Tag Archives: family

Feb27

Clichés Can’t Be Wrong: What Pet Should You Get?

Posted on by
Standard

When it comes to choosing a pet, not everyone has a clear idea of which companion to choose. Indeed, there is a big difference between a cat and a dog, but there is an even bigger difference between owning a parrot or owning a pug, so the choice of your pet companion is a serious one. Choosing the wrong pet for your personality might not only result in unhappy social issues on your end, but you are also risking the happiness of an innocent animal. So, while there isn’t an exact guide on the best pet for your lifestyle, there are some common personality traits among pet owners that can help you to find out whether you are more of a fish fan or a cat lady.

You Love A Small And Lively Home – Rabbit: Around a third of all rabbit owners tend to describe themselves as creative and geek chic homeowners. But what unites all rabbit owners is the desire of a lively home at very little cost. They want to have the excitement of a pet peacefully hopping under the sofa without having to develop an authority figure to control their furry friend. The other advantage is the low investment of rabbit food as this is mostly odorless and easy to manage. So if you fancy a ball of fluff without concession or the problems of a dependent pet that relies on you for playful times, a rabbit is what you need!

pet5.png

SO. CUTE.

You Fear Long-Term Commitments – Hamster: For those who want a pet but don’t want to invest too many years of their lives with an animal, you should be looking at small animals such as mice, hamsters, rats, and other rodents. Their life expectancy rarely goes beyond two years, which is very short in the realm of pets, but they have all the fun of a bigger animal. They are very intelligent, too, so be prepared for them to escape from their cages! At this subject, you should have a look at the cage reviews at Love Your Pet to find the ideal cage for your rodent. Rodents are very playful and affectionate once they get to know you: Most people even let them roam free at home!

pet6.png

Wittle baby!!

You Are A Solitary Type – Cat: While cats are by definition the animals of the old single lady, in truth, they are a little more than an option against loneliness. Cats are independent animals who can develop very strong bonds with their owners. It’s not uncommon for cats to lick their owner’s hair as a way to show affection. They have some gross habits, too, as they bring back dead animals as a gift. But if you stick with cats, they are loyal, loving, and fun but they tend to dislike meeting new people. A cat is the ideal companion if you don’t like going out or if you are involved in a small social circle.

You Love Going Out And Exercising Outdoors – Dog: If you are keen to go out and make new friends, you have more of a dog personality. Most dogs love the company of people and while they are loyal and protective of their family – or of the family of their owners – they are always happy to meet new people and make new friends. Most dogs enjoy running and playing outside, so it’s best to have at least a medium sized back yard if you are planning to get a dog. You can also choose to exercise with your dog to keep both of you healthy.

Dogs will require training to be obedient and behave safely outside of the house, but this is something that you can easily achieve with the right puppy school. And, remember that a dog can be prone to making messes in the house so you will want to take a look at Golyath and ensure that you are well stocked with your sanitizing wipes and distilled water to keep your home sanitary. This is so important for animals and humans alike!

You Are A Creative Soul – Parrot: Parrots are incredibly bright and playful. It’s not uncommon for parrots to play with other animal species and many parrot owners have seen their friends throwing a ball at a dog just like a human being would do – admittedly with a little less strength than a person, it’s a bird after all. Parrots are happier in a household where they can interact with everyone and everything and where they can learn. Parrot owners tend to be on the creative side. Writers, designers, artists, and much more. It is said that parrots and their owners keep learning from each other throughout their lives.

pet7.png

🙂

You Prefer Peaceful Aesthetics – Fish/Reptile: If you are not keen on the company, but you want something nice to look at, you should be looking at a fish or reptile as a pet. Aquarium pets tend to keep a peaceful atmosphere in the house, as they stay in their glassed box until you take them out. You can decorate their tanks as you wish and the water is sure to have a calming effect.

pet8.png

Lol, omg!

Feb25

DOGS!!

Posted on by
Standard
DOGS!!

Hi everyone and happy weekend! I realize that it’s been a long time since I’ve blessed all of you with some precious pics of my pooches so I figured that now would be a great time to do so! Our darling Golden Retriever, Gem, and Terrier mix, Ollie, are doing just swell and are as cute as ever. We are all currently itching to give both of them a new little brother or sister and by we I mean everyone but my dad – but we’re working on him! But, of course, we are perfectly happy with our two pups because two is company and three is a crowd. 😉

gemgem1ollie

^^^ I LOVE THEM!!

Pic #1: Gem and I just chilling and watching My 600 Lb. Life. *insert cool emoji with sunglasses here*

Pic #2: So my mom taught Gem this trick where she’ll “clean up” her toys and put them all into one spot, which is usually her doggie bed. Of course we reward her for this sweet ass trick so now Gem will just sit there with a toy in her mouth until we give her a treat and it’s basically the most ridiculous and adorable thing ever.

Pic #3: Ollie just snuggling up to Patrick Starfish! A weird fact about my family is that we’ve legitimately had that stuffed animal for well over thirteen years and, I kid you not, it has been sitting on that freaking chair THE ENTIRE TIME. Lol, Patrick has become a signature staple of our living room, like our Christmas tree that we still have yet to take down. I like to think that it just adds to our quirky charm! 😉

You guys already know how much I love my DOGS and now I want to learn about yours. What kind of dog do you have? What is his or her name? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb21

The Hidden Dangers In Your Home

Posted on by
Standard

As a parent, your kids are your life. After the responsibility sets in, everything you do, whether directly or indirectly, becomes a part of making sure your kids are as happy and healthy as possible. We’ve all heard the horror stories about kids injuring themselves on apparently harmless things around the house. If you want to avoid one of these, here are some of the biggest hidden dangers to think about:

Blinds & Cords: The boundless curiosity that every child is born with is great in many ways, but it can backfire majorly if it’s applied to the wrong thing. Blinds, in particular, are one thing that’s been found to put a child’s safety at risk. The cords that hang from blinds can become a dangerous trap for curious toddlers, who can become tangled in them, leading to nasty falls and even strangulation. You should be applying the same caution to less obvious cords around the home, as well. Cords connected to your toaster, kettle, and other appliances can be tugged, causing the heavy appliance to fall off the counter and onto a child. From here on, keep any kind of cord out of reach wherever possible. There are many companies like Intercrown which supply child-friendly blinds to avoid such frightening fiascos.

danger.png

Practice cord caution!

Pesticides: Getting pests in the home is very irritating and can cause a major hygiene concern. Naturally, you don’t want your child’s health to suffer in a home that’s infested with creepy crawlies, and may think that you’re protecting them by using a strong pesticide on various spaces around the house. Wrong! All pesticides contain some toxic chemicals, and children are much more susceptible to them than grown adults. Your child’s brain won’t be fully developed until they reach the age of 12 and if they’re exposed to some of the more common chemicals on the pest control market, it can seriously stunt the development of their central nervous system. It doesn’t help that children have more skin surface relative to their size, and will absorb much more of a given chemical than you or me. Try to avoid pesticides wherever possible, and look for alternatives like this Green Tech Bug Heat treatment. Putting up with a few bugs in the home is much better than long-term exposure to poison.

danger1.png

 Flickr Image

Batteries: Children ingesting small items or choking on them is a major fear for any parent, but batteries are one “small part” that need to be kept away from children more than any other. Once these are swallowed, they’ll actually be digested by the stomach’s acids. This releases the heavy metals in the battery, and can cause some serious health problems. It’s pretty rare for parents to know that their child has swallowed a battery immediately, and it’s only when the aggressive and severe symptoms come up that they seek medical attention. Make sure that all of your batteries, particularly smaller button ones, are out of reach and sight of your kids. It may also be worth thinking about the battery-powered things your child has access to, and how easily they’d be able to take one out.

danger2.png

 Beware of batteries!

Feb21

Asian Food? Give It A Thai

Posted on by
Standard
Asian Food? Give It A Thai

Did you know that the average household uses a range of five or six main ingredients in their diet. This doesn’t include seasoning and herbs but focuses on the main features such as one or two types of meat, a source of carbohydrate such as potatoes or rice, and three main vegetables. That’s about it.

With busy lives we tend to scale down how adventurous we are in the kitchen and spend less time creating exciting meals than we do sitting down to eat. It’s kind of sad. There are so many great recipes out there that are quick, easy, and above all tasty so if your taste buds need a little treat at home, try including one, out of the safety zone, meal every week (and try to enjoy the cooking as much as the eating!).

Asia is the largest continent in the world and has such a diverse range of cuisine. There are flavors that will suit every palette, from Freekeh which is a gentle, smoked grain from Palestine to the complicated layers of spice and herbs that you would find in India. Asian food, on the whole, is healthy and boosts longevity which makes it a great addition to any household that is trying to get healthy but doesn’t want to spend their weeks eating salad and poached chicken. There are loads of recipes that are based around quick cooking and high flavor, which you can recreate at home.

When was the last time you bought any shellfish?  If it has been a while then you are really missing out. Steamed crabs offer a delicious meat and because of the delicate flavor, they only get better with a little bit of creativity. So check out this brilliant Thai Crab Cake recipe and see if you can add a little spice to your life:

Place about a half pound of crab meat, onion, lime zest (or kaffir lime leaf), chili powder, fish sauce, oyster sauce, 1 egg, and ¾ of a cup of panko (or polenta) into a food processor and blitz to combine all of the ingredients. Add another ¼ cup of panko (or polenta) and stir to combine. The mixture should be moist enough for you to create a cake but not so moist that it sticks to your hands and falls apart. You are better off if you find yourself in a situation where you need to add more panko, than trying to moisten things down.

Create your cakes, which should be about 3 inches in diameter, then place aside.  Add garlic salt into ¾ cup of your panko or polenta and set into a bowl. In another bowl whisk 2 small eggs. Dip your cakes into the egg first, then roll in the panko/polenta mix until completely coated.

In a sizzling hot pan, drop your cakes into the oil and cook for 2 minutes on each side.  Serve with a squeeze of lime, a little coriander salad, and some Thai sweet chili sauce. Simple as that – a delicious meal in under twenty minutes!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb20

Getting A Puppy VS Adult Dog

Posted on by
Standard
Getting A Puppy VS Adult Dog

If you are thinking seriously about expanding your family by four furry paws, then you’ll be wondering whether it’s best to go for a brand-new puppy or a rescue animal. It’s a big decision and it’s not until you really give it some thought that you’ll realize there are some rather large differences between the two. Puppies are adorable little balls of fur that bring joy with their big, heart-melting eyes. If you take on the responsibility of a new puppy, you’ll be spending a lot of time in that first year with training and behavior. You’ll have to learn about the foods they should and shouldn’t eat. You’ll have to care for them from top to bottom in terms of needs and they’ll have to learn what behavior you accept, which is difficult for new pups!

An adult dog brings just as much joy as a puppy, and comes with the gained knowledge of how to respond to commands. They also come with a little attitude in some cases, where you cannot teach an old dog new tricks. Not because they can’t learn new tricks, but because older dogs are wise and sometimes make it more of a challenge for you! You will still have the decision about which dog food manufacturer to choose because even with an adult dog, they can be fussy fur balls that know what they like! You want to give them the best so do some online research first. The positive here is that you can skip that fairly awkward and time-consuming puppy stage. Potty training has happened, teething has happened, and you can go ahead and integrate them into your home gently. So, what questions must you ask yourself?

Time: A puppy requires an awful lot more time than an adult dog. Much like bringing home a new baby, they require almost constant supervision in the first few months of their lives. Teaching them to use the correct space for toileting, obedience, and commands all take up time so make sure that you have time to give before you take a puppy on.

Lifestyle: Do you have the chance to work from home or are you out of the house all day? Sometimes lifestyle changes have to happen to fit a dog into your life and if you are spending eight to ten hours a day away from the home, it’s not fair to the dog. Or to you, really, as you will have the guilt hanging over you by being away so much. Consider an older dog instead of a puppy who can cope with longer periods without you. It’s also important to think about the climate you live in when you are considering your lifestyle. For example, french bulldogs in cold climates might require special clothing while a husky would thrive in the chilly temps. The weather can play a huge part in your dog’s health and you will want to accommodate accordingly.

Children: If you have children at home, you’ll need to wait a few years before adopting a dog or puppy. Sometimes older dogs can’t get on with children and other times children can’t get on with a new puppy. Older children can have a little responsibility with walking and feeding when they can understand not to yank its tail!

vs1<33333

A dog is not something you should rush buying. They’re a pet for life and require careful thought and consideration, not just for what they will need but whether the family can cope with the new addition. Make careful choices and thoroughly research every angle before you go ahead. But when you make your choice, you will be welcoming an amazing new friend and addition into your family.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Feb10

Give Your Bathroom Some Sparkle

Posted on by
Standard
Give Your Bathroom Some Sparkle

When you have a big family, the house can tend to get messy, over-run and the household chores can seem like a never ending list which just gets bigger and bigger with every hour. The bathroom is one of the most used and frequented rooms in a house, with everyone using the toilet, needing to shower or take a bath, and clean their teeth in the morning and night. A Sunday evening can be a frantic time in the bathroom. The children need to be washed before school starts on Monday, parents want to either take a quick shower or relax in the bath before the work week begins again – and this can leave the bathroom is disarray and needing some desperate TLC.

If your bathroom could do with some touch ups, a little tidy up, or a makeover, there is no need to break the bank by purchasing expensive additions. In the end, these will get used just as much and you may find yourself buying the same expensive product or additions time and time again. There are measures that you can take to ensure that your bathroom looks and feels welcoming and tidy by simply taking the time to put energy into it, doing your shopping in different places, and researching.

When it comes to the toilet, a supermarket brand bathroom cleaner (preferably anti-bacterial) will do the job just the same as bigger, more expensive brand names. If it’s a spray product, all you have to do is squirt it a few times over and into the rim and over the toilet seat. Then wait 30 seconds and wipe clean with some paper towel. You should also ensure that the toilet flush handle is sprayed, too, as this can be a breeding ground for bacteria.

Always, after spraying, put some bleach (again, supermarket brand but ensure it is thick bleach) down the toilet to eliminate germs. If you have a problem with your toilet, and it tends to cause blockages, then ask friends for advice first – the chances are they will say, “I know a good plumber near me who can sort that for you,” and you may even get a discount after being referred by a friend.

If your bathroom needs a bit of a revamp, visit discount shops and invest in bright fake flowers, candle holders, tealights, or even some quirky, funny prints that you can frame and put on the walls. Instead of buying expensive odor eliminators, simply leave the window open for a few hours every day, when you’re in the house, of course!

When it comes to the bath, limescale and dirt can build up quickly. Try running hot water and leave it in the bath for 10 minutes, without any cold water added to it. Once the water is released, use a limescale cream and rub it over the bath. Then leave it on for 10-15 minutes and wipe clean with a clean rag or paper towel and watch that bathtub sparkle!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb9

The Lowdown On Recovering From A Major Health Scare

Posted on by
Standard
The Lowdown On Recovering From A Major Health Scare

When serious illness hits, it can knock some of us out completely with shock. Many of us realize just how much we took our health for granted before we became ill, if it does end up happening to us. This is something a lot of people beat themselves up about, but really, it is just human nature – when everything is going well we take it all in stride, but as soon as something goes wrong it can put our whole world into free fall. The months or years which you deal with your illness can be very challenging and may even bring about some particularly dark times.

But what a lot of people are not prepared for is the period of recovery afterwards. Once you’ve been given the all clear, you may find that a lot of people expect you to simply be back to normal straight away. In reality, however, that is rarely the case. Most people go through all sorts of physical and emotional changes as they are recovering from serious illness, so it’s important that you know what to be prepared for.

Coming to Terms With The After-Effects: No one who has gone through a major health problem simply springs back to their old self minutes after being told that they are on the mend. Chances are, you will still have some physical signs of the illness on your body, which serve as a constant reminder and, in some cases, can prevent you from going about your daily business. This could be a large scar from the surgery you had, or maybe you are still suffering from joint damage or even the loss of a limb. Learning to live with any of these things doesn’t just happen overnight, and you are best off seeking the help of a professional – you can read about Dr. Allison for an idea of the kind of aid you may require.

Getting Back Into Normal Life: Going through a major health scare or trauma can easily change your perspective on many things. You may be more aware than ever of how short life is and it may spur you into taking the plunge into something drastic such as a round the world trip or a complete change of career. But initially, it’s all just about getting back into normal life – so living alone/with friends again and not having your life revolve around the illness.

Seeking Support From Friends: In those first few months after hospital discharge, you may find yourself leaning on friends and family more than you ever thought you would before. Being ill can be a lonely time, as everyone needs to still go about their own daily business regardless of whether you are sick or not. So, relish the chance to rekindle some old relationships when your time is your own again. Explain to your friends that you are still adjusting to ‘normal life’ again and that it may take you awhile to get back into the swing of things. But, by surrounding yourself with positive people, you will find that the whole thing is a lot easier for you.

scare1.png

The best ships are friendships! 😀

Featured Image By: Flickr

Feb7

Doggy Daycare: A Day In The Life Of A Pampered Pooch

Posted on by
Standard

Let’s face it, some pooches are so wonderful that they just deserve a day (and lifetime!) of pampering and luxury! Happily, there are plenty of products, places, and activities out there that can help you to make this happen. So read on for some fantastic suggestions of how to pamper your beloved pupper and make a wonderful day of it for the both of you:

Poodle Parlor: Number one on the list of things to do when you are pampering your pup is to take them to a grooming parlor. This is where they can get their coat trimmed, nails clipped, and get a nice bath, so that they are all ready to look their best on their special day.

puppy.jpg

SO CUTE!!!

Canine Boutique: Of course, once they are all spick and span you are going to want to take them to the boutique, so that they have something nice to wear. Popular choices are a new collar or two. If your dog is particularly glamorous, they may appreciate one with rhinestones on it! Diva alert! Or perhaps it’s your dog’s birthday or gotcha day, so you’d like to buy them a whole new outfit, in which to be the bell of the ball? Hey, some people are really in to dressing their dogs!

Doggie Massage: Now, all that fun can be tiring for your pooch, so make sure that he gets a nice rest before you go on to the next part of the day. Perhaps a little nap is in order? Or if you want to go the whole hog, how about getting him a doggie massage? Just think if he enjoys a pat, he is going to adore a proper massage! You can have a go at this yourself with the help of this tutorial, or take him to a professional if your budget allows.

Treats and More Treats: No doggie pamper day is going to be complete without plenty of delicious treats for Fido. There are savory treats, sweet treats, and dog breath freshener treats available. Which are a treat for you, too! Remember, though, your pooch should not be eating human treats! Especially not chocolate as this is super dangerous for them and needs to be avoided at all costs! A trip to the vet should never be a part of a doggy pamper day.

Fun Activities: Once your puppy is refreshed and awake, then it’s time to show off their new haircut and clothes, and burn off some energy by going for a long walk. But if you think that you are limited to just walking your dog around the block where you live, then think again. There are a lot of activities that you can do to exercise your pooch. Including hiking, country walks, and even allowing them to go for a dip in the sea! Although if you choose the latter, you’ll probably want to wait to get then groomed after, not before.

Delicious Meals: Lastly, no perfect pup pampering day would be complete without a delicious meal or two for your dog. You can buy them their favorite pre-made dog food. Or you can cook them something special. You can even get chefs that specialize in dog food to whip something up if you’re feeling that way inclined and extra fancy. 😉

Dogs are the best thing that ever happened to humans, so make sure that you celebrate your pets properly every day with lots of love!

Feb6

Tips To Make Your First Night In Your New House Great

Posted on by
Standard
Tips To Make Your First Night In Your New House Great

Your first night in your new home can range from exciting to anxiety provoking and everything in between. But, really, it should be a time to be proud of yourself for making the next big step in your life, so try and relax and have some fun with these tips:

Make A First Night Box: It’s important to make sure that you have a box that you can unpack first to make sure that your first night in your new home isn’t too much of a shock to your system. Make sure that you have all of the essentials in there for each member of your family. First of all, make sure that you all have basic toiletries like toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, body wash, deodorant, shampoo, and feminine hygiene products. You might also need some wet wipes and tissues. For the kitchen you’ll need paper towels along with paper plates, disposable cutlery, and trash bags for your waste. You’ll also need to make sure that you have sheets and blankets so you can get a good night’s sleep – and don’t forget your PJs!

Don’t Worry About Cooking: On your first night in a new place, there’s nothing that you will love more than takeout. Even if you’ve packed sandwiches you’ll be delighted if you also get a warm, delicious meal – so make sure that you have some takeout menus for your new area with you. Whether you get pizza or Chinese food (yum and yum!), just make sure that there’s some decent nutritional content and that it’ll fill you up and prepare you for the tasks of the next few days.

tips1.png

Mmmmm!

Set Up A Relaxing Area: Moving and unpacking is a really exhausting thing to do so you’ll need to make sure that you have an area where you can relax, whether that’s your bed or your couch. You probably don’t have the internet set up yet but you can always download TV shows to watch in preparation before you actually move, and you can focus on getting your TV set up quickly. If it’s winter, make sure that you have plenty of blankets so you can stay warm, and that you fully understand how to work the heating in your new place. The best moving companies will help you prioritize your move so that you know what you need to unpack on the first night to ensure that everyone is comfortable.

tips2.png

DOG! ❤

Make Sure You Can Shower: Let’s face it: moving house is a sweaty, grimy business and you might just end up covered in dust, so it’s important for you to be able to shower. First and foremost, don’t move until you actually have a functioning bathroom (if not, let’s hope you have plenty of bottled water, baby wipes, and deodorant!). Secondly, make sure that you have towels to dry off with, as well as a set of clean clothes that’s easily accessible.

tips3.png

Pexels Image

Reassure Your Kids: Moving house can be disconcerting and upsetting for kids so it’s important that you keep them informed over the course of moving. Let them know what your new area is like and ask them for ideas about how they want to decorate their new rooms. When you’re in your new house, prioritize their spaces: make sure that their rooms are clean and that they have a comfortable, cozy place to sleep. Make sure they have their nightlight on and that they know where to find you in the night if they get scared or confused.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb3

Making Sure Our Loved Ones Are Kept Safe and Warm This Winter

Posted on by
Standard
Making Sure Our Loved Ones Are Kept Safe and Warm This Winter

Winter can be tough on all of us. There are driveways to shovel, cars to be de-iced, long hours just trying to get warm after an excursion into the outdoors. These are the problems that all of face during the chilly season, but not all of us are able to stay ahead of winter’s pesky cold. Older people in particular may find it more difficult to fend off winter’s bite, be it through lack of finances or energy. That’s why it’s our duty to help out and make sure they have everything they need to stay warm. This doesn’t have to be a massive, time consuming task: just keep them in mind when the weather gets particularly cold and make yourself available to help out should it be needed.

Warm Clothing: There’s no better way to prevent the onset of a cold than to dress properly. Elderly people are less likely to be aware of a change in the weather, and may not fully realize that they should be wearing more or better clothing than they are. If you have the ability to do so, buy a couple of extra warm fleeces and thermals and take them round to your elderly relatives. You can also make make sure that they have enough warm bedding to make it through the night without getting chilly, such as additional blankets. If they don’t have one already, a hot water bottle is the perfect cost effective way to make sure that they’re OK.

House Check: Depending on the size of the home, it might not be so straightforward to ensure that it’s always kept warm. A lot of older people also don’t like to use their heating because of the high costs that some systems can attract. To begin with, you can go to the home and do an inventory, of sorts, to make sure that they’re set up to have a warm house. This means checking that the furnace ignitor is in working order, that there are no obvious open drafty areas letting cold air into the house, and that the pipes that feed heat throughout the home are in good condition. If they’re worried about the cost of heating the home, you can suggest reducing the heat to some unused rooms in the house, which will lower the bills. Also, keeping an eye on the outside of the property to make sure it’s not slippery could be a huge help.

Out and About: It sometimes happens that older people spend longer than usual outside in the cold weather than they should. This is especially damaging even if they’re properly dressed, because there are still risks of being outside for long periods of time. You can help by offering to drive them to and from the shops or accompanying them when they go out. When you think it’s likely that they’re getting cold, suggest popping into a coffee shop to get warm.

Remember, the cold can be devastating to vulnerable people but by helping out a little bit, we can reduce the hardships that come during the winter months.

Featured Image By: Pexels