3 Great Activities You Can Enjoy With Your Kids

As a parent, finding the time to do fun things can sometimes be a struggle, but it’s always important that you’re able to make time for your kids. Even the busiest parents have to find ways to spend time with their kids, and it doesn’t always have to be some grand day out, there’s plenty you can do at home or on a quick trip! Bonding time is a vital part of growing up, and it’s not something you can ever afford to skip; it will affect how your children perceive the world and the relationships they have with others! 

Not only is it important for bonding reasons, but spending time with your children can also be useful for teaching them important life lessons. You need to be there to set an example, to encourage them to do things, to show them that there’s a lot of things they can enjoy than what they’re familiar with.

Arts and crafts

Everyone has a creative side, but it can be difficult to get it out of you. When it comes to arts and crafts, there’s no real limit on what it is that you could be doing. In any case, it’s important to find ways to channel your creative energy into producing something that provides satisfaction. There are many artistic talents out there that can be learned, and starting from a young age can give you a head start! As the parent, encouraging your kids to give different things a try is a must, and it’s even better when doing it together!

Often people are afraid of making mistakes, or something that they’ve worked on turning out poorly - so it’s even better if you’re new to it too! Showing your children that it’s okay to not be very good at things is an important life lesson; so get out the glitter glue sticks, the paints, the crayons and get going! It’s much better to have them try these things now rather than later in life, and you can have some fun along the way too.

Picking up sports

Sports is an important part of life for everyone, but the problem is, it can be difficult to get into as an adult. If you’ve grown up as someone who’s never really taken part in sports, getting the motivation and discipline to get involved later on can be a lot more difficult. Getting your children into sports and similar healthy activities plays a significant part in making sure they grow up healthy and active! 

It doesn’t hurt to get yourself involved with these things, and it can prove to be great fun for both of you! It doesn’t have to be an extreme sport, nor does it have to be something that you take too seriously, but as long as it’s something enjoyable and healthy - it’s a step in the right direction!

Who knows, your kids might start to show a bit more interest in the sport as you show it to them, and before you know it you’re signing them up for clubs! It’s great for building confidence, and all it takes is for you to show interest and encourage them to do the same! You’re one of their major role models, which means it’s up to you to lead by example.

Nature walks

Even during lockdown, it’s important to get out every now and then, and what better place than out in nature! With the summer coming in fast, there’s never been a better time to start planning a walk out in nature, and it’s something that everyone can enjoy. Sure, most children aren’t as able to appreciate the beauty of nature as adults are, but it’s still a liberating and fun experience. Not only is it peaceful, but it makes for a nice day out with the family. Prepare some snacks, bring a picnic basket, and get yourself and your kids out for the day!

Even when you do have time to spend with your children, it’s finding that connection that can prove difficult. All parents are tasked with the challenge to find ways to connect with their children, and what’s important is that you don’t give up. There are going to be hundreds of things that your children refuse to show interest in, and that’s only natural - they’re growing and learning about the world, and they feel like they know better. It’s up to you to make sure that they grow up with the curiosity for new experiences, and it can help them greatly with how they develop later on in life.

Energy Saving 101: 8 Simple Ways to Reduce Your Energy Usage

As the population continues to soar, every household has the responsibility to conserve energy. Carbon emissions begin at home, and they have contributed to negative climate change and global warming. Home electricity consumption contributes to more than half of the energy used, contributing to over 80% of greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing energy usage is necessary for environmental protection and saving on utility bills. By adopting sustainable habits, you can reduce your energy usage in the following ways:

Turn off electricity and appliances when not in use

Reducing your home energy consumption requires an adjustment in your daily behaviors. Even with energy-efficient appliances and LED bulbs, practice turning them off when they're not in use. Make a habit of switching off lights when you leave a room and during the day when there is enough natural lighting. When you're done using them, turn off appliances and unplug electric devices when they're fully charged.

You can use particular tools to determine where to discover which appliances consume the most energy and where most of the electricity is being used. During summer, reduce the usage of the air conditioner and turn down your thermostat in winter.

Reduce your shower time

Taking a hot shower after a long day is refreshing, but long showers consume a lot of energy. Keep them to a maximum of four minutes; you'll still feel clean and fresh, and in the process, reduce your energy usage. Install an egg timer so that you don't take a lot of time in the shower. Fresh and clean water is also getting hard to come by; avoid misusing it.

Use LED bulbs

Traditional halogen and fluorescent bulbs consume a lot of energy and increase your monthly electricity bill. Replace your bulbs with more energy-efficient LEDs if you're not already using them. LEDs require less energy to emit light, unlike incandescent bulbs that use 90 % of the energy to heat up. Although they cost more, LED bulbs will help you save energy, money and last up to a decade.

Use solar energy

The sun produces enough energy to sustain the globe without diminishing. Instead of paying hefty electrical bills, use perpetual sun energy to generate electricity. Install solar panels at home to heat showers, lighting, and reduce the carbon footprint. Installing solar panels can be expensive, but it significantly lowers your utility bills in the long term.

Close curtains and blinds

During summer, when the sun is hot, air conditioning provides relief indoors. Closing the curtains helps block away from the sun's heat, ultimately reducing your home's internal temperature. During winter, closing your blinds creates a protective layer against any cold that enters through the windows. Replace thin curtains by purchasing those that are thick, quality, and bold in color.

Clean HVAC system air ducts

Having an HVAC system is essential for comfort, especially when there is extreme weather. The ductwork makes for the largest component of your heating and cooling system. It creates a pathway to move air around your home. Having clean air depends on your duct work's cleanliness. When debris settles in your system, it circulates throughout your household, making it difficult to breathe, and can cause severe health risks if left untreated.

Work with professionals to get duct cleaning services regularly, replace HVAC system air filters, and vacuum clean your home routinely to improve your indoor air quality.

Install a smart/programmable thermostat

When there’s no one home or during bedtime, you can set a programmable thermostat to turn off automatically. A programmable thermostat helps you eliminate wasteful energy use without requiring an HVAC upgrade. Smart thermostats allow you to choose where your home needs cool air and learn your program and habits. Using a smart thermostat instead of a traditional one can potentially save 15 percent of cooling and significantly reduce your energy usage.

Purchase appliances that are energy efficient

Appliances consume a lot of energy, roughly 13% of the total household energy use. All home appliances come with a star rating; make sure you purchase those that are energy efficient. When buying home appliances, pay attention to the annual operating cost and initial purchase price. Although energy-efficient appliances are costly, their operating cost is lower than that of conventional models. Look for home appliances labeled ENERGY STAR that guarantees they consume less energy.

Bottom line

Modern problems require modern solutions; one of these is reducing energy usage to reduce the carbon footprint. Make smart choices when consuming energy by switching off lights and appliances when not in use and keep blinds and curtains closed. Invest in solar energy, energy-efficient appliances, and reduce your time in the shower. Ultimately, these adjustments create great impacts.

Signs That You’ve Outgrown Your Property

There will be times in your life where your property no longer fits your needs and the home you once thought you’d never get tired of, now becomes something that you may want to sell on. Here are some signs that you’ve outgrown your property.

You’re Tripping Over Yourselves

Often enough, the main reason why some homeowners tend to sell up and move on is that they find themselves tripping over one another. You might have had a comfortable amount of space when you moved in but now might be the time where you’ve got a lot more stuff or your household has grown. A space that was once comfortable can quickly become confined and cramped.

That feeling is something that you don’t want when it comes to your home and it’s only part and parcel of life that you may need to move out if that happens. It might be that you have already started looking subconsciously at off the plan apartments or properties within your local area.

There’s A Lot Of Clutter 

Clutter can be a problem and it’s something that can easily build up over a short period of time. Combine that with little space and you’ve got yourself an environment that won’t be comfortable and it will likely feel like you’re living in a constant mess. It’s good to spend some time going through everything and making sure that you’ve cleared out anything and everything that you just don’t need.

Try to be active in getting rid of your clutter, making sure you’re going through the belongings you have in your home every season or so. This will definitely help to keep the mess levels low, that’s for sure.

Not Enough Bedrooms

When it comes to your property, it’s good to have enough living space and that also includes the bedrooms. If you’ve got a few more little additions to your family, then it’s important that you’ve got the space to have their own rooms or to at least share them with a sibling. This is important and something you really want to fix when you’ve not got enough. Otherwise, it won’t provide the best experience for them or give them their personal space as and when it’s needed.

You’ve Fallen Out Of Love With It

Have you fallen out of love with your space? That’s a telling sign that you’re no longer happy with the property and that it might be time to start looking elsewhere. It can be hard to come to terms with a property that you once loved but perhaps don’t anymore due to outgrowing it. It’s part of the process and something that you should flip and make a positive instead. Wherever you’re moving to next will be more opportunities to make memories and experiences to remember forever. So even if you’ve fallen out of love, it gives you an opportunity to fall in love with something new!

When it comes to your property, it’s important to know when to let go, so use these tips to know when it’s time.

Is Your Dog Spoiled?

Many of us dote on our dogs. We love them as members of the family, giving them plenty of walks, delicious food, and all of our attention. 

But is it possible to spoil a dog?

The answer might surprise you. 

Dogs don’t develop a bad attitude in the same way that a person might. They don’t, for instance, begin demanding a certain level of service or start believing that they’re entitled. 

However, spoiling your dog too much can lead to some problematic behavioral changes, many of which can be quite unpleasant.

Some owners, for instance, can get into the habit of accepting their dog’s bad behavior. Your dog might be: 

• Chasing people in the park

• Barking incessantly at night

• Eating from the dinner table

• Destroying furniture

But owners can often make excuses for their pets, saying things like “oh my dog is just like that. It’s part of her personality.”

In this post, we take a look at some of the signs that your dog is spoiled and what you can do about it. 

Your Dog Is Overweight

Dogs should maintain a healthy weight throughout their lives. But if they eat too much human food, they can wind up putting on weight. A few extra pounds isn’t going to hurt them, but they can easily become obese. And that’s when the trouble can start. 

Think about how much food you’re giving your pooch from the dinner table. If you notice you’re feeding them a lot, scale it back to dog-only food. Avoid feeding them sugar and other junk if you can help it. 

Your Dog Is Scratching Up The Furniture

Dogs need to know who is boss and how they should behave while living in your home. If they don’t, they’ll just do whatever they feel like doing. 

If you’re having trouble with your dogs causing damage at night, you can put them in a large dog kennel. This way, you can prevent them from causing trouble while you sleep. 

If you’re still having issues, you might consider your dog’s lifestyle. Are you too permissive? Do you take them out for walks regularly enough? If the answer to either of these questions is no, then you might want to rethink their schedule. 

Your Dog Is Overly Protective

Dogs should come to your aid if they think you’re in trouble. But they shouldn’t become aggressive with every new person who interacts with you. That’s a sign that something is wrong. 

Usually, over-protectiveness comes from a lack of socialization. Your dog just hasn’t spent enough time around other dogs and people to accept them. 

The trick here is to get them out of their comfort zone. Regularly taking your pooch to the park, for instance, presents them with lots of other people and animals. Over time, they will become more relaxed about what they see and learn that others are not a threat. 

So in summary, to avoid spoiling your dog, you can socialize them from an early age, avoid excessive feeding, and train them. You can provide treats, but only in moderation.

Upgrade Your Home In Every Sense

The secret of proper design is reflected in its ability to help you maintain your budget. If you want to improve your quality of life but do not want to tear your pocket, there are some tips you should know.

The best indication of the proper design of the interior space is to maintain the budget framework. To begin with, the purpose of a planned design is to avoid a situation where you exceed your budget and tear your pocket. Moreover, there are now plenty of options to properly plan the design of the home without renovation and finish the process without compromising the routine of life and work. Are things working before you begin? Check the place for damp. Check the heating systems and AC, if it’s not working, call 24 Hour AC Repair. 

Here are some examples of moves you can make to upgrade your home immediately:

Sliding cabinet update

Not enough space in the bedroom anymore? Want to refresh the design of children's rooms? If you have sliding wardrobes in these rooms, it's probably time to update them. The update is reflected in the addition of a niche to TV screens inside the existing doors of the closet instead of breaking walls, as well as in the replacement of small fittings that make a big difference in use - from the handles of the drawers, through the rails to the hanging hooks. A sliding wardrobe is a dominant piece of furniture with a presence in the interior space, but that does not mean that it should look the same from the day you bought it. If the cabinet is high quality and strong, you can definitely update it once in a while or even paint it yourself. 

Shower installation 

Bathrooms suffer from high abrasion because of their exposure to water and moisture. In addition, these are the rooms that need to undergo the most significant update as the family expands. But instead of enlarging the whole bathroom with a cumbersome renovation, you can take out the bath and put it in a shower. The new models of the shower cubicles we see in magazines today will make you feel like in a hotel. 

Painting walls 

It is amazing how accessible, simple, cheap and effective wall painting is. Such painting can change the atmosphere in the interior space of your home by 180 degrees and is relevant for all rooms without exception. Whether the walls in your home are white or colored, there is a very high probability that repainting is exactly what you fantasized about when you were looking for new ways to refresh the interior space without exceeding the budget. You can paint the walls yourself or by ordering professionals. The advantage of painting alone is a saving of several hundred and thousands of shekels, but the disadvantage is physical exertion. On the other hand, when ordering professionals you will have to pay - but you will get a durable result.

The power is in your hands to make your home look good, what are you waiting for? 

How to Take Care of Yourself when You’re a Busy Mom

When you’re a mom, it’s hard to find time for yourself. Taking care of your family and your home often takes precedence over your own needs. But this leads to prolonged stress and excess exhaustion, both of which can lead to burnout.

When you’re a mom, you’re expected to be the best version of yourself. But this isn't easy to do when you’re not caring for yourself properly. Taking the time for self-care is essential to managing stress, getting enough rest, and preventing illnesses.

Self-Care Tips for Busy Moms

Make your health a priority.

Think of it this way—you wouldn’t want your kids to skip their annual check-ups. Your schedule is never too packed for your health. When you’re booking your kids’ and partner’s annual check-ups, set an appointment for yourself as well. In addition, consider scheduling pap smears, mammograms, and other tests and procedures that you need.  

Feed your body the right food.

Good food leads to good health. It’s typical for parents to take on their kids’ diet to get them to eat more. But continuing like this isn't good for the entire family. Revitalizing your diet can be as simple as eating and drinking high-quality ingredients. Rather than cooking pre-packed chicken nuggets and frozen vegetables, you can make grilled chicken with roasted seasonal vegetables.  

Treat yourself once in a while.

Moms are often seen as selfless beings who sacrifice their entire lives for their families. Although noble, this isn’t necessary. You can love and care for your family without losing yourself completely. Take time every day, once a week, or once a month, to give yourself a break.

• Book a hotel or an Airbnb for a quick vacation.

• Go to an IV bar and get a treatment to nourish your body.

• Visit a spa for a massage, a facial, or both.

Another option, which also happens to be low-cost, is establishing “mom time” at home. This could be an hour of your family giving you peace. Take a nap, a bubble bath, or curl up in bed with a good book and a cup of tea.

Keep your body moving.

It’s never too late to start exercising or to change your workout. Staying active becomes more important as you age. It improves blood circulation, increases stamina, and prevents the early onset of certain illnesses. If you don’t have time to go out to the gym or park, check out the workouts available online. There are several fitness apps and online classes for busy moms.

Stay connected with people.

You don’t stop being a mom just because you don’t talk about your kids. It’s important to connect with other people, especially your partner and friends. Make sure you and your partner pencil in dates to your schedules to keep the flame alive. Keep in touch with friends, whether online or offline. Connection is important to humans. Taking the time to do this will make you a better person for your kids to look up to.

Don’t let your responsibilities as a parent be the cause for your burnout. You are as important as your kids and partner. Put your best foot forward by practicing self-care.

There's No Place Like Home, Especially If You're Willing To Spend A Little Money Screen reader support enabled.

For most of us, our homes are the most significant investments in our lives, requiring us to take out home loans and often pay extensive interest. It’s a stressful undertaking that can see us reluctant to spend any more on the cause, at least for our first years of living there. 

This reluctance makes sense, but there’s a reason that so much emphasis is placed on home improvements these days. Quite simply, spending on your home can see you benefiting in a wide range of ways, even when those expenses are the last things you want to face.

Admittedly, home expenditure doesn’t provide the same benefits as, say, getting yourself a nice new item of clothing or splashing out on a pricey meal. But, in the long-run, home investments are guaranteed to be a great deal more beneficial, and here’s why. 

A space you love to live in

At the most basic level, spending a little money on your house each month guarantees that it’s the best possible place to live. And, we all know what a huge difference that can make to our general state of mind. Even better, you don’t need to spend huge amounts to create a space that gets you excited about opening the front door. Well-chosen paint colours or a few simple decor additions can make a huge difference to your rooms, as can some decent pieces of furniture which, when sourced from the right places, needn’t cost much at all. 

A boost to your home value

Our homes may be our largest expenditures, but they’re also our most lucrative investments in most instances. After all, your four walls can provide a golden ticket for a larger home, and even act as collateral for a range of loan solutions should you need them, including tricky bad-credit solutions, or loans without a guarantor. With that in mind, it makes sense to increase your investment here as much as you can. And, spending is your best way to do that. Renovations are probably the best bet for lucrative returns, but even just decent decor or getting your rooms in order can ensure that your home is worth the largest amount possible, whether you intend to sell or not. 

An investment that lasts

As much as we’d all love to sort our homes once and never spend another penny, homeownership simply doesn’t work like that. Fixtures need replacing and decoration needs redoing, and there’s no room for compromise. Fail to take care of these fundamentals, and you’ll never have the peace of mind you need where your investment is concerned. Rather, you’ll face escalating repair costs that stress you out and put you at risk of losing more money than you owe here. 

It might not feel like a treat, but spending on your house most certainly reaps significant rewards. Okay, it might not feel as luxurious as a night out on the town, but this is most definitely going to feel like money well spent at some stage in the future.

A More Effective Deep Clean In 4 Steps

Whatever reason you might have for trying to improve your deep cleaning at home, you need to make sure you are doing it right. Even if you regularly clean the home, you will still find that there is plenty you need to do when it comes to deep cleaning, and this is often more of a challenge than people think it will be. In this post, we are going to take a look at how you can make your deep cleaning at home more effective, thereby meaning you don’t have to do it quite so often, and can spend time on other things.

It’s always best to begin any deep clean with a tidy and decluttering session, as this is going to make every other stage of the process considerably easier. The tidier the place is, the less you have to actually deep clean, and the more likely it is that you can do whatever you need to do in order to get the place spotless. Even if it’s just a case of putting things away in cupboards, or even throwing them out for good, you should find that this is going to make a difference to how easily you can clean.

Get Scrubbing

The secret to giving anything a thorough, deep clean is to make sure that you are really scrubbing it as well as you can. Without giving it a really good scrub, you are not necessarily going to get out all the dirt you can, and that means that you are going to struggle to see the difference. For some parts of the home, this can be especially important to do, such as when you are cleaning your floors. Only with the best floor scrubber and some real effort can you ensure that you are getting it as clean as you would hope.

It’s not just about scrubbing, however. One of the main reasons that you need to give your home the occasional deep clean is so that it is a more hygienic place to live. In the world of covid, that is probably more important than ever, so it’s really vital that you are doing this. The best way is to make sure you are using products that actually kill germs - remember that while bleach can’t be used everywhere, something as simple as vinegar often does the job too. As long as you are getting those microbes out, you are doing it right.

Regularity

Finally, you should make a point of setting a date in the calendar for your next clean. By doing it regularly, you are going to be making it a little easier to do each time, and on the whole you are going to have a much cleaner home. Of course, it also means that you might get into a habit of doing it more and more, which in itself can prove to make it so much easier, and more likely to work. Remember this, and set a time in the near future to come back to it.

Top Tips For Stress-Free Relocating

There is an amount of stress that comes with a big move, but people continue to move regularly for various reasons. According to research, nearly 32 million people relocated in 2018. The reason behind your move could be because of a job, change in marital status, or establishing a new household. Whatever the situation may be, it can be agreed that relocating can be stressful. So here a few tips to help make your move stress-free;

Try color-coding

To keep things organized and easy for movers assisting you, consider using color codes. Assign simple but distinct colors to every room in the new residence and put corresponding colored stickers on the boxers which belong to the various rooms. That way, when movers pick up each box, they can tell exactly which room it should end up in, so you don't need to sort it out later.

Start your packing and planning early

You can start your planning and packing way before move day because leaving everything to be done in a day may tend to be stressful. Do a bit of packing whenever you find the time, and before you realize it, you will be making a lot of progress. Sort out things that you can do without, and pack them all up ahead of time.

Get enough rest

Moving leaves a lot to be done and may get you very busy. As a result, you may tend to stay up long hours and have less sleep so you can get things done. However, the truth is your lack of sleep is likely to leave you more and more stressed out as the days go by, making it difficult for you to function fully. Assist yourself by getting full nights' rest days before move day, so you can wake up refreshed and fully functional.

Hire professional help

You may want to consider hiring a professional moving company that you can trust if you have the budget for it. These professionals will handle all the heavy lifting; they'll also help you pack and wrap up delicate or fragile items such as lamps, art, devices, etc. By hiring a moving company, you'll have way less work to do, and you won't get stressed out. Be sure to do the needed research and enquires to make sure you can trust the professional moving company you plan on hiring.

Cleaning kit

Pack up some items you will need for cleaning up your new residence before you start unpacking. That way, you won't have a hard time moving from box to box in search of your cleaning supplies upon arrival. You can use luggage and any other available bags or containers for packing; to help reduce the overall number of boxes you pack.

Keep your valuables safe

Your precious possessions such as jewelry and family heirlooms should be kept close and monitored throughout the move. You should also keep important documents and phone numbers close to you. Make sure to refer to your homeowner's insurance before move day to see how your valuables are covered during your relocation.

Keep everything organized with a list

Make sure to note down everything you’re going to pack and put them in various groupings to help with organization. After packing up, number all your boxes and write down the name of the groups you created. That way, you can have a mental role call when you arrive at your destination to make sure nothing is left behind.

Clear out clutter ahead of time

Make sure to clean out everything you have no more use for before you begin packing. Whether it involves throwing stuff out or giving things away, be sure to do so way ahead of time. It will help you keep things in perspective and know what is coming along with you. By doing so, you won't end up frustrating yourself by packing an extra amount of boxes only to unpack and do away with them later when you arrive at your destination.

Get your packing supplies

You may need a lot of supplies for packing, such as boxes, markers, tape, etc. Make sure you get the right amount of supplies for your packing, plus a little extra to cater for any last-minute surprises. Be sure to get boxes in different sizes and shapes to suit all the things they will be accommodating. For example, clothes that you'd like to keep hanging can fit into tall wardrobe boxes.

Be sure to psyche up yourself for the initial living condition you may have to endure before and right after move day. Boxes may surround you for some time, and that can be a little frustrating. However, remember to take a deep breath and give it a moment. Whenever you struggle to find some things that are tucked away in boxes, consult your list for help and keep in mind that it won't last forever. It may also take some time for your new residence to have the cozy feel of a home. But don't worry. Eventually, everything will fall into place.

8 Ways to Keep Your Pet Happier and Healthier

 If you own and live with a pet, you understand how hard it is to part with them for an extended period. You feel lonely, broken, and fragile when you’re away from your closest companion.

The same can be said of living with an unhappy pet. When you have a dog that often is the life of the house, for example, turn dull, it is usually a sign that they’re not happy, and as a result, it affects the morale of the whole house.

Incorporate these tips to consciously keep your pet happy and thereof healthier for longer life.

Provide the Right Diet

If you’ve ever met with a stray dog going through the litter on the streets, then you realize how valuable food is to pets. Just like in humans, food provides the necessary energy for an animal to undertake its daily activities.

You’ll find a well-fed pet jumping from one corner to another as a sign of satisfaction. Besides, playing is the other thing pets love aside from eating.

Feed your pet the right type and amount of food to ensure they get enough nutritional value for a healthy and happy life. Include water after almost every meal, and always feel free to seek a veterinary opinion on the most suitable diet for your pet.

Groom your Pet

Pets that are left alone and stranded carry all sorts of bacteria accumulated from eating and collecting garbage. Although free, such animals live a boring and undesirable life, and some end up dead on the roadside.

Maintain a conducive environment for your pet to thrive by:

• Frequently washing them

• Regularly brushing their fur

• Often checking for lumps and bumps of concern

Occasionally dress the pet in fancy clothes and accessories like if, for example, you own a dog, dress it up in cute dog clothes, or a new collar as a way of making the canine feel special. 

Remember, unlike wild animals, pets usually thrive in cleaner and more conducive environments. With a more apparent space, pets also often get enough room to roam or play. 

Show Affection

Pets, just like humans, crave attention and affection. They, too, have desires and needs that require to be met. One such act involves showing emotional support when needed.

Establish a bond with your favorite pet by cuddling, belly rubbing, and even fur scrubbing them, more often than not. If you have extra time on the weekends, for example, you could go out for walks or engage in other fun activities with your pet.

However, if all else fails, make sure you set aside time to play around the house with your pet as a way of establishing a communication bond and pattern while keeping them happy.

Organize Frequent Checkups

Any pet with access to the outside world is susceptible to infections and diseases, just like the rest of us. In fact, outdoor pets are often touted to have lesser lifespans than their indoor counterparts.

While exposure to predators is the leading cause of most deaths, injuries and diseases follow in at a close second.

Scheduling annual visits to the vet will help catch any early signs of a problem before it graduates to a severe complication. While at the vet, ensure your pet is given the right vaccines and, if necessary, administered with the correct medication or supplements.

Exercise

A good workout offers a host of benefits to both the body and mind for any living thing. Pets that remain caged up for too long often exhibit signs of mischief when let free.

So instead of locking up your pet all week, schedule a day when you get out and engage in fun and sporty activities to boost their overall morale and promote a healthier lifestyle.

Joint exercises that you can indulge with your pet include:

• Walking

• Playing fetch

• Hiking

• Swimming

Present mentally challenging games to your pet by including toys, playing hide and seek games, and building obstacles as a way of building up their brain muscle. 

Offer Protection

Although rare, there are reports of pets that die from unsuitable living environments. When presented with a live electric wire, for example, a cat may think it’s a play string and get shocked.

Instead, store dangerous appliances or materials in or around your house to prevent unnecessary accidents that lead to loss of life.

Before introducing your pet to any environment, make sure it is safe from predators that may look to cause harm. For example, if you have a mouse for a pet, you should always keep an eye on cats that may try to nub it.

Place microchips, collar, or identification tags on your pet for easier tracking when in public places.

Make your pet feel safe and happy by covering all the basics of security.

Spay/ Neuter

Pets that are often left unsupervised tend to develop unwanted behaviors like prevalent mating. This burst of urge leads to unwanted pet pregnancies resulting in more stray animals on the streets.

Removing certain parts of the pet’s reproductive system helps to tame their wild sexual nature as well as provide other numerous benefits that include:

• Reduced risk of developing cancer

• Better animal behavior

• Less chance of contracting diseases

Always take your pet to a reputable veterinary officer licensed and capable of performing crucial surgical functions such as spaying for a happier and healthier life.

Get a Partner

If you lead a busy life and are often away from home, your pet may become lonely and, as a result, have an unhappy life. You may find it hard to notice because you’re hardly ever home, but your pet might require a new buddy.

A cat, for example, survives better when it’s around mates than while alone.

Look for an ideal partner that will likely provide sweet companionship during your busy days and nights.

Final Thoughts

Although pets are naturally designed to bring joy and happiness into our lives, they too require care and love. By feeding your pet, grooming it, showing it affection, exercising with it, protecting it, spaying, and finding it a suitable partner, you have played a part in ensuring a happier and hence, healthier life.

How to Keep Your Home Clean and Healthy This Winter

A clean and healthy home is essential for keeping every member of the family feeling at their best. But, keeping your home clean and healthy is not always easy. As a busy parent, it can feel almost impossible to keep up with all the chores needed to keep your home running smoothly. The cold weather of winter brings with it a host of problems and makes keeping your family healthy more of a challenge. Here are some of the ways that you can ensure that your home is a clean and healthy place to be this winter:

Take Care of Your Dryer

Every family home seems to have its fair share of laundry, and it seems to be neverending. The winter months are the busiest time of year for your dryer so it must be working at its best. Problems with your dryer can leave you stuck with piles of wet laundry and no way of getting it all dry.

If your dryer vent becomes clogged with lint and other debris, this can be a serious concern. A clogged dryer vent can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which is potentially lethal. Clogged dryer vents are also a common cause of house fires, so getting your dryer vent professionally cleaned is essential. Specialist cleaners such as the Dryer Vent Squad will ensure that any debris blocking your dryer vent gets removed and your dryer can function safely and efficiently once again.

Book in for HVAC Maintenance

Your home’s HVAC system is essential during the winter months. Keeping everyone warm is a priority once the weather turns cooler, so your HVAC needs to be up to the job. To ensure that your HVAC is ready for the cold weather, you need to keep up with HVAC maintenance and have a qualified engineer service it each year. Scheduling regular maintenance checks for your HVAC will help to keep it working efficiently and increase its lifespan. During the service checks, the engineer can spot potential problems and resolve them before they become a significant issue.

When getting your HVAC serviced, don’t forget to get the vents cleaned too. Otherwise, once you turn on your HVAC, you will have dirt and dust coming out of the vents, and compromising the air quality in your home. 

Eliminate Mold

Mold is an issue that often occurs in homes over the winter. The cold, damp air from outside combined with the warm air inside can cause condensation and cause mold formation. No one wants mold in their house, especially when creating a clean and healthy family home. 

Preventing mold from forming in the first place is the best course of action. Ensuring that the room has ventilation when you take a shower and cook will help the hot air escape. If mold has already appeared in your home, removing it is essential as it can cause allergies.  There are several at-home methods that you can use to remove mold and get your home back to being clean and healthy.

How To Get Your Home Ready For Your New Cat

If you are a new pet owner, then the idea of welcoming a new cat into your home might be daunting as well as exciting, especially if you have children too. If you haven’t lived with cats before, it might be hard to figure out what is essential and what is not. Here are some great ways you can make your home welcoming for the new addition to the family. 

Get A Cat Flap

If you have not previously owned a cat then it is unlikely that you will already have a cat flap in your door. If you want your cat to be able to play and toilet outside, then you should consider altering your door to make way for a cat flap. A cat sliding glass door is an innovative way to put a cat flap into a vinyl door frame. The flap is also useful for people who may wish to control what time of day their cat can go out and about and when they should be kept inside. 

Local Vets

Be prepared for any unexpected emergencies. Cats can suffer from illness and injury just like humans. Find out the number for your local vet and whether you can register your new cat with them. If they do not deal with out-of-hours emergencies ask them to provide you with a number of another vet they recommend for these occasions. Keep the number stored on your phone or written on the fridge so you know exactly where it is, and you don’t need to panic if your cat gets hurt or falls sick. 

Comfortable Hiding Spaces

Cats can be nervous and like to know that they have somewhere safe to retreat to. Safe hiding spaces are crucial if you have noisy children or other pets. Try to make spaces that are warm, comfortable, and where a cat will feel safe. Cats often prefer to be up somewhere high, think of a cat running up a tree to get away from a dog. Try to create spaces, where they will feel less vulnerable and where they could comfortably curl up to sleep. 

Scratching Posts

Cats need surfaces to scratch on. Scratching helps them remove dead layers of their claws and also to mark their scent around their home. If you do not want your upholstery to be shredded then offer them alternatives that are fun and better to scratch on. Scratching posts can be simple bits of rope tightly wound around cardboard tubing or they can be intricate structures for your cat to interact with. Chose a post that you are happy to have in your home, and that won't take up too much of your living space. 

Plug-In Spray 

Finally, remember some cats will feel very nervous in the new environments. Plug-in diffuser sprays are odorless to humans but will help to calm a cat that is feeling anxious. The diffuser spray might not be needed for every cat, but if your cat is timid or prone to excessively scratching, spraying, or hiding then this is a good option. 

Home Repairs That You Should Learn To Do Yourself

In order to create a safe and comfortable home, it’s important that you learn to do a couple of DIY repairs yourself. While there are obviously a lot of repairs that you should never touch for safety reasons, there are also many common repairs that you can learn to do yourself. It takes a little bit of investment to get tools and materials, but once you get accustomed to DIY repairs at home, you’ll find yourself getting more comfortable and confident.

So here are a few beginner home repairs that you should learn to do yourself.

Creaky floorboards

Creaky floorboards are incredibly annoying, but they can actually be fixed with relative ease. If there’s a floorboard in your home that creaks, then it’s usually because it’s loose and not screwed in properly. Lift up whatever’s on top of it (such as a carpet) and check that it’s screwed in properly. If it’s just been hammered in, then you may want to add a few more screws or nails, taking care to check where the joints are so that you don’t screw into thin air.

Repainting things

Whether you’re painting a room or just a cabinet, it can be extremely simple to refresh the look of your home by just adding a new coat of paint. The biggest thing to look out for is protecting the rest of your furniture when you start painting. You need to ensure that everything is covered and that you practice applying paint in thin coats as you build up the layers. Using too much paint can be problematic and it might look strange, especially if you’re patching up scratched or damaged areas.

Patching up a drafty home

Drafts in the home can make your heating a lot less efficient. Most drafts come from doors or windows and are usually fixed by applying caulk. There are a bunch of other ways to seal drafts, but it depends on the location and what materials you have available to you. We suggest checking out some videos on YouTube or general guides to figure out the best way to patch up a draft without damaging your home.

Some home repairs should be left to the professionals

Of course, there are also some repairs that should be left to professionals. For example, there are professional HVAC repair services for fixing things like your air conditioner unit. This is something you shouldn’t try to repair yourself because it involves an expensive piece of machinery that isn’t exactly user-friendly. The same rule applies to anything that could be potentially dangerous, such as electrical work around the home.

The more you repair things at home, the more experience you get

If you’re looking to save money and be more comfortable in your own home, then doing DIY repairs is a great way to achieve that. As you fix more things around the home, you’ll gain more experience and be more confident, ultimately making it easier for you to maintain your home by yourself.

Feel Better By Taking Control Of Your Home

If there’s one thing no one told you about owning your own home, it’s that you feel that there is never enough space. What’s more, it’s easy to feel as if the cleaning and tidying never stops, and even one missed day can cause an avalanche of mess that can seriously hinder your happiness and productivity. You might feel that it’s impossible to escape these feelings, but that isn’t true. If you take control of your home, you’ll feel much better. But how can you do that? 

Clear Your Clutter 

No matter how much you try to escape the claws of clutter, it always crawls back in when you least expect it, and, sooner rather than later, you find yourself stuffing old toys, books, and clothes into places where they don’t belong. This can make it feel like you have entirely lost control of your home, so one of the first steps towards feeling better is to clear the clutter. Invest in useful boxes to hide under the beds, for the essentials, but don’t hesitate to be ruthless. The process will put you back in control and help you feel better. 

Organize Your Space 

Organizing every room in your home can feel like a mountain that’s impossible to climb. However, if you approach it the right way, you’ll find it’s much easier than you expected. From quality wardrobes to labeled crates and a sprinkle of creativity along the way, you can find a place for everything you didn’t deem worthy of throwing out. The more organized your space, the better you’ll feel, and we all know how much a tidy house helps cultivate a tidy mind. 

Develop a Routine 

It’s impossible to stay on top of your chores and take control of your home if you don’t develop a consistent and successful routine. Rather than give yourself one day to do all your jobs, try doing one job each day to stay on top of things. This will make tidying and cleaning your home less daunting and stops you from getting derailed in an emergency. Your routine will soon become something you look forward to, as it provides extra meaning for your day. 

Get Inspired

Once you’ve taken control of your home, you have the power of room and time on your hands. If you’ve been putting off essential DIY or repair projects, now’s your chance to get them done. Or, if you’ve fallen off your hobby horse along the way, you have the opportunity to jump back on and enjoy spending time with yourself without worrying about cleaning, vacuuming, or tidying up. With one less thing to worry about, you can finally do whatever you want without feeling guilty that you’re ignoring your chores or duties. 

Finding Calm in Control

Being in control of your home will make you fall in love with it all over again. Rather than worry about the mess if an unexpected visitor drops by, you know you’re ready for anything. Furthermore, a neat and tidy home will make it feel like there’s more space, which will help you breathe once again.

5 Ways to Make Your Bathroom Look More Expensive

Are you happy with your bathroom?

You might think it’s only a room for performing the essential bodily functions, but evidence suggests that an attractive bathroom is the most important consideration for people looking for a new home. Whether you’re looking to sell your home, boost its value, or just make it more appealing to live in, there are many reasons to want a more attractive and expensive-looking bathroom.

Even if you don’t have a huge renovation budget, there are several simple and affordable ways to make your bathroom look more expensive. Here are five tips to get you started.

Update fixtures

If you want to make your bathroom look more luxurious, you don't have to uproot your shower and toilet and replace them with state-of-the-art upgrades. It’s the little things that make a difference. That is, the small fixtures like mirrors, doorknobs, drawer and cupboard handles, towel rails, light brackets, and even taps. You probably don’t pay a lot of attention to these things, but by upgrading them with more modern, sleeker alternatives you will make your bathroom feel more elegant for a low cost. You can order all kinds of bathroom accessories from sites such as www.plumbersstock.com. 

Add plants

Sometimes all it takes is a little greenery to give your ensuite that lavish feel. A few indoor plants such as succulents, orchids, and aloe vera will be right at home in a bathroom and make it feel like a tropical paradise. Be warned though, that some plants may suffer in a humid bathroom, so pick plants that will thrive in these conditions.

Use classy containers

Is your shower with empty supermarket-brand shampoo bottles? As well as providing a slipping hazard, these can make your bathroom feel cluttered and busy. One incredibly simple yet effective way of classing up your bathroom is to invest in some attractive containers for all your bath products. Just refill these containers with your preferred shampoos, soaps, conditioners, and lotions, and your washing space will instantly feel like a luxury hotel bathroom.

Upgrade your towels

Even something as simple as upgrading your bath towels can make a tremendous difference to the atmosphere in your bathroom. Pick out a new set of fluffy cotton towels, perhaps even with some rich detail like embroidered edges, trims, and monogramming for some added class.

Add an extravagant mirror

The mirror above your sink can be the focal point of many bathrooms, so if there’s one thing you upgrade, this is it. Switching out your traditional mirror with a more eye-catching alternative will elevate the feel of your bathroom and wow any visitors. The type of mirror you opt for will depend on your personal style and the amount of space in your bathroom. You could choose an oversized mirror that extends to the ceiling or a smaller one with a unique shape or finish to attract attention.

Making your bathroom look more attractive only requires a few small changes. By following these five tips, you will soon have a more expensive-looking room without harming your bank balance.

Have A Healthy Family With These Healthy Habits

Childhood obesity has tripled over the last thirty years. More than a third of teens and children are now considered overweight or obese. The healthy habits and weight can easily be carried into adulthood. However, parents and legal guardians can start to develop a healthy lifestyle for their children. 

Be A Model For Good Behaviour 

You play a massive role as a coach and guide for your children, especially when they start to make more choices with what they eat. The actions and effect that you have can be profound, and a simple act such as eating together as a family is capable of improving their nutritional health.  Although it hasn’t bee proven why family meals are effective in achieving this, there is no harm in sitting together and enjoying a home-cooked meal, especially if it’s going to improve your children’s nutrition. Eating together also allows adults to be an example of good behaviour and intervene if they start to see bad habits forming. If you feel as though bad habits are already there, and there may be an unhealthy weight issue then it is important to book an appointment at your pediatricians.

What Can You Do 

Start Early 

You should start as soon as you start to wean your children, this will give you the best chance of establishing healthy eating habits. YOu should also include a good sleep routine and exercise early in life, therefore you won’t need to force them to create good habits later in life. Try to expose your children to a variety of different flavours and include different textures of the food your child already likes, for example, different types of potato, peas, or tomatoes. Research shows us that familiarization may not only help children more acceptable of healthy food but start to prefer it.

Fill Your Home With Healthy Foods 

One of the best things you can do is to ensure that the majority of the foods in your home are healthy options. You don’t have to stay away from goodies or desserts altogether but make it a once in a whole treat. Instead eat fruit and yoghurts as a different option to things like chocolate, cake, and ice cream. Having plenty of healthy choices in your home will make it easier to eat healthily

Model Healthy Eating

Children who see their guardians or parents buying, preparing, and eating healthier foods are much more likely to eat healthy themselves. You should also stay away from using food as a reward for good behaviours. If you make bad, unhealthy food a reward for being good, it can promote the idea that healthy food isn’t as good as bad food, or lead to them using food as a reward as an adult. 

Make It Normal 

Healthy eating doesn’t need to be a trick. If you start at a young age then your children will likely look at healthy good as desirable and tasty. Aim to eat meals together as a family, they are not only a great time to enjoy healthy foods together, they are also a great way to catch up. Healthy meals with a healthy conversation. To make it normal, you ideally need to cut down on eating out. Not only is eating out expensive but it can also be more unhealthy than eating at home. 

As you can see there are some great habits that you can get into that will lead to you having a healthy family with a healthy lifestyle.

How To Take Care Of Yourself During Pregnancy

Whether you are a first-time mother or are onto baby number two (or three), you must take proper care of yourself during your pregnancy. This ensures that you can enjoy your pregnancy and rest easy, knowing that your baby is happy and healthy. 

With that in mind, here are some top tips for taking care of yourself during pregnancy!

Get plenty of sleep 

When pregnant, you may tire much easier, and it is vital that you get plenty of rest to take care of yourself and your unborn child. If possible, develop a nighttime routine that you stick to religiously. When you go to bed at the same time each evening, your body and mind will automatically begin to feel tired around this time, and you will drift off much easier. If you feel uncomfortable when lying down, you may wish to invest in a pregnancy pillow.

Eat healthily

You’ve probably heard the phrase, ‘you’re eating for two’, quite a few times now. Though it may seem silly, it's very accurate. The food you put into your system when pregnant will provide for both yourself and your baby, so you must focus on eating healthily whenever possible. While it is okay to indulge from time to time, stay away from caffeinated beverages and processed food - opting instead for fresh, healthy dishes that will satisfy any cravings and provide you with all the nutrients you need.

Take Supplements

Sometimes, when you are pregnant, your body may struggle to provide you with every it needs. However, you can quickly combat this issue by taking pregnancy supplements. You can buy most of them over the counter, but ensure you speak to a doctor or pharmacist beforehand. The most common supplements taken by expectant mothers are folic acid, vitamin D, and iron tablets. 

Take Care of Your Body

During pregnancy, your body goes through a lot of unexpected changes. For example, you may notice that you are currently facing issues with your pelvic floor. This can lead to a range of complications, including incontinence, so it is important that you do what you can to take care of yourself. One way in which you can do this is by developing a prenatal pelvic floor exercise plan. This can include various stretches and exercises that strengthen your pelvic floor, lessening any side effects you may be facing.

Meditate

When you are pregnant, it is important that you relax as much as possible. Avoid overly stressful situations, and ask for a slight reduction in your workload so that you aren’t overworked. This is an excellent way of ensuring that you remain calm throughout the pregnancy. Additionally, you could take up meditation or yoga - both of which are great for your mental and physical health.

Yoga is a great way to start your day. It can help you brush off any signs of sleep, energize your body, and clear your mind. Here is a great example of a pregnancy-friendly yoga session! 

Give Your Home A Boost This New Year

It's 2021 this week and life is about to get very exciting. Why? Well, a New Year gives you the chance to get involved with new projects, and what better project do you need than the one that will boost the way that your home looks? There are so many jobs that linger around the home, but if you put your mind to it, you can seize the opportunity for change and get those jobs done. From now, it's time to make a list. You want your home looking fantastic by the end of 2021, and that means writing down exactly what it is that will make your home look great and where you want to make the right fixes. So, let's get on and start making that all-important list for your 2021 home makeover.

The Little Things. Boosting the curb appeal to your home is so vital if you want to impress the neighbors. A few little upgrades can have a huge impact on the results of your home. For example, swapping your letterbox for something brighter and more cheerful can make an instant difference to the way that the house looks. Sensory lights in the front yard to greet visitors (and unwanted guests!), as well as a fresh door knocker can also impact the way people see your front garden. If you want to go one better, paint the driveway black! You'll be surprised how much it looks like new tarmac with a lick of paint!

• Paint The Doors. Garage doors, back doors, front doors, a change of color will change them all and transform the house. The color you paint the doors will give your guests something beautiful to look at, and you can make it look so elegant when you change the fixtures at the same time. A white door with white fittings turned emerald green with gold fittings offers your home the colorful boost you didn't know it needed. You want elegance and class, and this is a great way to get both of those things!

• Call In The Gardener. You don't have to enjoy gardening to enjoy the benefits and expertise of a gardener. In fact, you can have the lawn trimmed and the plants pruned and shaped without too much money spent. All you have to do is keep the foliage levels low and ask the gardener to keep on top of the dead plants. You can change the perception of you and your home when you don't have an overgrown space and it shows that you give your home a little more care.

• Build A Bin Cupboard. Not everyone likes to have their trash cans on display to the whole neighborhood, so why not build a cover for them? You can make it look like a miniature extension of the home, and it makes the exterior look so much tidier than it did before. You can paint it the same color as the front door and the garage door so that it blends in properly. It'll make your house look far more inviting when you don't have the trash bins on display and smelling awful.

• Repaint The House. For a bigger transformation, why not repaint the whole house? However, can you paint vinyl siding? Well, yes, you can! You can do your research as to the best paint for the house, and then slowly but surely change the whole thing. Call in the decorators if you want to get the job done properly, but this is also a job you can do at home yourself!

Greenify Your Lawn. You may have called in the gardener to fix the shrubbery and prune the flowers, but you can still aerate the grass in your own time. If you dress the grass with a 1cm layer of river sand, then add some organic fertilizer on top, you can see your green lawn come back to life. You can also adjust the lawn irrigation system to come on once a week for half an hour. Watering too frequently can drown your hard work!

• Clean Out The Gutters. This is a job for a professional - or get a friend to help. You need to be up on a ladder and getting all of the muck and twigs out of the gutters so that the water flows properly through them. When the water flows, the drains don't block up and you are able to use your faucets as normal. The water can run off the roof freely and you're not at risk of the roof leaking. Clean through the gutters with the right force of water, and you can have spic and span gutters that smell good!

• Replace or Repair The Mailbox. That old rusty mailbox out the front of the house isn't giving people the best impression of your home. You should repaint the wood holding it up, replace the mailbox itself and repaint the house number to it. The old, beaten up mailboxes are an eyesore, and you should think about how it looks to outsiders - especially if you plan to sell the house at some point.

• Refresh Your Roof. When was the last time you checked the roof? The tiles or shingles in the roof need to be intact, or you risk floods in the attic and other damage inside the walls of the house as a result. A fresh roof isn't necessary every year, but you can still have a fresh look without replacing the whole thing and spending a bunch of cash you don't have.

• Pressure-Wash The Paver. Outside your home can get very grubby and grimy. Use a pressure-washer and get each of the pavers cleaned outside. You won't regret the time that you take on the paving stones - especially if you want the exterior of the house to look fresh!

This is your year to boost your house and make it look better than ever. Use the year and by next Christmas, your home will be as beautiful as it could ever be!

How To Make Your Dog Happy

Any pet owner can tell you that a happy pet means a happier home! Whether you own a dog, cat, or something more exotic, they are likely the beating heart of the house. They are everyone's favorite roommate/cuddle buddy and never fail to bring a smile to your face. Therefore, it is only fair that we return the favor!

With that in mind, here is a guide to making your dog smile every day. This is particularly useful for first-time pet owners! 

Spend quality time with them.

From time to time, we all want to be the center of attention. This goes for dogs, too, especially puppies who need socialization in order to thrive. Therefore, you should set aside some time each day to play with your dog. Not only is this great fun, but it also provides them with the physical and mental stimulation they need to grow and develop. For example, playing with toys helps puppies build their muscles, strength, and agility. 

The more time you spend with your puppy, the stronger the bond you will form. 

Much like humans, dogs can also suffer from issues such as stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that canine anxiety manifests itself in several ways, such as: 

• Shivering

• Digging

• Hiding

• Barking frequently when left alone

• Overreacting to noise/disturbances

• Panting

• Pacing

• Whining 

Thankfully, one of the ways in which you can help your four-legged friend deal with their anxiety is by simply spending time with them and showing physical affection. This means plenty of scratches, pats, and cuddles. They are proven to relieve tension and help your pet feel more like themselves in no time. Additionally, you can combat these issues by paying attention to potential triggers. Figure out what makes them feel anxious, and work to ensure it does not happen again. 

When spending time with your dog, you should also make sure you give them plenty of praise and encouragement. You’d be surprised about the various ways in which they pick up on how we are speaking to them, based on the tone of your voice. So, if they have been well behaved or responded to instruction, let them know they have done an excellent job. This can have a genuinely positive impact on their mood, attitude, and behavior. 

When playing together, ensure that your dog has plenty of toys to choose from. This should include squeaky toys, ropes, and balls so that they are stimulated in a variety of different ways. Playing fetch is always a great way for the pair of you to have fun together! 

Take them outside.

Fresh air is important, especially for animals. Therefore, it is important that you allow them to enjoy the great outdoors as much as possible - and not just in your garden. Ideally, you should walk your dog at least once a day. It does not necessarily have to be a long walk - even a ten-minute stroll around the block makes a considerable difference. This is a great way to help them stay healthy and in good shape, as they could quickly gain weight otherwise. Studies show that walking is good for your dog's mental health, too. 

If you are looking to get fit, your puppy can help. Taking them out every day serves as great encouragement for you to get outside and exercise more frequently. If you feel up to it, you can also take them for a short run/jog. 

Give them plenty of treats. 

Treating your puppy, especially when you are house training them, is a great way to inspire good behavior or to simply make them smile. However, many owners worry about giving their pets too many treats as they can be high in sugar or other additives. Thankfully, there are plenty of Puppy Treats on the market that are as delicious as they are healthy, such as those provided by PuppyTrainedRight. They offer a wide range of snacks and treats for dogs of all ages that promote good nutrition. 

In the same way you might trick your kids into eating vegetables by covering them in cheese, you can trick your pets into having a healthy snack!

Let them spend time with other dogs.

Another great way to help your dog continue to grow and develop is by allowing them to spend time with other dogs. Whether this means you arrange playdates with other puppy owners, or take them to a dog part, try to set aside a little time each month for them to socialize. This has numerous benefits, especially as it allows them to develop emotional intelligence and an understanding of the world around them. For example, by playing with other dogs, they will know that they must be gentle around puppies but can play fight with dogs closer to their own age. 

Take them swimming.

Many dogs hate taking a bath but love being in water. If you are on a walk and pass a small puddle or a huge pond - you just know they are going to find their way into it and return to you covered in mud. Though the mess that comes with this can be frustrating, you should let them have their fun! Take them for a day trip to a local lake (where it is safe for them to swim) or the beach, and let them splash around a little. Swimming is an excellent workout for you both, and can help them get rid of any extra energy they have before returning home. 

Give them some alone time.

As much as dogs love attention and praise, they may also need some time alone, especially if they feel overwhelmed or overstimulated. To combat this, ensure they have some space in the house that is entirely ‘theirs’, such as the area where you keep their bed and toys. Then, if they are feeling stressed, they can take themselves away and spend some time alone. 

You may notice that they find comfort in a particular blanket, or toy. If you see them exhibit signs of stress or discomfort, ensure they have this toy with them as it can help raise their spirits and ensure they feel more comfortable. 

How to get Your Home Cold-weather Ready

So far we've been lucky with the weather, it has been too cold or too wintery, but that could all change quickly with the arrival of a northern cold front. It's best to assume the weather will change for the worse and prepare your home anyway, if nothing else you will have confidence over the season that your home is prepared for anything. Read the tips below for the best practices. 

Check Your Insulation 

A big part of comfortably surviving the winter season is to ensure your home is properly insulated. If your home is newer chances are you will have good insulation anyway, like cavity wall insulation, foam SIPs panels, or something similar. You will probably also have double or triple glazed windows. Older homes may not have this protection but you can still improve it. Invest in insulation, such as a cavity wall if you can, otherwise, you could hang heavy curtains and use draft excluders, these are very effective at trapping the warm air and saving you money. 

Check Your Pipes 

One of the worst situations to have in the winter is when your pipes burst, this happens when the temperature outside reaches zero. Any stagnant water in the pipes will freeze causing the metal to burst. When the temperature rises again you get flooding in parts of the house. The situation can be prevented by insulating your pipes with foam before the big freeze. Another tip is to keep your winter running slightly in very cold temperatures. 

Unclog Your Drains 

You may not realize it but your drains may be clogged up following the autumn. Loose leaves that have scattered around during fall get into the gutters on the eaves and clog up sewage drains on the ground. You need to perform a proper service of your drains before the winter weather arrives and you get flooding and the coldest wettest time of the year. Contact a local Sewer and Drain Cleaning service for more information. 

Check Your Boiler 

The last thing you want to fail in the winter is your boiler. It means no hot water or heating all at once and leaves you scratching your head or paying over the odds for an emergency plumber. All of this can be avoided with proper maintenance and regular checks. Have your boiler serviced at least once a year, now is a good time for that, before the very cold weather sets in. Having your boiler checked at this time will give you the confidence you need through the festive season. 

Organise Your Tools 

You never know when the Arctic conditions are going to arrive but when they do you want to be prepared. If there's heavy snowfall outside you don't want to have to rummage around in an icy garage to find the snowblower or some antifreeze. Before the snow and ice really hits, organize your tools in your shed or garage and make sure the things you might need are easy to access. You’ll be grateful when the big freeze hits.