Tag Archives: family

May24

Keeping Safe When You Are Traveling: A Complete Guide

Posted on by
Standard
Keeping Safe When You Are Traveling: A Complete Guide

Who doesn’t love to travel? Whether it’s for a vacation, business, or to visit your family, travel educates and entertains. Unfortunately, some trips do not go well and are ruined by accidents or ill health. Here’s a quick guide to how you can keep healthy when you are away from home and what you can do if something goes wrong. But fingers crossed that it doesn’t, of course!

Be proactive and prepare before you go:

Be realistic about your health and your physical limitations before you travel. This is especially important if you have chosen to travel by air. There are some people who should not fly and they include:

  • Babies under 2 days old
  • Women who have passed 36 weeks of pregnancy
  • People who have recently had any type of surgery
  • People who have recently suffered a stomach, eye, or head injury.
  • People who have recently had a heart attack or stroke

If you have any sort of health condition it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor before you leave, just in case.

Plan ahead for injuries and illnesses:

You will be responsible for hospital and other medical arrangements during your trip so double check your health insurance and make sure that you are covered for the entirety of your vacation as well as the location you are traveling to. Should you be planning a longer stay, it is a good idea to enter a search for “health insurance quotes florida” (or your vacation destination) in case a medical emergency arises. No one wants to imagine anything going wrong on a trip, but it is far better to be safe than sorry. In addition, think about where you will access treatment if you become ill or injured. Compile a list of USA emergency dentist locations and hospitals in case something goes wrong. This will cut down your stress levels if you are in need of treatment while you are away, as you will already have a place in mind.

Take your own first aid kit with you for minor emergencies. Stock it up with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and cotton wool so that you can treat cuts and scrapes. Include any prescribed medication and some pain killers. Some basic first aid knowledge is essential so have a read up on what you should do in an emergency. You also need to know when you should call a doctor. In general terms, you need to call medical assistance if you have diarrhea AND a high fever, have been bitten or scratched by an animal, or have been in an accident and are seriously injured.

Let your friends and family know when you will be going, where you will be going, and when you intend to return. Always carry details of your next of kin and your medical requirements with you. You can store these in a mobile phone or in card form in your wallet.

Look after your health while you are away:

It is easy to get carried away on holiday and take risks that we would not take when we are at home. Some sensible precautions will go a long way towards making your trip a safe one. Limit your alcohol intake and use sunscreen when you are in hot and sunny climates. Be especially careful if you are on the coast or in the country as there are additional hazards. Be aware of your surroundings and think about the dangers that you might face and how to avoid them as necessary.

Vacation is meant for fun, not catastrophe. Have a back up plan in place for peace of mind while you have a good time!

Featured Image By: Pexels

May18

Summer Fun Checklist

Posted on by
Standard
Summer Fun Checklist

It may not always seem like it, but the time of year that it is can make a huge difference in a person’s life. Winter and autumn can be difficult sometimes because of things like seasonal effective disorder. How early the sun rises and sets is enough to have an effect on people’s moods (I know it does for me!). As another example, people look at the New Year as something of a new start, and it is a time when they try to grasp that opportunity.

Summer is no different. If you are in college, especially, the break from the academic year represents an opportunity to improve yourself (or simply to bask in laziness for a few weeks). That may mean that you go traveling and experience the wonders of another culture or you may decide, instead, to stay closer to home and participate in some volunteering or work experience to better prepare you for your post-graduation job search. For people who work, it is a chance to go on holiday. However, you may just want to stay at home and relax. For some people, the perfect summer day is taking a book to a local park and sitting under a tree until it gets too dark to read.

If you are thinking of making the most of the summer this year, you will need to start preparing now since it is so nearly upon us. Here are five things that you need to make sure of before you set off on whatever plans that you’ve made:

  1. If you are hoping to leave the country, you should book your flights exactly eighteen weeks before you intend to travel. Research has shown that airline websites offer the cheapest prices at those times. Otherwise, you need to check that your passport is still valid. And do not forget your visa! There is nothing worse than getting somewhere only to be sent back again right away.
  2. Depending on where you’re going, you will need to make sure that your wardrobe matches. If you are heading to some tropical paradise, you’ll need a bikini or swimming trunks. Do not forget your sunglasses and the most important thing of all: sun tan lotion. Nothing ruins a vacation quite like a nasty sunburn.
  3. Personal grooming is crucial, too. If you are looking for the best razor for the bikini area, you need to make sure that you get one with which you are comfortable. Otherwise, you should remember that in different climates you will need to have products for your hair and skin. If you are not used to hot weather all year round, you may quickly find that your lips crack or your skin becomes a little dry. Thinking ahead and packing precautionary lotions or ointments is the smartest thing to do when you’re jetsetting to a new place.
  4. You should always take a book with you just in case for surprise waits before appointments or lunch dates, but it is never more important than when you are on holiday. They are not called ‘beach reads’ for nothing!
  5. No one forgets a camera anymore since they do not forget their phone but to get the best pictures, you should think about a camera with film. It costs more but the photos are better. Also, why not take a notebook along so that you can better remember the holiday when you get back?

Nothing makes pre-vacation planning easier than a good old fashioned checklist. Make yours, check it twice, and you’re off!

Featured Image By: Pexels

May14

Happy Mother’s Day!!

Posted on by
Standard
Happy Mother’s Day!!

Hello everyone and a Happy Happy Mother’s Day to all of the lovely people celebrating today. I’ll keep this post short and sweet so that you can get on with your brunches, walks in the park, and other Mother’s Day activities. But I just wanted to give a big lifewithlilred thank you to all of the mamas out there. Whether you’re a mom to children, your pets, a foster parent, or are in the process of trying to conceive or adopt – this day is all for you! Thank you for all that you do and for giving the world a dose of the love and care that only a mother can provide! Much love. -Sarah

May11

Ask These Questions If Your Dog Is Ill

Posted on by
Standard
Ask These Questions If Your Dog Is Ill

If you are a real dog person, then you will know how upsetting it can be when they are not feeling on top of the world. Especially as with dogs we are so used to seeing them all bubbly and happy – when they are no longer that way it can be really quite distressing. If your dog has started to act strangely recently or if they look like they are getting ill, then you might be wondering what is going wrong. It goes without saying that if things get serious that you should take them to the vet – but what checks can you carry out at home to rule anything out? Let’s look at some of the questions you should be asking yourself if your beloved doggo is getting unwell:

Are You Feeding Them Properly? Just as with any other animal, your dog needs the right diet in order to function properly. Knowing what such a diet should be, however, is something else altogether. As it happens, most dogs need a combination of dried food like Royal Canin and meat, although what meat is not quite so important. If you are only feeding them one or the other, then this can cause some serious nutrient deficiency so make sure that you are giving them a more balanced diet. You should also check that you are feeding them the right quantity – this depends on the size and breed of your dog and it something that you should ask your vet about. Lastly, make sure that you are feeding them at regular intervals, in order to really ensure that their diet is as good as it can be.

Are They Getting Enough Exercise? Dogs of different breeds, sizes, and ages need differing amounts of exercise, so you should make sure that you know your dog’s type well enough to give them the right amount. Generally, however, walking them twice a day is optimal – and absolutely no less than once a day. If you have a large garden, then that can sometimes suffice instead of walking them, but you should still take them elsewhere occasionally to give them new experiences. You will know if they are not getting enough exercise, because they will start to look weak and might even begin whimpering. As a rule, you can’t over-exercise them – they will stop before they do any real damage to themselves. Make sure that you take them out for exercise as much as you can, which should help to keep illness away.

Are You Looking After Their Coat? As it turns out, their coat is not just an aesthetic concern – it is also a majorly important part of their health. There are a number of issues regarding their coat which you definitely want to avoid, such as fleas and nits, so make sure that you do everything you can to keep it clean. You might also need to brush it regularly or semi-regularly, so make sure that you do that too if necessary for your dog. If you look after their coat properly, you will actually help to keep them healthy and happy.

#DOGS ❤ ❤ ❤

Featured Image By: Pexels

May9

The Best Things About Owning A Dog

Posted on by
Standard
The Best Things About Owning A Dog

Dogs are one of the first domesticated animals in history, and it doesn’t take long to figure out why humans have had such a long and amicable relationship with these amazing creatures. They’re funny, loyal, and are always happy to see you, whether you’re in the mood for their antics or not! If you or someone in your house needs just a little more convincing, here are some of the best things about owning a dog (besides for all of the things!!):

They’re Hilarious! Your dog will make you laugh pretty often, perhaps every day if you bring the right pooch home from the shelter! Dogs are always getting up to silly, funny things that will bring a little more joy to your day, even when you’re having a really tough one. Whether it’s breaking into fits of barking and howling when a certain song comes on or licking peanut butter off of their nose for an hour straight (and they will), as a dog owner, you’re sure to see all kinds of things that will put a smile on your face!

pupper1

DOGGO!

They Keep Your Mind Engaged: You probably already knew that dogs can be great for getting more physical exercise in, but they’re also very conducive to regular mental exercise, which is often just as important for a healthy, happy life. Any long-time dog owner will tell you that their dog has taught them all kinds of things, and continues to teach them to this day. This is especially true when they’re puppies and your mind is buzzing with all kinds of questions and uncertainties. What are the signs that they’re ill? How often should you walk them? What’s the best food for your dog? Similar to caring for a child, getting into the rhythm of parenting (lol) a dog takes a lot of time and mental effort, which never really stops.

pupper2

#friendship

You’ll Have a Friend for Life: Dogs spend a large part of their lives observing us and interacting with us. After a few years of living with a dog, they’ll be intimately familiar with all the little mannerisms and quirks that makes you the person that you are. Healthy dogs also have a natural sense of empathy, and will be able to pick up on a familiar human’s emotions with the drop of a hat. Many long-time dog owners have had instances where they’ve been feeling particularly dejected, and their pet had started exhibiting worried, submissive behavior. At times, it seems that man’s best friend can communicate better than man! Good dog. ❤

pupper3

Sweet PUPPER!

They’re Great Personal Trainers: If you know that you should be getting more exercise, you’ll obviously know how hard it is to push yourself into a solid regimen and then stick to it. When you own a dog, on the other hand, you’ll have your own little personal trainer who will keep on getting you out of the door and moving those muscles. No matter how lazy you’re feeling, when a dog wants a walk, they’ll come right up to you with some intense, meaningful looks, maybe even with their leash in their mouth. You won’t be able to turn down that little face as easily as yourself! Seriously. You won’t.

pupper4

SO. CUTE!

Long story short: dogs are the best. The end. 😀

Featured Image By: Pixabay

May8

Pros Of Being A Practical Present Presenter

Posted on by
Standard
Pros Of Being A Practical Present Presenter

Are you tired of being a bad gift buyer? In order to be a better gift buyer, you need to think practically. When you evaluate the presents for your birthday or under the Christmas tree, the best gift buyer is almost always the person that buys something that has a purpose and a practical use. Read on to find out why you should become a practical gift buyer, too:

No One Wants Gifts That Turn Into Clutter: No one wants gifts that just get left lying around doing nothing. Unfortunately, there are plenty of people who receive gifts that they don’t really want. These items just get thrown in a drawer and then they never get used again. This is probably not what you want to happen to the gifts that you buy for people. So, to make sure that you don’t buy bad gifts for people, you should make sure that what you buy can be used for something specific. It’s a great way to make sure that your gift doesn’t just become clutter but a new favorite household or wardrobe staple, instead.

To prevent a gift from turning into clutter, it’s a great idea to explore stores and websites that you don’t usually shop at. This will make the gift feel more exclusive to that person because it’s something that not everyone will already have. Rather than pick up a T-shirt at the mall, browse on Chummy Tees for more unique options. Or you could try gifting bath and body care from around the world rather than one chain store.

You Can be Sure That Value Can be Found in Your Gift: When you do decide to buy gifts that have a practical purpose for the people who you’re buying for, you will find that you can get value for what you spend. Although the item will, of course, be used by the people you bought it for, it will still be getting used. This means that the amount of money that you spend will not be wasted in the way it would if your gift wasn’t used. No one wants to feel like they are just throwing money away and not getting value from it, so this is vital.

Being Practical Doesn’t Have to Mean Being Boring: Just because you are buying a gift that has a practical use doesn’t mean that it has to be boring. You can just as easily find a way to make your gifts interesting and practical at the same time. For example, you can buy stationery online, and have it personalized. This makes it that little bit more special and it becomes less of a blah item and a lot more personal and thoughtful. These things are important when buying gifts so put some thought into how you can customize practicality presents for the person receiving them.

You Can Make the Receiver’s Life Easier in Ways They Would Never Have Thought Of: Sometimes, you can make a person’s day to day life easier and more enjoyable by getting them a practical gift. And the interesting thing is that the person you’re buying for would probably never have thought to buy these kinds of things for themselves. This is often how it goes. Embrace this, and buy your friends and relatives a gift that they can make the most of. My father in law is the king of practical gifts and they really have had a positive impact in my apartment. We have received safety kits, fire extinguishers, and simple sets of tools. Flashlights were also another item we were gifted as we sometimes experience power outages. These practical prezzies have come in handy more times than I can count and we feel much better prepared for any situation with these essential items readily available.

Kitschy little gifts are all very well to a point but when it comes down to it, the practical presents always seem to take the cake!

Featured Image By: Public Domain Pictures

May7

13 Reasons Why I’m Happy Challenge

Posted on by
Standard
13 Reasons Why I’m Happy Challenge

Hey everyone and happy weekend! So my friend Charlie girl over at CharlieeStar tagged me in the 13 Reasons Why I’m Happy Challenge and I love these little awards and tags posts so I figured why not. Charlie is going to be featured during my Salute To Summer guest bloggers series so be on the look out for her! But until then, make sure to check out her wonderful blog! Okay, here we go. 13 Reasons Why I’m Happy in no particular order:

  1. I’m waiting for my pot of coffee to cool down to make some iced coffee and I’m really excited about it because I got a new creamer to try last night.
  2. I just walked my two rescue dogs, Gem and Ollie, with my mom and the weather in Ohio is actually acceptable to walk in, as it’s been raining here ALL WEEK.
  3. I’m talking to this really cute guy who’s coming up from North Carolina at the end of the month for my birthday.
  4. My mental health is finally in check, so that’s nice.
  5. There’s a Taco Bell within a mile of my home so that’s a blessing.
  6. I graduated college in December and I’m still happy about that!!
  7. I have a handful of really good friends who I love dearly. Quality over quantity and whatever.
  8. My family, obvs.
  9. All of the wonderful friends that I’ve made through lifewithlilred. I always get so happy every time I think about that!
  10. Bubble baths, face masks, and moscato.
  11. My background as a competitive figure skater has given me some rock solid legs and a sturdy gait that keeps me away from spine surgeons, which is also a blessing haha.
  12. Whenever I’m writing my talon nails click away on the keyboard and I love that.
  13. My personal style. I have a closet full of beautiful clothes, shoes, and accessories. Wonderful makeup, bright red hair, long acrylic nails, piercings, and tattoos and I love it all.

Well that was fun! I thought that this list would be a bit harder to make but I actually feel like I could have kept going, which is a pleasant surprise. I’m not going to tag anyone in this because it’s more up to you if you want to participate in the 13 Reasons Why I’m Happy Challenge, but it was most enjoyable!

Thanks again to my Charlie girl for the tag, you’re a doll! What makes you happy? What bums you out? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May5

Which Drink Should You Be Serving With Your Food?

Posted on by
Standard
Which Drink Should You Be Serving With Your Food?

If you’re a bit of a foodie, you probably love cooking for your family and the people that you love. However, it’s important that you make sure that you serve the right drinks with your food, too. The right drink will complement the different flavors of the food that you’ve made, and will make the whole experience so much better. If you serve the wrong drink, the whole thing can taste off and become a bit of a dinner disaster. Some people think that it’s all down to the perception of the person eating and drinking, but the experts disagree! 😉

Here are some tips to help you discover the best drinks to serve with your meal:

Contrast: One thing that you can do to make sure you have the perfect pairing of flavors, is to choose flavors that will contrast your food. This might sound counter intuitive, but it can create a mind blowing flavor experience. It doesn’t have to be too dramatic. Just think about how things like lemon and lime can contrast flavors and make them so much better with just a drop!

Alcohol Level: The alcohol level of the beverage is also important. It isn’t just about the flavor! If you’re serving a light meal, then something with a light alcohol content should be served. If you’re serving a heavier dish, then you can afford to do so with your beverage, too. Bottoms up!

Have Fun With It: And, of course, you can experiment! Read the different flavors in beverages and see if you think that they will pair nicely or contrast with your food and test them out. Eventually, you’ll be able to pair things all by yourself. Just make sure that you pay attention to the temperature of certain beverages, as that can also make a big difference.

Check out this awesome infographic for more on the perfect serve of vino! Cheers!


Thanks To: winecoolers.reviews

Featured Image By: Pixabay

May4

Doggy Despair: Behavioral Issues Your Pooch Can Experience

Posted on by
Standard
Doggy Despair: Behavioral Issues Your Pooch Can Experience

Dogs really are man’s best friend. They’re loyal and silly, they make us laugh, comfort us when we cry, and are an integral part of the family. But just like humans, dogs can experience issues which can leave them out of sorts. It could be a lack of socialization as a pup, something frightening which has made them anxious, or something you have encouraged without even realizing. Here are just a few of the behavioral issues you might face as a dog owner and what to do about them:

Aggression: Aggression in dogs can be targeted towards humans, other dogs and animals, or even objects such as bicycles and cars when you’re out on a walk. Fear often manifests itself as aggression, and a puppy that hasn’t been exposed to lots of different stimuli can grow up as a fearful and aggressive dog. Aggression can also come about due to resource guarding, where your dog feels it has to protect food, treats, toys, and even space. Aggression can be a tricky issue to deal with when it comes to dogs. For everyone’s safety, consulting a dog trainer or expert is in your best interests to make sure that you’re not aggravating the situation. The last thing you want is to make matters worse. Punishing your dog for aggression for example is likely to intensify the situation and make them more prone to biting.

Digging: Digging is a natural doggy behavior, but some dogs will do this more than others. In some cases it can become a huge issue, dogs can tear up gardens and even floors in the home. Digging is good exercise and is fun for dogs, so how about setting up a designated ‘digging area’ in your garden? Redirect them to this when they begin to dig, and use plenty of praise. This behavior might also indicate that your dog is full of energy. Taking them on longer walks could help to keep down their desire to dig.

Barking: Barking is one of the ways that your dog communicates with its humans and other animals. Different barks can mean different things, from ‘there’s someone at the door’ to ‘give me attention’ or ‘get away from me before I bite!’. Understanding your dog’s different barks will help you to give them what they need, although in some cases dogs can bark excessively. This can become a nuisance and can even land you in trouble with your neighbors or landlord. People have even been fined due to noisy dogs!

Correct barking behavior by getting your dog’s attention and diverting it elsewhere. Don’t ever use violence with dogs, but a nudge could help to ‘snap them out’ of the zone that they’re in. Teaching your dog commands like ‘bark’ and ‘stop barking’ using treats, praise, and rewards can help, too. That way when they begin to bark you can use the command to stop and praise them with a treat. If nothing seems to be helping, seeking professional training might be the way to go.

Begging: Dogs are very food motivated. This is great as it makes them easy to teach, most dogs will do anything you ask to get their paws on a tasty snack! However, it also means that whatever you have to eat, your dog will have eyes for. If you give your dog table scraps and food from your plate, you’re encouraging a lifetime of begging behavior – and dogs aren’t subtle about it! They will happily sit with their head on your knee or right next to your face while you eat given the chance! You can stop begging behavior by simply never feeding your dog table scraps. If you have leftovers that are suitable for dogs such as meat, vegetables, rice and other good stuff- scrape it into a container for later. That way they don’t associate you eating (or finishing your meal) with them getting fed.

You could also make them sit in their bed or in another room while you eat, or even use a soft crate. Unlike a wire crate, this is easy to collapse and is portable, so it’s useful for when you travel and not quite as imposing as other models. If you’re wondering what the best soft dog crates are on the market, there are plenty of reviews online. Dogs might also beg because they’re hungry. Making sure that you’re giving enough food for the size of your dog will help to prevent this. There are usually feeding instructions based on weight on most dog food products or you could ask your vet if you’re unsure.

doggggg

Yawwwn

Chewing: Dogs like to chew. Having a toy or bone for them to chew on can clean their teeth, vent their frustrations, and keep their mind busy which tires them out. However, some dogs won’t just chew their own possessions but anything in their path. This can be dangerous since they might choke on small parts, gnaw on something toxic, or even through wires giving them an electric shock. Teaching puppies what they can and can’t have is essential. Destruction is often a result of frustration or separation anxiety, so making sure that your dog is well exercised and not leaving them alone for long periods should help with this. You may find that confining them to a crate or one room is necessary to keep them from chewing up things that they shouldn’t. If you know your dog is a chewer, be extra cautious not to leave anything lying around that they can get a hold of. Wires should be tacked to walls using wire clips, shoes should be put in a cupboard, and anything else that might become a target should be moved – especially when your dog is unsupervised.

Keeping your dog healthy, making sure that they get enough exercise, and socializing them well when they’re young will help you to avoid all kinds of issues. However, sometimes they can still crop up either due to an experience that they’ve had or just out of the blue. A dog trainer or your local vet can provide further advice if you’re stuck. LONG LIVE DOGS!!! ❤

Featured Image By: Pexels

May1

Giving Your Children A Strong Start

Posted on by
Standard
Giving Your Children A Strong Start

All parents know just how stressful it can be to try and keep your kids going in the best way possible as they are growing up. Attempting to give them the best start in life that you can can sometimes feel like an uphill struggle, but it is a struggle which you are probably never going to put down. If you care about your children, you will know that allowing them the best start possible is incredibly important. But knowing how to do that is something else altogether. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the things that you can do and the areas on which you can focus to give your children a much better start:

Education: If there is anything that you want to intensely focus on for your kids, it is education. Knowing that your children are receiving the best education that they can means that you know that they are going to do well in life. But being able to ensure a decent education is not actually all that simple or easy to do. As it happens, however, you can do a number of things to make sure that it is vastly improved. One of the biggest things to do is to encourage their education in the home as well as sending them to school when they are old enough. And, it’s never too early to research your options for when that time comes. Simply enter a search for “pre k san antonio” (or your local area) and look for reviews from other parents or schedule a tour to find the best fit for your child.

Of course, you don’t have to spend every spare moment teaching your kids at home, but you can help them to understand things better with your assistance. Focus on the main subjects, which they will need for a strong education, and consider options such as the Effortless English Club if you find that they need some further help. Focusing on education early ensures that your children will be much better off right from the start.

As your child continues their educational journey, you might find that they have a special proficiency for a certain subject like Language Arts or math. If your kiddo is up to improving those skills even more, learning camps, an intensive english language course (or their preferred subject), or a tutor could be most beneficial. Just remember that enhancing your child’s knowledge will come through encouragement and support as opposed to pressure.

People Skills: Education is important, but it isn’t everything. People skills are highly relevant if you want your children to do well in life, as they will be useful in all sorts of situations throughout life, right from the very start. People skills can’t be forced – but what you can do is make sure that your child is given plenty of opportunity to practice them by allowing them to spend lots of time with other children, and even with adults whom you trust. This will give them the chance to develop their people skills young, and that will help them out majorly in the long run.

child3

Cool Kids!

Confidence: The ability to carry oneself throughout life with a confident attitude is one of the most valuable things of all, and the good news is that it can be instilled in your child just like anything else. Confidence is not something that you either have or do not have – it is a skill which can and should be learned. The best way to develop confidence in your child is to push them. Put them into situations which are slightly out of their comfort zones, until they are more and more comfortable with being themselves in those different situations.

Featured Image By: Pexels