Tag Archives: just so you know

Jan21

Valentine’s Day Card Call To Action

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Valentine’s Day Card Call To Action

Hi everyone! I often see people post different news articles about an individual asking for a bunch of cards in the mail for a holiday or birthday. I used to think nothing of it but, when the holiday season hit, I figured that it was the least I could do to send a little holiday cheer to someone who is down on their luck, struggling, or could just use a smile.

Now, every time I see a post on Facebook of someone with a card request, I happily comply and send some snail mail their way. I also like to publish it on lifewithlilred so a larger, world wide platform can be reached for those who would like to make a Random Act Of Kindness.

A few days ago, I saw a post about a 104 year old WWII veteran asking for an overflow of Valentine’s Day Cards. You can read the full article here and send a card to the following address:

Operation Valentine
ATTN: Hold for Maj Bill White, USMC (Ret)
The Oaks at Inglewood
6725 Inglewood Ave.
Stockton, CA 95207

I hope that Maj. White enjoys his Valentine’s Day and the influx of cards that he is sure to receive. He is going to keep every single one and it makes me happy that one of them is going to be mine! 🙂

How do you do Random Acts Of Kindness throughout the day? What is a Random Act Of Kindness that you have received recently? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan20

When Can You Say That You’ve ‘Made It’?

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When Can You Say That You’ve ‘Made It’?

Perhaps the easiest thing in the world to do is compare yourself to other people. As children, we learn this technique to help us understand our place in the social hierarchy, for better or worse. As we get older and compare our grades to other children or our siblings, we continually find out if we’re ‘good enough’ or where we’re lagging behind.

This can translate into adulthood, where the means of our livelihood or how much money we pull in each year can be somewhat intrusive areas of discussion at the Christmas work party or family barbecue. But when can you say that you’ve ‘made it’? We often use this term to express artists that now have enough listeners to guarantee material success, but should we really limit ourselves to this description?

In the following post, we hope to widen the parameters through which you may give yourself the real credit of ‘making it’, allowing us to think along healthier and more considered lines. Please, consider:

A Home You Love:

When occupying a home you love, you have one of the most vital and beautiful possessions anyone could hope for – no matter if you rent or use a mortgage to gain said property. A home you love can be a vital part of your personality, help you raise a family, or schedule the best social events within, and generally give you the room to be your most authentic self. General contractors can help you express your creative interests and tastes over the years, and that in itself gives you the opportunity to design to your hearts content. If you have this, no matter if you live alone or own a property in which you keep roommates or a humble family setup, you have something to be proud of.

Connections You Care About:

It’s very easy for us to mark ourselves as only successful when affluent, or able to define our material success this way. But really, the people we know, the loving connections we adopt, the closeness to our family, the genuine experiences we share with our friends – these are the things that count. It’s possible for someone living on a shoestring budget to enjoy and curate the closest relationships around them, while it’s also possible for someone within a beautiful, million-dollar home to feel completely isolated from those they are supposed to call friends. This realization can help you adjust your priorities accordingly.

Curating Your Interests:

Curating your interests is something that can seem so simple and basic. We’re all supposed to have hobbies. But more than simply watching something on Netflix or playing a video game (which are more than justified methods of relaxing and taking some stress off), curating a real interest can help bring you an incredible amount of joy over the years. It might be reading into a subject, learning a craft, or cooking well and eating a wide array of cuisines. We take interests for granted, but really, we should appreciate them as additional pursuits that give our life value. If you have a few of these to curate, you are truly a lucky individual.

With this advice, we hope you can see the conventional idea of ‘making it’ is only worthwhile when contributing to a healthy, humble life!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jan9

How To Save Money When Buying Electrical Goods

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How To Save Money When Buying Electrical Goods

We live in a fast-paced consumer society where all of the electrical items that we buy are out of date by next year. With many households changing their appliances and tech on a very regular basis, it means that there is a lot of waste. Perfectly good items often end up getting discarded and this has a very real and obvious impact on the environment.

But many people are considerate about these factors and will sell on any unwanted electrical items once they have been replaced. Or, where the value is relatively low, and there is still some use to be had, they may give them away using a service such as a freecycle site.

You can save money on your electricity bill by choosing the right provider. However, if you are savvy and want to save money on an item and are not too bothered about having all of the very latest features, then you may want to take a look online to see what you can find for free or very cheap:

Printers:

One electrical item that is often offered up for next to nothing or even for free are printers. On the other hand, vinyl printers are much more expensive but a worthy investment if you have a business. With new features getting added all of the time, many people feel the need to upgrade. But, if you are just after something that you can use to print or scan the occasional document or photograph, then you may find that getting a used model is just as good as buying new. Before you get your new used printer, check online to make sure that you can buy the right ink cartridges for it still.

Appliances:

Kitchen appliances such as washing machines, fridges, and freezers, often get replaced. With the internet of things on the rise, people want an appliance that they can control from their smartphone from anywhere in the world. But if you are not interested in all of that, you could get a perfectly reasonable appliance for very cheap.

Before you take it, make sure that you check to see that there are no nasty noises coming from it when it is working. Washing machines that rattle about when they are in use may be on their way out and, in reality, it is probably not worth you taking it in that condition.

Computers:

If you need a computer for the basics such as web browsing and working on documents, then why not get a second hand one? Unless you are gaming or using the computer for a lot of complex operations, then you will be able to get a computer that suits your needs very cheaply.

The things that you need to look for when you get a second hand computer are that the hard disk has been cleared before you get it. It should have a new installation of the operating system ready for you to set up as you like. Check to make sure that the laptop batteries still hold their charge, and that everything boots up and works as it should.

Reusing electric goods helps save the environment and you some money. Try this option out when you’re ready for a new printer or computer!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jan3

Steps To Becoming An Advanced Practice Nurse

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Steps To Becoming An Advanced Practice Nurse

Becoming an advanced practice nurse could be the next step in your career if you work in nursing. It can offer you opportunities to work in specialist areas and take on more responsibility at work, including moving into leadership roles. If you’re thinking of becoming an advanced practice nurse, these are some of the steps that you may need to take:

Consider a Patient Focus Areas and Specialisms:

There are several areas of patient focus you can consider if you want to be an advanced nursing practitioner. There are also more specific specializations for you to choose within different practice areas. You might choose something like midwifery or psychiatric health.

Check Licensure Rules:

You will need to ensure that you have the necessary license to practice to be an advanced nurse practitioner. To be registered nationally in the US, you need to be licensed as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRC). Different states and even medical settings can also require certain licenses.

Gain Valuable Experience:

Getting experience in your field of choice will help you to find the roles that you want and climb through the ranks too. You will need nursing experience if you want to complete a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

Continue Your Education:

Nurses often start with an associate’s degree or may have a bachelor’s degree. To become an advanced practice nurse, you can consider gaining an MSN or DNP. Both of these qualifications could help you to achieve your goals.


Infographic Design By Bradley University

Jan2

5 Signs You Need To Visit An Emergency Dentist

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5 Signs You Need To Visit An Emergency Dentist

Although it may be a little overwhelming, deciding whether or not you need to visit an emergency dental practice ​can be difficult. Whether you’ve been experiencing a lot of pain or you’ve been in an accident that has caused damage to your teeth, you need to be sure you know exactly when you need to see a professional. Whilst not everything will be considered an emergency, it’s important for you to know when you need medical attention. With that in mind, here are 5 signs you need to visit an emergency dentist:

You’re Experiencing Severe Pain​:

One of the main reasons you need to book yourself an emergency dentist appointment is if you’re experiencing severe pain. Although toothaches can be incredibly painful, you need to be in severe agony to be able to consider an emergency appointment. Whether that means your pain doesn’t subside with tablets or it means you’re unable to do day-to-day activities, if you’re in pain you need to see someone straight away. For at-home ways to treat severe toothache, you can visit this site here.

You’ve Been In An Accident That Has Damaged Your Tooth​:

If you have been in an accident that has damaged your tooth, you need to book an appointment as soon as you possibly can. Although you may not be able to fix the issue right away, the sooner you see a professional the better. Not only will they be able to tell you the type of treatment you need, but they’ll be able to give you something to help with the pain. For advice when it comes to damaging a tooth, you can visit this site here.

You’ve ​Been Referred By A Professional:

Another sign you need to visit an emergency dental office is if you have been referred by another medical professional. Although you may not feel as though you’re in a medical emergency, a toothache can affect several other parts of your body. From earaches to sore throats, you may find that a dentist is able to help.

Your Pain Hasn’t Subsided​:

If you have visited the dentist with an issue in the past and the pain still hasn’t subsided, you may want to book an appointment to see them again. If the pain is getting worse, you need to ensure you’re booking an emergency appointment, as it could be something serious. If you can’t get an appointment right away, you might want to consider calling an out of hours helpline.

There’s No Other Practice Open​:

Finally, if there is no other practice open and you think you need help right away, it might be best to book an emergency appointment. If you’re unsure, the dental office will also be able to advise you as to whether or not you can wait until your regular practice is open again.

If you are experiencing extreme problems with your teeth, use the advice above and act accordingly!

Featured Image By: StockSnap from Pixabay

Dec27

Paranormal Activity Update

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Paranormal Activity Update

Hello!! So as you guys might remember, I experienced a few instances of paranormal activity in my apartment when I first moved in. It definitely gave me the creeps but, luckily, after those initial encounters, I haven’t had any cases of unexplained occurrences happen at chez moi. That is, until about one week ago.

I had an unexpected day off on Monday because a client was sick, so I went back to bed for a while and then got up and began to get some writing done. That’s when I heard the catchphrase of little Agnes from Despicable Me, “IT’S SO FLUFFY” coming from my office.

In my office, I have a closet. In this closet, there is my hair dye hoard on one of the top shelves on the left wall, some boxes from when I moved in, and plastic bags from grocery shopping. And, tucked into the corner of the right wall is a bag of stuffed animals, one of which is the stuffed unicorn from Despicable Me, whose paw you can squeeze (Quite hard, I might add.) to hear phrases from the movie.

Because you have to physically squeeze the paw with some extra oomph because of it’s awkward shape, there’s just no way this could have happened on its own. When I checked my closet, nothing fell on the stuffed animals or was out of place in any way. It just happened.

I’d be a liar if I said that I haven’t been freaked out since this paranormal activity occurred, especially because it has been such a long time since I moved in. I don’t think my ghostly friend is trying to be mean, though. Maybe it was just his or her little way of saying “hello” and that they’re still here.

Am I thrilled about it? Not particularly. But, who’s to say that people and spirits can’t live in harmony?!

Have you ever experienced paranormal activity? What did you do about it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec23

The Most Important Aspects Of Training Your Dog

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The Most Important Aspects Of Training Your Dog

Training your dog will not only help make your life significantly easier each day, but it’ll also provide your dog with the consistency he or she craves. Not everyone looks at it this way, but dogs benefit from good training far more than owners do, whether it’s done as a puppy or later in life.

If you’re about to embark on the journey of training your dog, it’s important to consider how to approach it and which factors will have the biggest impact on your pup. Find out more below:

Clear Rules:

Whether it’s for inside the home or when you’re out walking, it’s important that you have clear rules in place for how you want your dog to behave and that you communicate those rules as consistently as possible for the best outcomes. If the rules aren’t clear to your dog in some way, they’ll simply be ignored and that’s not what you want, either. Try to keep this in mind and consider the kinds of signals you’re sending to your dog.

Consistency:

Being consistent is another important factor as you go through the dog training process. If you’re not consistent and you don’t keep up the training methods, things won’t work out the way you want them to. You can’t expect your dog to learn from the whole training process if you’re not willing to put in the time and effort. The onus is on you to do this because you’re the one dictating the schedule, not your dog. Consistency will yield much better and much faster results for you and your pet.

Guidance from a Professional:

When you’re undertaking the training of your dog for the first time, it usually makes sense to seek guidance from a professional dog trainer. If you don’t know what you’re doing and you haven’t done any of this before, the guidance of someone who really does know about the process will make a big difference. They’ll be able to show you techniques that you would never have thought of and give you advice when things aren’t going completely smoothly. To get started, simply enter a search for “puppy training Newcastle” (or your local area) to find a well reviewed trainer. Pay close attention at their lessons so that you can utilize their methods at home for best results.

Rewarding Good Behavior:

Training can sometimes be difficult for your dog and they won’t always do the right things the way you want them to. That’s simply the nature of dog training. And it’s why it’s so important to reward the good behavior of your dog. When they do something that’s right, you need to reinforce that positive behavior so that they know it’s good and that they know to do it again in the future. That’s essentially how the training process works.

Clicker training is always good for when you’re teaching your pup a new skill or trick. Don’t forget to be liberal with the treats too, especially if your pup stresses easily. Whether they are partial to Beggin’ Strips or the private label treats you can find here (https://cbdoilmanufacturer.com/private-label-cbd-pet-treats/), have some at the ready for a job well done.

doggie1

SO. CUTE.

If You’re Training a Puppy, Use Their Name Carefully:

Some owners forget that their dogs don’t instantly and instinctively know what their names are the way humans do. That’s why you have to use their names carefully. If you use it too much it might become meaningless or they’ll come to associate it with other things, which is not what you want. This is especially important when you’re training a puppy for the first time. Use it carefully and sparingly so they can learn what that word means much faster than they otherwise might.

Using the Right Treats:

If you’re trying to teach your dog something, it’s vital to reward them when they do what you want them to. This kind of positive reinforcement is a huge part of what makes dog training successful. If you don’t get it right, they won’t understand when they’re doing the right thing and when they’re doing the wrong thing. You can use Tempo&Tails CBD treats or whatever kinds of treats they like most and will respond best to.

End Each Training Session on a Positive Note:

When each training session with your dog comes to an end, you should try to finish things off on a positive note. That kind of positivity can make a difference because in order for the training process to be successful, you need your dog to really enjoy it. That way, they’ll want to go back to it and their learning will be better and more complete, which is what you need. If you just keep going until your dog is fed up, that won’t create the positive association in their mind.

Training your dog is always a big challenge. There will be ups and downs throughout the process, but if you persist and keep in mind the things that we’ve discussed above, you’ll eventually end up with a well-trained dog. And the sooner you start with the training, the sooner you’ll achieve those outcomes.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Dec19

Healthy And Happy: Get Your Home Ready For 2020

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Healthy And Happy: Get Your Home Ready For 2020

2020 is very nearly upon us, and we all like to start off the year in the happiest and healthiest way possible, especially when the new year is also the start of a whole new decade. One of the best ways of doing this is to make sure your home is ready for your family. It is not too late to have one big final push to start 2020 in the very best way. Read on for some tips:

Check your water supply:

For most parts of the developed world, a safe water supply is usually a given and is taken for granted. However, before the water gets to our homes and comes through our taps, it can travel hundreds of miles through pipes under the ground and, despite best efforts, things can occasionally go wrong, meaning our water supply is not up to scratch. If you are not sure if yours is good enough to drink straight from the tap, you might want to look at installing a home filtration water system. This will ensure that your family is protected from any parasites, toxins, and chemicals that might still lurk in the system.

Banish the pests:

Some household pests are merely irritating, but others can be harmful. Ticks, for example, can carry some nasty diseases, and termites can cause significant amounts of damage to wood. Let us not even get started on fleas and bed bugs, because once you get an infestation, it is very difficult to get rid of them. It is essential to recognize the signs of an infestation and the environments which they are most commonly found and thrive in.

As a general rule of thumb, houses that are clean and tidy are less likely to have an infestation. However, things like bedbugs and fleas can be carried into even the most spotless of homes. If you spot any sign of unwanted creatures and creepy critters, call in the experts to get them removed. You may need the house fumigated to rid them entirely. For the best help with unwanted critters, Sacramento pest control will be able to get your house back to a safe, healthy haven for you and your family.

Check your air quality:

Many people make the mistake of believing that indoor air is cleaner than outdoor air. This is not always true. Various external and internal factors can mean that the quality of the indoor area can fluctuate quite significantly. It is important to make sure that there is always proper and regular ventilation, which can reduce the number of pollutants, toxins, and airborne particles which can make you feel unwell.

This can be done through natural ventilation, such as opening doors and windows and through heating and air conditioning, although these need monitoring for Legionnaires disease and carbon monoxide poisoning, both of which can make you feel unwell or can be fatal if not dealt with immediately. Houseplants are another excellent way of purifying the air – they absorb carbon dioxide and release clean oxygen.

Protect your house against would-be burglars:

The vast majority of home invasion attempts are opportunistic by nature. Burglars generally will not take any unnecessary risks if they can avoid them, so tend to (but of course, not always!) try their luck in houses that are in secluded areas, are not well lit, and have open or unsecured doors and windows. While you obviously cannot stop a determined burglar, there are things that you can do to make it not worth their time and effort.

Fit closed-circuit television cameras, put dog warning signs up (even if you do not have one!), lock all of your windows and doors, and have motion-activated doorbells and floodlights. If you are planning to be away for any amount of time, have a neighbor keep an eye on the house, collect mail. and perhaps park a car on the driveway to give the impression that someone is in. You can also fit lights to come on at a particular time, again, giving the impression that the house is occupied.

Check for humidity and mold issues:

Mold is found almost everywhere in nature, including our homes. It is more likely that, at some point, you will find it somewhere in your home as it can come in through open windows, stick to your clothes and shoes, or enter via the AC system. However, there are measures that we can take to prevent it from thriving inside the home. Humidity is the best friend of mold and helps it to grow on any surfaces and in any environments that are warm and damp.

You can take control over the level of humidity in the air by using dehumidifiers, which suck out most of the excess moisture in the air. As well as that, fix any leaking pipes and sort out any drafty windows and doors. If you use a washing machine or a tumble dryer in the house, make sure that the room is well ventilated and if you are hanging washing on the radiators to dry, open windows.

Quit the chemicals:

These days, the world seems divided into two – those who use massive amounts of chemicals to clean their homes and those that use only natural products. It does not have to be a case of either/or though. Some chemicals absolutely have their place when it comes to maintaining good hygiene in the home, such as bleach to clean a toilet. However, there are plenty of natural, chemical-free solutions that you can use, such as white vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, and citric acid. All of these work well as cleaning solutions, are much healthier to be around, and are less harmful to the environment.

By knowing and acting on some of these simple tips, you can transform your home into a healthy and safe haven for you and your family.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Dec10

4 Simple Ways To Make Your Home Greener

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4 Simple Ways To Make Your Home Greener

From the brands that we buy to our home cleaning routines; most of us value the idea of making green choices. When it comes to shopping for your home ware and utilities, there are plenty of ways to go eco-friendly. For those looking for a few pointers, these four simple solutions could help you on your way (and maybe you’ll save a few dollars too)!

Research your materials:

When shopping for home ware, whether cushions, rugs, or teacups; we often choose based on aesthetics and color scheme. Of course, these factors are important, yet it’s also important to prioritize the right materials. Items made of hemp, for example, are considered an excellent sustainable choice. Hemp does not require pesticides to grow and only needs a small amount of water. What’s more, hemp can absorb C02 during the growth process. Bamboo is another great choice to look out for when shopping for home ware items. Bamboo also requires no fertilizer; it grows quickly and can easily self-regenerate. Materials like jute or seagrass are also excellent sustainable materials to look out for when you are decorating your home.

Save water:

Using less water around the home can make a huge amount of difference to both your green practices and your bill. For example, water-saving shower heads allow you to use less water when showering. There are two types of water-saving shower heads; aerating and non-aerating. Aerating shower heads push the water through smaller holes and provide increased pressure. Non-aerating shower heads combine a restricted water flow with air.

To save money, it’s worth checking out a few different water providers to see if you can make any savings. While you’re at it, ensure that you know what Action to Take Before and After Discovering a Water Leak or Flooding. Staying clued up when it comes to water can help you to go green, save cash, and keep your home safe.

Start composting:

Compost refers to various organic substances, from fruit and vegetables to grass clippings or twigs. When you mix these things together, you’ll have an excellent natural fertilizer to enrich the soil in your garden. Great composting is essential if you want to grow nice fruits and vegetables without using any chemical-based fertilizers. You’ll be going greener by reducing your food waste and creating a space to grow natural foods from the earth. At the same time, you’ll be reducing food waste which goes to the landfill. When organic food waste goes there, the conditions are not right for it to break down properly. Due to this, a buildup of methane gas occurs which pollutes our air.

Zero waste:

When it comes to the home, there are plenty of ways to use less and waste less. First, when you need to make purchases, try second-hand stores before you opt for buying new. As well as this, try planning your meals out in advance to minimize the chance of food waste. There are plenty of zero-waste grocery stores out there which have entirely removed the need for packaging. Getting into a green routine is an ongoing project; so don’t worry if you can’t make every change overnight.

Follow the tips above and do your share in helping to protect our environment by going green!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Dec10

3 Tips To Get Your Horse Show Ready

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3 Tips To Get Your Horse Show Ready

Showing your horse can be an extremely exciting and fulfilling act. Whether you have shown before or if this is your first time, there are a lot of preparations that you need to make. It is crucial that you don’t wait until the last minute. Here are some tips to ready you and your horse for the next show:

Exercise Your Horse:

Leading up to the show, you will have to practice and train with your horse. Not only does your horse need to be ready for the show, but so do you. Make sure that your animal can tackle all of the different horse show jumps before you arrive on the big day.

Groom Your Horse:

Grooming can serve as a preventative medicine for animals. It increases blood to the surface of the skin and massages the different muscle groups. In addition, when you groom your horse, you are solidifying your bond. It is a great way for you and your animal to be close, leading up to the horse show.

A daily brushing routine also gives you a chance to spot small problems, like a warm spot, a cut, or a loose shoe, before they turn into something that keeps your horse home on show day. If you want to sharpen this side of your routine, Freddie Vasquez Jr is an equestrian professional with more than three decades of experience and the owner of Messenger Hill Farm. Watching how someone at that level handles grooming and conditioning can change the way you approach your own horse’s care.

Gather Your Equipment:

You do not want to forget any of your necessary equipment before the show. You should start to prepare to leave two to three days in advance. The longer that you give yourself to prepare, the less likely you are to forget anything. To make sure that you forget nothing, you can also make a list in advance to ensure that you don’t forget your equipment at home.

If you show your horse, then you already know that it can be an exciting experience. If you are new or if you are looking for tips to create a better experience, then these can help prepare you for the next show.