Tag Archives: anything and everything

Dec7

SO ANNOYED!

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SO ANNOYED!

Howdy!! I need to have a little vent sesh because oh my goodness am I annoyed! So yesterday morning, I get into my car to go to work and I turn my windshield wipers on because it was raining, only to find that they were snapped in two. I hauled ass to the nearest auto shop so I could get new blades which costed me over forty dollars and was halfway to work when I realized my back blades were stolen.

WHO DOES THAT?!

Like, seriously though. Who does that? Although it was annoying to have an unnecessary expense charged to my credit card, it wasn’t even about the money. Even though that was upsetting considering how hard I work to pay my bills and keep a bunch of frozen food on the table. But, it honestly just felt like a slap in the face. I have always felt comfortable at my apartment complex and to have that turned completely upside down by simply getting into my car to go to work was a huge punch in the gut.

This situation has definitely made me feel antsy and I am hoping that it doesn’t happen again because those windshield wipers aren’t cheap! I also hope that whomever did this got their kicks in ruining someone else’s day and has a nice meet up with karma when it comes to bite them in the ass. Je-sus!

Whew, do I feel better now lol I needed to get all of that off my chest. Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk on The Case Of The Stolen Windshield Wipers. 😀

Has anything like this ever happened to you? Do you believe in karma? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov24

Lil Red’s Black Friday Shopping Pro Tips

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Lil Red’s Black Friday Shopping Pro Tips

Howdy!! In a mere handful of days it will be my favorite holiday of Thanksgiving because FOOD… and family, of course. 😉 And, with Thanksgiving just around the corner means that Black Friday will be coming in hot on its heels. I, personally, have never gone Black Friday shopping before because I suffered through five years of working on the day during my time in retail.

It’s no surprise that I have no desire to be within twenty feet of a mall on Black Friday. But, Lil Red lives and breathes shopping so allow me to grace you with these pro tips for a successful Black Friday haul:

Be Nice:

Although this has nothing to do with scoring the best deals, it has everything to do with being the best person. Please, please, PLEASE be kind to your retail and restaurant workers on Black Friday and every day. Those who have never worked a Black Friday before honestly have no idea how stressful it is and a rude customer can be enough to completely ruin someone on the biggest shopping day of the year.

Say please and thank you, try not to leave destruction in your wake as you shop, and be mindful of the other shoppers. And, always remember, you literally just spent the day prior celebrating all you have to be thankful for so if you don’t get what you wanted, there’s no need to punch someone in the face about it. Je-sus!

Do Your Research:

Now, having said all of that, the first step to a successful Black Friday is to do some research. It’s a mixed bag of which stores reveal their deals before the day and which don’t, so try investigating by either calling the store or going online. This will help you to decide the best order in which to shop. If there’s a hot deal going on right at midnight for something you have your eye on, then twenty-five percent off at your favorite store can wait.

Often times, stores repeat the deals that they had in year’s past so also bear that in mind when you are making your preparations.

Make A List:

Once you have a general idea of where to go and when, it’s time to make a list of what you would like to purchase. I know I always mention list making – but, damnit, it’s helpful! If you have specific things in mind that you want to buy on Black Friday, you cannot hit the stores willy nilly. It’s important to coordinate your wants with the deals happening so that you can create the best course of action for the order of stores you want to visit.

Time Is Of The Essence:

So you have a plan of what you want, the deals happening, and where you want to go. But, the thing is, so does everyone else. It’s all in the timing when it comes to Black Friday shopping. If you are shopping for specifics, you can’t spend too much time in one store or you might jeopardize getting the other things you want. Get in, grab your item, check out, and head to your next location. Then, once your shopping is complete, feel free to revisit anywhere else you want to spend more time in.

However, if you are going shopping just for the fun of it, take all of the time in the world. But, remember, if you do shop at a leisurely pace, a lot of the stores will be pretty picked over by the time you get there.

Know When To Say When:

Black Friday shopping is awesome for nabbing a big electronic for a song or doing your Christmas shopping. But, don’t be crazy about it. If you find yourself spending way too much money or shoving other people to get to the next place or hot item, then you’ve probably had enough Black Friday. Go home, take a chill pill, and try again on Cyber Monday when you’re not in the general public. 😉

Speaking Of Cyber Monday…

If you’re not keen on the craziness that is Black Friday, Cyber Monday is just days away and you can enjoy the deals from the comfort of your own home. Just remember to do your research prior. This might involve signing up for emails, which could notify you of the deals ahead of time (The same goes for regular Black Friday shopping!).

Get ready, get set, and shop with Lil Red’s Black Friday Shopping Pro Tips!

Have you been Black Friday shopping? Do you have any crazy stories from working or shopping a Black Friday? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov19

This Is How Not To Spend All Of Your Free Time Cleaning!

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This Is How Not To Spend All Of Your Free Time Cleaning!

Busy parents are always looking for ways to minimize tasks in the home, so they have more quality time to spend with the kids. Of course, it is also crucial that jobs such as cleaning aren’t minimized to the point where the home is no longer hygienic or livable for the family that dwells within. Happily, there is a middle way, and it’s to find hacks that allow a thorough cleaning, but don’t take up too much time. A topic you can read more about in the post below:

Vacuum, don’t dust:

The first tip that can help you save time, yet still have a clean home is to cut down the amount of dusting that you do. This is because many traditional forms of dusting just end up moving the particles around your space, rather than getting rid of them.

Instead, why not use the specially designed hose attachments for your vacuum? Something that will not only make getting into those tricky nooks and crannies like the ones in the pantry a lot easier, but will also remove the dust particles from circulation. In fact, if you like, you can add another step to your dust removal system in the form of a HEPA air filter. A device that does a similar job to a vacuum by removing particles from the air, but it can be used all of the time.

Keep floors sparkling:

Floors can undoubtedly take a lot of time and effort to keep clean, only to be trampled all over by the family as they come in and out of the home. Of course, I’m not suggesting that you give up on this task altogether. Far from it, in fact! You just need some methods of cleaning the floors that don’t take up all your spare time.

Luckily, there are several methods to choose from, depending on the types of flooring you have in your home. One, in particular, to be aware of is a robot sweeper. A small round device with brushes that can help to keep your wood, laminate, or tiled floors much cleaner – with no back-breaking work for you at all.

Fear not if you have carpeted floors because, fortunately, there are carpet and rug cleaning specialists out there that can come to your home and offer a same-day service. Something that will leave you free to spend plenty of quality time with the kids while the cleaning is going on.

Clean as you go:

Finally, if you approach cleaning your home as a big job that needs to be completed every week, you can easily spend far too much of the weekend doing it. That is why you should practice the ‘clean as you go’ technique, instead. Something that you can learn more about here, and that will help you regain precious time to spend with your family.

Cleaning as you go is an excellent time saver but accidents do happen and it might be outside of your skill set to give a proper cleaning. This can include a soda stain on a light colored couch, red wine spills that would require help from a rug cleaning specialist, chipping paint, or tearing wallpaper. If you have a major cleaning issue, get assistance as soon as possible because those stains are going to be more difficult to remove once it has time to set.

Cleaning isn’t the most fun part of life but it must be done. Use the hacks above to make cleaning your place easier, quicker, and totally stress free.

Nov5

5 Home Improvements To Protect Your Home From Burglars

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5 Home Improvements To Protect Your Home From Burglars

Keeping yourself and your family safe should always be the main goal. Want to keep burglars away from your home? Here are a few improvements that could help to ward off would-be intruders:

Replace old windows and doors:

If your windows and doors are very old, you may want to consider replacing them. Many old windows and doors can be easily broken into by modern burglars even with the use of the simplest objects. Signs of visible wear and tear such as cracked windows or loose hinges could be a particular danger.

When it comes to windows, you ideally want a strong frame material like uPVC, double glazing, and window locks. You should hire a replacement window company to replace your windows as it can be a precise and tricky job to fit them. Replacing your windows not only increases your safety but will also be like a face lift for your home! Boost your security and upgrade the aesthetic by researching the best replacement companies in your area. You want a business that is trusted, accredited, and well reviewed. For window installation in Denver, Five Seasons Windows is a great place to start.

As for doors, consider upgrading to a steel door with a modern lock (you could even consider a smart lock). Doors can be more easily replaced by oneself, but to ensure that it’s fitted securely you may still want to hire professionals.

Put up net curtains:

Net curtains could also help to deter burglars – especially when hanging them up on windows that are facing onto a busy street. If you have valuables in your home, a burglar may be able to see them through the window and this might encourage them to choose you as a target. Net curtains stop burglars from being able to peek in, while still letting in sunlight.

On top of net curtains, you may also be able to use blinds as a way of distorting people’s view in. Frosted glass could also be an option, but it might prevent you from being able to look out.

Install security lighting:

Security lighting is a great way to keep away burglars. This is lighting located on the outside of your home that only turns on when motion is detected. Many burglars like to target homes at night when it’s easy to move undetected. Security lighting will make it harder for burglars to go unnoticed by illuminating them for all your neighbors to see. The fact that security lighting only comes on when motion is detected will save you money in energy bills compared to permanent lighting.

Cut down high hedges:

High hedges, walls, and fences can offer privacy, but they could also make it easier for burglars to break into your home without being seen by neighbors. By cutting down these barriers, your burglars won’t have anything to hide behind. This will make them less likely to choose you as a target.

Fit a burglar alarm:

Burglar alarms are triggered if somebody opens your door and can only be deactivated using a code. Nowadays, there are smart burglar alarms that can alert your phone as well as taking video footage of whoever is outside. Some will even alert the police if not deactivated within a certain amount of time. If you have home insurance, a burglar alarm could also help to reduce your insurance rates. If you are interested in having an alarm system for your home installed, simply enter a search for “security companies indianapolis indiana” (or your local area). Security alarms are something you hope will never be needed but you will be relieved to have should a situation ever arise. Be sure to seek referrals and recommendations for security companies from friends and family too.

Give your family the gift of protection this holiday season with making the improvements above!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Oct24

Settle Your Home Anxieties For The Winter

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Settle Your Home Anxieties For The Winter

You needn’t be a high maintenance person to feel stress occupying a home in which cleaning is not the expected standard. For example, if visiting the home or apartment of a friend’s friend, we may feel dismayed to see the bathroom in poor state, or perhaps that their dogs have left hair all over the sofas.

Many of us have caring standards for our homes, even if they might get a little messy from time to time. Thankfully, the anxiety or at least noticeable necessary need for a clean we can see will direct us to careful action. Often, the transfer of the seasons will help us notice this more, as they show our homes in a new light. This is why the bright warmth of spring often gives way to cleaning, to use one example.

Settling your home anxieties for the winter then, as we begin our slow march towards it, could be a great method of ensuring your home is catered for and refined once cold weather strikes. We would like to offer you some worthwhile advice here, and hope it can make a real difference:

Roofing:

Roofing truly does matter. A solid roofer will be able to figure out if you have holes or damages that need attending to, because this could have opened you up to a terrible attic leak, a loss of insulation, or even an infestation of some kind. Settling your home anxieties will often mean caring for your roof first, because the intense coldness of the weather can cause cracks to show, shingles to become damaged, or tiles to become loose. An inspection, therefore, is always a wise idea.

Pavement Care:

The pavement outside and leading up to your home (in the form of a patio, garden path, and driveway) can be a real victim of harmful black ice. This can lead to nasty trips, falls, and injuries, especially in the morning when you may still be waking up for your commute. Even if you’re aware of this it can be dangerous, let alone when elderly or younger relatives come to visit or bound from your home in an excitable fashion. As such, we recommend hiring a professional asphalt contractor that uses innovative Crack Sealers to fix up your driveway (and elsewhere) and improve the paving. You should also purchase a good amount of gritting material to limit slips and provide traction should it be a problem.

Weather Debris:

Weather debris is important to consider. From damaged fencing, loose roof tiles, upturned trampolines, and uprooted signs, it’s important to consider your potential weather debris and plan for that. Perhaps if a heavy winter’s snowfall or hailstorm is predicted, then bringing your vehicle into the garage to protect it could be important or putting heavier locks on your doors, or even, in some cases, rooting down exterior belongings that could rise in the weather. This may seem outlandish, but these scenarios do happen, and it’s always best to remain prepared to that degree.

With this advice, you are certain to correctly settle your home anxieties for the winter. Now get some hot chocolate and relax!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Oct20

Lil Red’s Cold Weather Ready Tips

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Lil Red’s Cold Weather Ready Tips

Hi! With fall in full swing and winter arriving before we know it, there are definitely some tasks that must be accomplished when the cooler weather begins. From creating a cozy atmosphere in your home to prepping your wardrobe and making adjustments to your car, it’s best to be prepared to keep yourself warm and safe all season long. Let’s discuss:

Fill Up Your Tires:

Literally the first thing that the Little Red Love Machine does after the first cold night in Ohio is turn on the check tire light on the dashboard. The cooler temps cause the air in the tires to become denser which, in turn, lowers your tire pressure. So, be sure to air up your tires as soon as your light turns on to keep your gas mileage in check.

Abundance Of Blankets:

There is absolutely nothing better than snuggling up in bed or on the couch with a good movie or book once the temperature drops. Getting nice and comfy cozy after a long day of work always makes me feel better and settling in with something entertaining helps you to forget about all of the frustrations that made your day stressful. Take this one step further by investing in some soft fleece blankets and plush pillows to curl up with and let the movie night commence. 😀

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^^^ A Step Brothers inspired blanket is a great place to start!

Wardrobe Prep:

As much as I would like to invest in a whole new wardrobe every time the season changes, it is just not feasible or necessary. Instead, I try to buy a few new pieces that will help me to refresh my closet without breaking the bank. Purchase a handful of key staples like some chunky sweaters, fashionable but practical boots, and a new jacket to make all of your old favorites feel brand new again. Don’t forget to grab some cold weather accessories like scarves and gloves if yours have become too well worn.

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Staying comfortable once cold weather strikes is the name of the game so bundle up, enjoy your favorite hot beverage, and keep fashion forward and warm all fall and winter long!

How do you prepare for cold weather? What are fall and winter like in your neck of the woods? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct14

Back To Normal

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Back To Normal

Hello! I’ll tell you guys what, getting back to work after the car accident was really hard. And I’ll also tell you guys what, getting back to work after the car accident after an additional week off from family vacation was even harder! My life went from having a blast with my family in North Carolina for a whole week to barely moving for a week in a matter of twelve hours, because the accident happened the day after I returned home.

Returning to work was definitely just as difficult as I imagined it to be. I was still experiencing aches and pains and my stamina was so low that not even my normal venti iced coffee from Starbucks could help me. But, like all things, it just took time. And, I figured if I could resume my job after a month and a half off from a surgery gone wrong, surely I could manage after two weeks!

However, I am pleased to say that things are finally on the upswing and I’d like to think that things are officially Back To Normal… as normal as Lil Red can get, anyways. 😉 Now, I can fully enjoy my favorite fall season and Halloween without a dull throb in my chest as well as revel in my time with my clients. And, for that, I am thankful.

The most difficult thing about this whole ordeal, though, was probably getting behind the wheel of a car again. I hadn’t drove for two weeks minus making a trip or two back to my family home, which is literally right up the street. So, diving completely back into it on my first day back at work was scary – especially because I was on the highway and it was rainy during my morning drive.

I would never say that I was a nervous driver before the accident. I have always been highly confident of my ability to drive and am usually quite relaxed in the Little Red Love Machine. And, while I still consider myself an excellent driver, I notice that I have become extra cautious post accident. I am even more aware of my surroundings than usual and I find that my red hot road rage has simmered down to a soft glow.

The car accident was easily one of the scariest things that I’ve experienced in my life and the last thing I want is for it to happen again. And, if that means tacking on some extra time to get to where I need to be without being in a rush, then so be it. A little more patience never hurts anyone and it could end up saving lives in the process. Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk.

I am so happy to be back into the swing of things and I want to thank all of you again so much for your support during such a difficult time! ❤

How did you handle a scary situation in your life? How do you keep a level head while driving? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct12

And In Conclusion…

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And In Conclusion…

Hello everyone! So I definitely laid some scary news on you all yesterday and I’m sorry for it but, oh my god, it was crazy. One of the things that I pride myself on as a blogger is not sugar coating anything. From my ongoing issues with mental health to everything in between, I try to keep it 100% real with all of you because, if not, then what’s the point?

I am so grateful to have been able to walk out of a severe car crash with the injuries that I had, which seem minor in comparison to breaking a bone, a bleeding cut, or worse. My boyfriend and I are both doing much better now but I’d be a liar if I didn’t say that it didn’t suck on ice. One person’s poor decision when it came to driving effected SIX other cars, people, and families. And, not only that, but he also had another major wreck at his own fault two years prior.

It honestly makes you wonder how that person ended up with his license in the first place, when he only seemed to leave destruction in his path. People could have been killed and, after the wreck, he still seemed unfazed – which is scary. I can only hope that the people in my neck of the woods are spared from having him on the road again and all I can do is urge all of you to be careful when you get behind the wheel. Not just careful for yourself but for all of the others around you, as well.

I always say when I’m in the car with my clients and they ask me if I’m afraid to drive that I’m never worried about my ability to drive, but for everyone else around me. And that definitely rang true the day of the accident. I am completely confident in my boyfriend’s ability to drive but that also didn’t prevent someone from getting into our lane and hitting us head on. So, all I can say is – be aware of your surroundings, wear your seat belts, and always be thankful when you make it to your destination safely.

What is something that you’re afraid of? How did you deal with a car accident if you’ve ever been in one? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct11

Accidents Happen

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Accidents Happen

*Trigger Warning* This post contains details of a car accident and medical trauma.

Helloooo everyone! Those of you who follow me on Facebook will know that yours truly was in a car accident this past month that had me in the hospital. (And, for those of you who don’t follow me on Facebook, make sure you get on it at: Sarah Mushenheim!) It was a really scary, painful experience and I wanted to give you all the 411 on what happened because I have been so blown away by all of the well wishes and all of you deserve to know. So, let’s get to it.

It was a Sunday afternoon circa one PM when my boyfriend and I were driving to pick some things up from his house and then we were going to have a date day. I had just returned from vacation the night before so we hadn’t seen each other for a week and were eager to hang out. Unfortunately, that got cut short, because as we were at an intersection on a twenty-five MPH street, we got hit head on by a driver going at least forty-five.

How did this person end up in the complete wrong lane and effect not just us but SIX cars in total? I’m really not sure, because it happened so quickly. But, I am fairly sure he was trying to get around a person turning left and, in the process, swiped another car and ended up going head first into ours. This left the car that got swiped, our car, and the car of the guy who hit us totaled. And, I’m assuming the other three cars ended up in fender benders or the like from all of the commotion going on on the road.

The heavy blow to our car caused the air bags to go off and, oh my god, the pain was indescribable. Before the accident, I had my feet on the dashboard and when I saw the car coming I instinctively went into fetal position. This caused my skater’s legs to go wham, bam, thank you ma’am right into my chest. I felt like I couldn’t breathe and I just remember screaming bloody murder.

Thankfully, the first responders came quickly and, while we were waiting for them, I had to shimmy my way out of the driver’s side door because the accident prevented my side from opening. I can recall yelling “let me out, let me out” and that was also super scary because I already felt like I couldn’t breathe and then I felt trapped on top of it.

Once the police and ambulances came, everything was a whirlwind. The EMTs began to check me and my boyfriend and we ended up being transported to a local hospital. We were both experiencing pain in our chests and had seat belt burns and various bumps and bruises. I also had a horrible pain in the bottom left corner of my stomach.

When we got to the hospital, we were put in separate rooms and I was asked to give a urine sample. I hobbled my sorry ass into the bathroom and got my shorts and undies down to see that there was blood in them as well as blood in my urine. Once this discovery was made, I had to get a CAT scan done and a pelvic exam which hurt so incredibly badly.

According to the scan, there was an air bubble in my bladder. And, as the day went on, there was still blood in my urine and it was becoming increasingly difficult to pee. So, the decision was made to have me transferred to the ER in Cleveland with a trauma team to try and find out what was going on with my bladder.

By the time I arrived in Cleveland, it was already eight thirty at night and I was exhausted. I was in unbearable pain and, at this point, I couldn’t pass urine at all and was experiencing all the discomfort of an insanely full bladder. Another CAT scan was done as well as a bladder scan and a catheter was put in so that I could finally go to the bathroom. I also had to get an X-ray of my shoulder to make sure I didn’t have any fractures there.

When this was all said and done, it was around two in the morning and I was told that I was going to be admitted to the hospital. A room finally opened up around five AM and all I wanted was to sleep but the constant questions, poking, and prodding made that damn near impossible.

I spent the following day at the hospital being monitored and having different tests done and was able to go home around eight in the evening with my catheter still in. And, lucky for me, I got to have it taken out two days later because it was very uncomfortable and quite painful. Everything looked okay according to the urologist and I just had to keep an eye on the slight bleeding that was still happening.

Thankfully, nothing was majorly wrong other than the pain and the same goes for my boyfriend, as well. We both had to take the week off of work and were happy to return the following Monday. There were a lot of things to be grateful for in this situation. No one involved in the accident got severely hurt. The insurance company of the person responsible took care of everything thanks to the help of the Auto Accident Lawyer on the case. And, most importantly, we were in my boyfriend’s big station wagon. Had we been in the Little Red Love Machine (a tiny hatchback), this would have been an entirely different story.

I am so appreciative to my family, boyfriend, the first responders, and the staff at both hospitals for taking such good care of me. It was a horrible situation to be in, but it could have been a lot worse and I am so thankful that all is well for both me and my boyfriend now. And, thank you to all of you for the concern and get well soons. It didn’t go unnoticed and I love you all! ❤

What are you thankful for? Has anyone had a situation similar to mine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct3

Items To Buy Before You Pick Up Your New Puppy

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Items To Buy Before You Pick Up Your New Puppy

Bringing home your puppy for the first time is an exciting time and, if you have children, it’s going to be even more of a special experience. It’s not something to be taken lightly, of course, and you need to think about how much time, effort, and money you have available for this new puppy. But, if you’ve already thought about it thoroughly and you have made the decision, then you can be sure that there are some things that you are going to need to purchase. Puppies need a lot of time spent on them primarily, but there is also such a vast world of puppy items too, including the pooper scooper, all of which you’ll have to consider carefully.

Food:

There is considerable debate over what constitutes as a proper diet for your dog. There are many articles out there are explaining why a particular dog food should never be given to your pet, and also lots of information regarding raw feeding. Raw feeding is simply a diet that consists of uncooked meat, there is a community of people that believe raw food is the ultimate option for any dog. But, you have to take many things into consideration, do your research and find the right thing for you and your pet. Make sure you stock up, as these little puppies eat and grow in vast quantities.

Bedding:

Having a safe spot to sleep and hide is an essential thing for a new puppy. They are going to need to feel safe, and the “cave” option for them is important. A puppy who is happy, content, and not scared is a puppy that will listen and make good choices. Mostly, if a puppy is destructive and not listening to the training, you will find that it’s because they don’t have everything they need, including good direction. Many people believe that crate training is important for a puppy’s development and potty training, and others believe that leaving the puppy to sleep on your bed with you is the ultimate. Whichever you choose, you will no doubt be looking for a puppy bed before you bring them home.

Training Books:

The most important thing you can do to keep your puppy happy and safe isn’t just about controlling the dog, it’s making sure they know what is expected of them and are challenged mentally. Training books such as easy peasy puppy squeezy, give great insight into puppies, why they do what they do, and how you can set them up for excellent training. Don’t miss this step and wait until they are ‘older’ as they are like sponges when they are little. They won’t remember everything all of the time but it’s recommended to get started straight away.

To help with your puppy’s enrichment and entertainment, which in turn stops them from being destructive, you will need to provide them with toys and training opportunities with high-value treats. It can be as simple as a toilet roll with treats wrapped inside (supervised) or a puppy Kong filled with dog-safe peanut butter. Good luck bringing your new pet home!

Featured Image By: Austin Kirk on Unsplash