence is more suited to a daycare center rather than a standard brown. If your garden is full of lush foliage, a green or neutral color will help your fence blend in with the surroundings.

By taking as much care of the outside of your home as you do the inside, you can add real value to your property. The value of increasing your home’s curb appeal does not have to be exclusively for prospective house buyers, you can benefit too from having a house that you are proud of from the minute you pull up your car on the driveway. You may not be wanting to sell it anytime soon, but by making the best of what you have, you will feel like you are coming home to a new house in any case.

 

Filed Under: For The Home
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7 Tips To Make Money Out Of Your Property

November 13, 2017 By
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If you’re stuck in a tenancy agreement and desperate to improve your savings to be able to afford the deposit that will make you a homeowner, it’s likely that you think of homeownership in terms of freedom, and in terms of an investment in your future. But for anyone who’s a homeowner, the sense of freedom might not be as exhilarating as you first imagine.In fact, owning a property can be an extremely costly matter that most people struggle with. There’s not only the mortgage repayments to take into consideration. When you buy a property, you are responsible for the maintenance of the place. If you remember your tenant’s days, maintaining a property was something like sweeping the floor regularly, taking the bins out and making sure that you didn’t set the kitchen on fire. As a homeowner, maintenance also includes necessary renovation and improvement works, as well as a home insurance that covers your belongings and your walls and roof. Needless to say that when the boiler goes, you need to pay for a new one, instead of calling the landlord and asking for a repair. And that can rapidly accumulate into large expenses.  Consequently, it’s no wonder that for most, the idea of ownership doesn’t go well with getting rich. But there are nevertheless ways in which you can make money out of your property.

4040181094_b5c3e179b2_bMake the most of your property

Change your loan agreement

Month after month, year after year, you pay back your mortgage. However in the current economic climate, it can be difficult to make the payment on your home loan, and that exactly why some owners wonder about their home refinance options. Basically, refinancing means that you choose to get a new mortgage to replace the original loan. Why should you consider this strategy? Simply because you can borrow using a better interest rate and rate. Assuming you’ve got a good credit history, it’s the perfect way to reduce your monthly repayments, and therefore save money. One word of warning, though: People with a poor credit score or too much debt will find refinancing a risky strategy and should stay away from it.

Buy to let

Homeownership doesn’t mean that you have to own only one home. If you’ve made the most of a low housing price, then it’s likely that you might have bought more than one properties. In that case, you’re in a good position to consider letting the places you don’t live in. However if you want to become a successful landlord, you need to be careful about the tenants you choose. But with the right approach, you’ll be able to build a productive income. For a start, no tenant wants to live in a property that hasn’t been maintained, so you need to make sure that the house is fully cleaned and in ideal conditions when you put it on the market. Make sure that you stay on top of all Health & Safety requirements, namely smoke alarms, safe kitchen appliances if you choose to let a furnished or semi-furnished property, and overall structure. Finally, you should leave the tenant search to a professional, a letting agent.

Make the most of that free room

So what if you’ve got a free room in your home? You could consider letting it at the best price, say for holidaymakers. That’s exactly what Airbnb is about. The platform puts you in the driving seat and lets you pick your tenants for a weekend, a week or a month. Joining is free, so you’ve got nothing to worry about. However, as a host you will need to create a detailed profile, adding a picture and ensuring that Airbnb can verify your identity. All you need to do then is to list your space, include its availability as well as the location. Then it’s all in the description and the pictures you show of the room! Good luck!

Ever heard of house flipping?

If you’re enthusiastic about house auctions, then you might have heard about house flipping. In simple terms, house flipping is the process of buying a house at a bargain price and reselling it at your advantage. What does it require? Smart renovation strategy and a lot of attention to details, especially to capture the market fluctuations and make the highest profit. You might need a lot of DIY skills to keep renovation costs low and also a good sense of what people need and want.

Declutter and sell

A minimalist lifestyle is for a lot of homeowners a decor interior design. Admittedly, a minimalist interior provides space and freedom of movement within your property, especially by focusing on decluttering your rooms. But instead of throwing away everything you don’t need anymore, you could sell it at a good price and make money out of the unwanted items in your home. You can list your items on eBay, Craigslist and Bookscouter, but before you do so make sure that they are in good condition. Unless it’s a rare collectable, nobody will want an object that is damaged or stained.

How about opening a B&B?

If you’re a stay-at-home mom, or if you work at home, you may want to consider turning your home into a B&B. Naturally, you will need to have a home with several unused rooms that can be transformed into bedrooms and bathrooms for your guests, as well as invest in professional kitchen appliances. Is it worth it? Yes, if you can create an exquisite service and decor!

Help someone who needs it

If you have a free room and want to make a difference, you can apply to become a foster parent. With over 400,000 children in the foster care system, you can help to change a child’s life for the better. The allowances for foster parents may not make you rich, but they are sufficient to take care of a child. After all, you can get rich emotionally too!

Your property might be expensive to maintain, but it’s not without value. All you need to do is identify its specific value and maximize it, for monetary or emotional return.

 

Filed Under: Money Matters
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Beauty Musts this Festive Season for Busy Mom

November 9, 2017 By
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As astounding as it is to say, it really is nearly Christmas. That’s right: in just over a month, kids nationwide will be waking up early to see whether they’ve been good enough for a visit from Santa this year. Yet, what of mom (and dad)? For parents, the festive season starts somewhat earlier (not least in respect of gift buying and wrapping, and hiding). Indeed, winter and its accompanying holiday celebrations come even at the nearing of November’s close, what with Thanksgiving; a veritable whirl of a party cycle (whether it be at the office, with friends, or relatives). To this end, wives and mothers know how important it is to look their best, but don’t always have spare time enough to take extra care of themselves.

Your Nails

As shallow as it seems, appearances really do count. Everyone knows that; it’s an accepted fact. Therefore, if you’ve skipped the trips to your manicurist for the last few months, now is either the time to book an appointment or get to grips with shaping and painting your nails at home. If you have daughters, why not make it a bonding session? If you’re meeting new people at those functions filling up the calendar, there’s always that handshake that reveals you to be a polish perfectionist or a nude no-hoper in the self-care stakes. It’s worth the time and effort (plus, a mood-lifter to boot).

Your Smile

Meeting new people in full party swing also demands a smile or two, of course. To this end, you again have a choice of a professional dental session (though, quite pricey and there’s the fact of having to leave the kids in the waiting room unattended) or using an at home teeth whitening kit. Just remember to forgo the red wine until after you’ve revealed your magnificent, and friendly, pearly whites to strangers; offset with a nice dark (newly bought, of course) lipstick for even more effect.

Your Hair

Finally, is one’s hair. Though men will profess a concern with their own, it’s been accepted almost since time began that a woman and her hair are in a lifelong love-hate relationship. As with your nails, if you’ve neglected your do recently, and if there’s only one thing you treat yourself with this festive season, it must be a trip to the hairdresser. Not only is it a wonderful, spa-like indulgence to have one’s scalp massaged (piped chill-out music playing in the background) and products employed that you can never seem to find in stores (or, if you do, they never seem to work the same), but a hairstyle can lop years off your look as well (always a bonus when you’re operating on motherhood-induced sleep deprivation).

The Finished Package – Nicely Wrapped

Of course, to cap the effect of your mini makeover, how can you not vindicate the purchase of a new dress for the season logically? See, Christmas really does seem to come earlier and earlier every year.

 

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A How-To on Grooming Your Pets

November 9, 2017 By
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While most pets are capable of keeping themselves clean for the most part, you need to groom them on a regular basis if you want to be sure they always enjoy the very best of health. Also, grooming your pets dramatically reduces the amount of shed hair that you will find around the house, while the close contact you enjoy with your pet while brushing them will enable you to keep a close eye on other potential problems.

Checking the eyes, ears and teeth of your dog, cat or rabbit can help you spot developing medical conditions well in advance, and this may help you avoid an expensive visit to the vet. Dental health in particular is of key importance as it can not only affect a pet’s ability to eat but has also been identified as a key contributing factor in a number of other conditions. Although the general principles of grooming remain the same regardless of what pet you have, some specific considerations are depending on which animal you own.

Dog grooming tips

All pets should be introduced to grooming as early as possible, so they get used to the sensations. That said, when it comes to puppies, not much in the way of brushing is required because young dogs do not develop their adult coats until they are around 6 months old. However, if you wait too long to introduce your dog to grooming while young, it will struggle to accept this treatment as it gets older.

Grooming also builds trust between a dog and its owner, benefiting the relationship between the two for years to come. With a gentle approach, grooming should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience for both of you.

Brushing your dog’s coat will remove dead hair, along with dirt and dandruff. As you brush, natural oils present in the fur are spread out across the length of your dog’s body, giving its coat a healthy sheen.

A dog’s ears are a prime breeding ground for bacteria and germs so failing to keep them clean could allow an infection to set in. As it is such a crucial part of any grooming regime, you should always buy the best dog ear cleaner you can find. Don’t be tempted to use cotton buds as they are far too firm. Instead, soak a cotton ball in the ear cleaning solution of your choice and use this to gently remove any dirt and other debris from in and around the ears.

You should also check your dog’s eyes for any buildup of mucus on the inside corners or foreign objects. If you notice anything you feel should be cleaned away, moisten a small ball of cotton with some warm water and gently dab it into the corners of the eyes. Be careful not to leave any loose fibers behind in the eyeball as these may scratch.

Don’t forget to check the soft pads on your dog’s paws on a regular basis. If these pads become cut and filled with dirt, it can cause serious infections. It’s also possible that foreign objects may get caught between pads and create serious discomfort. When it’s hot outside, you should also check that their feet are getting burnt from the pavement.

While puppies tend to need very little in the way of grooming, dogs that have reached their senior years generally appreciate grooming even more. Many older dogs will be quietly suffering from various aches and pains linked to their age, and some will have developed arthritis. The pampering and stroking that is part and parcel of a good grooming routine can help relieve much of this discomfort.

Cat grooming tips

All cat owners know how fastidious their little feline friends can be, seemingly taking every possible opportunity to groom themselves. Despite this, cats benefit enormously from a helping hand every now and then. Grooming your cat will not only improve its looks, but it will also enable you to keep a close watch on its health, spotting any potential conditions long before they become problematic.

Always brush in the same direction as the growth of the hair and be extra careful around areas of sensitive skin, such as the chest and belly. Begin with a metal comb – fine-toothed for short-haired cats and a little wider for breeds with longer hair. Use the cob to remove any large bits of debris and carefully untangle any knots. This should be followed by brushing with a bristle or soft rubber brush which will remove dead hair from your cat’s coat.

Keeping your cat’s claws trimmed is one of the most challenging parts of the grooming routine, but so long as you take your time and approach the task correctly, it shouldn’t present you with too many problems. The key is to get the cat used to having its feet handled. Begin by simply stroking and massaging your cat’s paws on a daily basis.

Once this behavior has been accepted, you can try pressing your thumb very gently onto the pad of each toe which will cause the claws to extend. It may take a couple of weeks for your cat to get used to such behavior, but once it has, you can move on to cutting the nails using a sharp, high-quality pair of clippers specially designed for the purpose. You should only ever cut off the white tip of the claw – any more risks causing your cat discomfort.

Rabbit grooming tips

Like cats, rabbits will keep themselves clean by licking their bodies, meaning any loose hairs will stick to their tongues and end up being swallowed. However, while cats are able to vomit up fur balls to rid themselves of this excess hair, rabbits do not share this ability. If a rabbit swallows too much hair, it’s stomach will become blocked and it will starve to death.

This means it is essential to brush the fur of your rabbit on a regular basis. Aim for once a week as an absolute minimum, but if your rabbit has especially long hair, you might need to brush it more often.

Rabbits go through shedding cycles every three months or so and during alternative cycles, they will shed significantly more hair than usual. During such periods you should try to brush your pet on a daily basis. Always use soft bristle brushes as these are less likely to damage the skin of the rabbit which can be extremely fragile.

If your rabbit spends most of its time indoors, running around on carpets and other soft floorings, you’ll also need to trim its toenails. Left to their own devices, a rabbit’s toenails will grow long and sharp which can be damaging to your soft furnishings and also uncomfortable for the rabbit itself. If you examine the nails carefully, you will be able to see how far the blood flow reaches and should always clip just outside that area to avoid harming your pet.

Filed Under: Pets
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‘Tis The Season To Be Toasty: Hacks For Your Home

November 9, 2017 By
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Winter is looming, and many of us are braced for the arrival of frosty mornings and chilly nights. When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing better than being warm and cozy indoors. If your home is draughty, you’ve got heating problems, or you don’t want to spend a fortune on energy bills, there are ways of staying warm without breaking the bank. Here are some helpful hacks to keep you toasty this winter.

Insulating your home

Are you spending too much on central heating? Do you dread the gas and electricity bills arriving in the mail? If so, taking steps to insulate your home is a great place to start saving money and making your home warmer and cozier. If you’ve got the heating on, you want to retain that warmth for as long as possible. If heat is escaping through holes and cracks, you’re going to spend more without enjoying the benefits. There are various things you can do to improve your home’s insulation. Firstly, it’s a good idea to check if you are eligible for grants or financial assistance towards the cost of loft or cavity wall insulation. Secondly, have a walk around the house and keep your eyes peeled for gaps that could be contributing to heat loss. Often, plugging holes or fitting a brush on the bottom of the door can make a massive difference to heat retention. If you don’t have double glazing, it’s worth getting some quotes. Alternatively, you could buy inexpensive secondary glazing sheets, which you stick onto the window frame to provide an extra layer of insulation.

6950426743_abf3c76f0e_zImage from https://www.flickr.com/photos/30585638@N07/6950426743

Checking your heating system

It’s going to get colder over the next few weeks, so now is a good time to arrange a boiler check or hire trained plumbing technicians to give your heating system the once-over. If your radiators aren’t working properly or you have an ancient furnace, it’s worth seeking professional advice. Sometimes, you can save a lot of money and improve the efficiency of the system by replacing old water heaters with newer, more eco-friendly and energy-efficient units. Even if you have a modern boiler, it’s advisable to schedule annual maintenance checks, as this will reduce the risk of problems and save you money in the long-run.

heating-949081_640Image source: https://pixabay.com/en/heating-heat-energy-heating-costs-949081/

Making your home cozier

Even when you have the heating on, harsh winter conditions can make it difficult to get warm at home. If it’s snowing outside, and you’re chilly, invest in some extra throws and blankets and light the fire. If you don’t already have a fire at home, there are loads of options you could consider. You could go for a basic, rustic open fire, add some traditional charm with a log burner or opt for a modern, wall-mounted plasma screen fire. Take a look around and look out for flash sales in the run-up to the holiday period. Portable heaters are another option, but bear in mind that they are expensive to run. Keep heat in by closing internal doors and swap light cotton curtains for heavier materials.

If you’re worried about spending a fortune on energy bills, try and limit the number of rooms you use. If you never go in the guest room or you don’t use the dining room much, turn the radiators off and focus on heating the rooms you do use on a daily basis. Make sure you keep the doors closed to prevent heat from escaping.

fireplace-1464166_640Image by https://pixabay.com/en/fireplace-fire-home-interior-warm-1464166/

Setting a thermostat

If you have a thermostat, this can cut bills and enable you to stay toasty at the same time. When you use a thermostat, you can set a temperature, and the heating system will only fire up when the temperature falls below this figure. This means that your home will always be warm, but you won’t be paying for the radiators to be on permanently. In the winter, most people set their thermostat at around 20-23 degrees.

32459482564_2517053be3_zImage taken from https://www.flickr.com/photos/151653494@N04/32459482564

 

There’s a chill in the air and the nights are drawing in. Winter is most definitely on its way. If you’re keen to create a cozy atmosphere at home this winter and you don’t want to worry about trying to keep warm on a budget, hopefully, this guide has provided you with some helpful hacks. Plug any holes and gaps to prevent heat loss and find out more about home insulation. Book a boiler check or seek professional advice if your heating system isn’t running as efficiently as it should be. Set a thermostat and add some cozy touches to your home. Layer cushions, blankets and throws on couches and beds, keep the doors closed, and light the fire.

Filed Under: For The Home
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