Tag Archives: weather

Nov25

Four Paws First: Winter Dog Care Tips

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Four Paws First: Winter Dog Care Tips

The winter months can be a magical time of frosty early mornings or cozy sunset walks with your canine companion. But, just as the colder temperatures and extreme weather conditions can take their toll on us, they can also take a toll on our pets. Learn how to combat the conditions and keep your four pawed friend happy and safe this winter:

Adjust Their Diet:

When the temperature drops, you may need to adjust the amount and type of food that you offer. It could be that dogs who are outdoors and being active will require richer food, while animals that become reluctant to exercise outdoors may need less food in order for you to manage their weight. Look up care tips for the particular breed and age of dog, like German Shepherd puppy care, to adjust the food mix to your particular dog and nourish them right.

Keep Them Active:

For some dogs, nothing puts them off from exploring, while others can be very resistant to going outdoors when it gets colder – much like some humans! If your canine companion is less keen on venturing out, make sure that you can keep then active indoors. Provide lots of dog toys to keep them busy and consider setting up an obstacle course if you have the space to keep their bodies and minds active.

Prepare Them For Walks:

When you do go out, bear in mind that bad weather conditions such as fog and the darker early mornings and evenings can reduce visibility. First, make sure that you have good verbal command of your dog and that you can recall them easily. Check to ensure that their microchip details are up to date in case they do get lost. Look for reflective collars or attached LED lights to collars and coats to make them more visible to drivers. And, make sure that you have a winter dog coat if needed, especially if you own a short haired breed such as a greyhound – they will really need the extra warmth.

Keep Up With The Grooming:

Don’t let winter be an excuse to get lax with your animal grooming! Make sure that you are still regularly brushing out the coats of longer haired breeds and using a mild dog shampoo to get out any mud and dirt that becomes matted into their coat during walks. Inspect your dogs paws regularly too, especially if the weather turns icy. A lot of the gritting agents used to stop the ground icing can be damaging on delicate paws, and you may need to use a protective paw balm in icy weather to prevent sores and cracks from forming. If your dog has a longer coat, check that the hairs between their paw pads aren’t trapping little balls of ice and damaging them.

Beware Of Food Hazards:

With your pet in the house more and lots of festive food around, there can be dangers, as most dogs are opportunists when it comes to sneaking a snack! Chocolate can be a particular hazard, as it’s as enticing to canines as it is to humans and yet it contains a compound called theobromine which is toxic to them and can cause their kidneys to fail – this substance is present in the highest concentration in dark chocolate. Foods like avocado can cause an upset tummy, corn on the cob can block their intestines, cooked bones (say from a roast bird) could splinter and perforate their insides, or anything sugar-free containing Xylitol can cause hypoglycemia in dogs. All of these must be stored safely away from curious noses.

Providing your dog with the best care year round, especially during the winter months, will keep them happy, healthy, and around for many more Christmases to come!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov20

Risk Assessments To Consider When Working Outdoors

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Risk Assessments To Consider When Working Outdoors

Working outdoors presents its own unique set of challenges. No matter what type of work is being carried out, appropriate risk assessments are required. Otherwise, not only are you putting the safety of your workers at risk, but you could find yourself facing an unwanted legal battle, too. With that in mind, read on to discover some appropriate risk assessments you should consider when working outdoors:

What is a risk assessment?

A risk assessment is a systematic approach to assessing work activities. Business owners need to look at everything that could go wrong and determine suitable control measures for preventing injury, damage, and loss in the workplace. The assessment should include the controls needed to minimize, reduce, or eradicate the risks.

Working in hot environments:

The weather can be erratic at the best of times; one minute it is raining, the next minute we are welcoming a heat wave. When employees are working outside all day, it is important that they are protected from the weather. There are a number of administrative controls that can be used to protect workers when in hot environments. This includes:

  • Talk to workers about the early symptoms of heat stress.
  • Encourage the removal of personal protective equipment whenever a person is resting to help encourage heat loss.
  • Introduce shaded areas where people are working.
  • Supply free access to cool drinking water.
  • Provide more frequent rest breaks.
  • Reschedule work to cooler periods of the day.

Working in cold environments:

If your employees work outside all of the time, it is likely that they are going to need to work in cold weather. You will need to carry out a risk assessment so that you can reduce the risks associated with cold weather working. Some of the controls you can use to achieve this include:

* Talk to workers about the early symptoms of cold stress.
* Consider delaying the work. Is it possible to reschedule the work to a warmer time of the year that will not compromise safety?
*  Introduce more frequent rest breaks.
*  Encourage the drinking of warm fluids, such as hot drinks or soup.
*  Provide mobile facilities for warming up.
*  Make sure the personal protective equipment issued is suitable.

Working outdoors in specialist environments:

There are also a number of specialist workplace environments that require thorough risk assessments. This includes working outdoors under high air pollution levels. Factors to be considered throughout your risk assessment include workload, work arrangement, general/roadside AQHI category, workers’ health condition, and exposure to other air contaminants. Preventative measures include the likes of reducing the weight of loads being handled at one time, arranging for job rotation between indoor and outdoor work, and minimizing outdoor work in areas with heavy traffic.

When something goes wrong:

If you work outdoors and the correct safety measures are not taken, you could end up being involved in an accident and suffering an injury. If this does occur, it is important to find injury lawyers you can rely on. You should not merely sit back and accept what has happened to you. If it was not your fault because risk assessments were not carried out or the proper provisions were not put in place, you will be entitled to compensation.

There is a lot that needs to be considered when it comes to outdoor work. This is why thorough risk assessments are a necessity. Hopefully, you now feel like you have a better understanding regarding the steps that need to be taken in order to ensure that risks are minimized and workers are protected. If you are worried about the conditions you are working in, speak up!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Nov16

First Snow OOTD

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First Snow OOTD

Hi! This past weekend, Ohio treated us to some snow. Although we’re barely in the middle of November, it is full fledged winter temps here and I’m already fed up. But, despite the many things in life that we can control, the weather is not one of them so we all just have to keep on truckin’ – myself included!

When it comes to dressing for the winter, I prefer to layer as opposed to walking around with a huge coat on. I love faux fur, cold weather accessories, and boots and, when worn properly, a well layered outfit can be just as warm as a puffer jacket. Take a look at how I style for the cold months ahead and let’s discuss:

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Who? What? Wear?

Now, I’m sure that for some of you, this outfit looks nowhere near warm enough for a blustery winter day. But, keep in mind, that I have enjoyed spending my free time at a cold skating rink for over a decade and the winter weather really doesn’t phase me any more. So, this OOTD was just right for me to be comfortable outside for the amount of time that I was in and out of different places throughout the day. If I had gone on a hike or something like that, though, trust and believe that I would have bundled up a little better!

Anyways, I like this look because it offers a really unique shape while still looking chic. The fairly tight fitting jacket and sweater along with the jeans and boots look nice and crisp while the kimono that balloons out underneath adds an unexpected element to the look, and I love that. The floppy hat also mimics the shape of the kimono, which adds cohesiveness to the OOTD and keeps my pretty lil’ noggin warm. :*)

Winter accessories are a definite must in any good OOTD during the cold months, so don’t be afraid to go a bit crazy with them. Had it been colder the day that my boyfriend took these pics, I would have opted for a scarf, too. But, the hat and driving gloves did the job just fine. Also, do remember that jewelry is important in the drab winter, as well. With bleak weather and grey days a little pop of bling goes a long way. I love black and gold together, so I went with a long chained pendant from Urban Outfitters to complete my look.

Although winter is a time to be bundled up, it can still look oh so chic so style never has to be sacrificed… Thank gawd! 😀

How do you stay warm in the winter? What is winter weather like where you live? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov6

How To Turn Your Home Into A Winter Paradise

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How To Turn Your Home Into A Winter Paradise

We all love spending time at home when the nights draw closer and darker and enjoying a good book or TV series. If you are ready for the winter, it might be time to prepare your home for it, as well. You need to create that warm atmosphere that makes a difference in your life and creates a good mood for a chat with your friends and family members on long winter nights. Below, you will find a few tips on how you can transform your home for the winter:

New Sofa Cover and Throws:

One of the ways that you can make your home more comfortable is by soft furnishing. If your old sofa needs attention but you can’t afford to buy a new one, you can change the cushions and add new patterns through creative designs. Get some personalized sofa throws and cushions to make your seat and your TV watching position even more comfortable and to transform your home to feel warmer and more inviting.

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So comfy cozy!

Drought Excluders:

If you feel the cold already, chances are that you will need new windows or secondary glazing. After all, you don’t want to spend all of your holiday money on heating your house. If you currently can’t change your doors and windows, get some drought excluders and secondary glazing units, so you can keep the warmth inside and stay nice and toasty even on the coldest nights.

A Fluffy Rug:

If you have hard flooring in your living room, you can make it feel warmer if you get some fluffy area rugs that feel comfortable to walk on. You only have to spend a bit of money and your home will feel much more cozy as a result. Make sure that you match the color of your interior design and get an easy to care for rug instead of one that is hard to wash and vacuum.

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Make sure the rug is nice and plush!

Getting Your Heating Checked:

If you are planning on spending more time at home this winter, you need to make sure that your heating and air conditioning system is up for the task. Get it checked before the winter, or make sure that you get in touch with a professional as soon as you notice a problem. If need be, you can always get a hold of an after hours ac repair service in your area to quickly diagnose the problem and fix it before it escalates into a breakdown.

Energy Efficient Fireplace:

There is nothing nicer than curling up in front of the fireplace on cold nights. The good news, is that you can get energy efficient models these days that imitate the look of real flames, without the danger that comes with them. You can get it installed by a professional in just one day, and you will enjoy your nights in the living room for many years to come.

If you are looking forward to the nights in during this winter, prepare your home for the challenges and create the look of a winter paradise.

Sep20

Five Winter Skin Care Hacks For 30-Somethings

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Five Winter Skin Care Hacks For 30-Somethings

If you would like to look just as good and radiant as you did in your 20s and during the summer, there are some changes to be made to your skin care routine when the cold weather strikes. Your body will need all the support it needs in the wind and rain, and you might need to add some healthy Vitamin D to your diet. Below, you will find a few tips on how to change your skin care for the winter if you are in your 30s:

1. Facial Scrubs

If you would like to keep your skin radiant in the winter, you can’t rely on the sunshine and the Vitamin D absorbed by your skin cells any more. To get rid of all of the dead skin cells and rejuvenate your skin, you might want to try different natural facial scrubs that will gently exfoliate your skin and increase the circulation in your face, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

2. Steaming

We tend to spend more time indoors or in our car when the weather turns colder. And, just like being trapped in the house against the cold, your pores can get clogged with yucky bacteria. Visible pores can age you. Be sure to get a professional face steamer that will flush out bacteria and irritating residue from your skin. Don’t forget to close the pores using a natural toner.

3. Heavier Moisturizers

In the winter, you don’t need to worry about excessive sweating, therefore, you can use a heavier moisturizer. Make sure that you are choosing a brand that only contains natural ingredients, and you use a different cream for the day and night. You might want to try various brands before you decide which one works the best for you. You might also try to shop at Clarins Singapore with special offers today or get free samples until you find the right formula.

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Pexels Image

4. Vitamin Masks

You are prepared for the cold by dressing according to the weather in style, but you also have to protect the skin that is not covered by clothes. Your hands and your face will show the signs of aging more if you don’t look after them during the winter. Make sure that you use vitamin masks and restore the healthy balance if your skin to keep it nice and supple.

5. Eye Serums

The sensitive skin around your eyes can suffer a lot during the winter. Be sure that you are treating that area to a heavy duty serum or cream to keep it hydrated. Essential oils and vitamin creams that you put on at night can transform your looks by the morning.

It is important to change your skin care routine and products when the cold weather strikes. Make sure that you consider your age, lifestyle, and the most important ingredients your body needs to stay healthy and radiant until the sun comes back and you can spend more time in the fresh air.

Featured Image By: PxHere

Sep18

The Five Hottest Trends To Wear This Winter

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The Five Hottest Trends To Wear This Winter

Does your winter wardrobe need some sprucing up? If so, here are five bold ideas to inject some fun and vivacity into your outfits this upcoming season:

Animal print:

It’s definitely a daring thing to try if you’re new to it, but animal print is all the rage this winter. Head to any high street store and you’ll see it adorning everything from coats to trousers – and when paired with the right colors and cuts, it works strikingly well, making for a particularly vibrant outfit in the dreary winter months.

Try a leopard print coat or some snakeskin trousers for an impactful look which will giving you warmth this winter. Pair the designs with simple colors and garments in order to create an outfit with an animalistic statement piece to create a pop of flavor without looking costumey.

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^^^ Too cute!

Two coats instead of one:

Why settle for one coat when you can have two? To some, this might sound like a crazy trend – but with layers coming to the forefront of fashion this season, you’ll be seeing many people layering a big, thick coat on top of a lighter one. It adds a unique flair to an outfit that also doubles up as extra warmth.

Seen on the runways this year, this trend is now translating to high street fashion – expect to see layers everywhere in the biggest shops. Opt for a thin, light coat underneath a bigger, bolder overcoat for a winter staple with a warm twist.

All brown everything:

Gone are the typical blacks and greys so often seen in winter fashion. Instead, the 70s are calling with browns adorning many of the shops this season. It’s been an underrated color in clothing for many years, and it’s finally taking the spotlight once again – it’s a neutral color that provides a bit more pizazz than the monochrome alternatives.

Brown coats are a common choice this season, but why not go for something a bit different? Boots, trousers, and accessories are a great way to introduce a new color into your winter wardrobe.

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^^^ A camel scarf is a great place to start!

80s influences:

Expect to see strong eighties influences in winter fashion this year. It’s being embraced with partywear in particular, with foils and bodycon dresses making waves in stores. Understated is out – instead, making a bold impact is to be expected at parties and celebrations over the festive period.

Partying like it’s 1989 will be the norm this winter, with mini dresses, sequins, silk, and velvet being brought out front and center. Don’t be modest with your outfit for any big occasion – making a bold, eighties-esque statement is recommended.

Plaid, please:

It has never truly gone away, but plaid is coming back as a popular design choice for clothing this winter. Putting a quirky spin on traditional winter garments, expect to see it on trousers, jumpers, coats, and accessories. If you’re looking for something more left-field, pair some plaid slacks with sneakers for a smart casual look that is sure to impress.

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^^^ How Lil Red does plaid this winter!

These hot trends will keep you nice and warm during the chilly winter months ahead – no space heater required!

Sep7

Celebrating Mabon

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Celebrating Mabon

Hello! Today, we are going to hear a little something from my darling friend, Carlie, over at Bombshell on Celebrating Mabon. As you will read in this post, Mabon is a Pagan nature holiday that gives thanks to all things fall and it’s something that Carlie enjoys participating in. Carlie will also be back later on this month with more fall and Halloween fun so definitely keep it posted, because she’s awesome! ❤

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Autumn is my favorite time of year for many reasons. The weather starts to get cooler, I love seeing the leaves changing beautiful colors, Halloween aka Samhain, and celebrating “Mabon”. Like Samhain, Mabon is a Pagan nature based holiday that represents the beginning of the Autumnal Equinox. It also signifies the second harvest of the calendar and promotes equality and balance. It’s a very positive time of the year where a lot of people celebrate the changing of the seasons, create their own little traditions, and enjoy nature of course. I hope you all are looking forward to the beginning of Autumn/Mabon as much as I am. This year the Autumn Equinox begins Friday, September 21st. And, if you want to celebrate Mabon in any way, it goes from September 21st to Saturday, September 29th!

How do you welcome the fall season? What is your favorite fall tradition? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug27

Cooling Down

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Cooling Down

Heyyy! With August coming to an end, the weather in good ol’ Northeast Ohio is finally cooling down. So much so, that I got to break out one of my faux leather jackets and be able to wear it comfortably. Needless to say, I was really FEELING MYSELF and taking selfies was a must. And, obviously sharing them with all of you is a must too! Take a look:

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Once cardigan and light jacket weather ensues, I instantly feel happy. Fall weather is my favorite type of weather and I love dressing for it. I can style a mean autumn outfit, and walking around during the day knowing that I look my best is a surefire way to keep my confidence high no matter what I have in store. I can tell in the pictures above that I was feeling great, and I’m looking forward to more fall days to keep that streak going!

What is your favorite season to dress for? What is an outfit that makes you feel confident? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul9

Summer Fun Q & A

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Summer Fun Q & A

Hello everyone and happy Monday! Can you believe we’re already one week into July?? Summer has really been in full swing lately, especially with scorching temperatures and summer holiday celebrations. So, now it’s time to recap the season so far with a little Q & A that I concocted! Feel free to spread the fun on your page, too! Let’s get to it:

Q & A:

What is the most summer-like activity that you have done so far? I have been on many a hikes in Ohio’s wonderful Metro Parks and I’ve also gone swimming in one of the lovely lakes that they offer. That was a lot of fun, minus the sunburn!

What is the hottest that it has been in your neck of the woods? It was 96 degrees a few days ago in the A-K-Rowdy, but it had a “it feels like” temperature of 109! Gross.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Mint chocolate chip, but it has to be the green kind!!

What is your favorite beverage to cool off with? I love the Very Berry Hibiscus refreshers from Starbucks but, if we’re talking alcohol, then I love me a Moscow Mule so very, very much.

What is the perfect temperature for a summer day? I friggen HATE the heat, so I would be really happy with a day in the low 70s.

What are you still looking forward to this summer? My family’s North Carolina vacation, even though it isn’t until October. 😦 😦 😦

What would your ideal summer day look like? Sleeping in past seven o’clock, hitting up my favorite outdoor shopping mall called Crocker Park, and enjoying dinner and drinks in the air conditioning!

What is your favorite thing about summer time? My birthday! I turned 24 on June 7th and I always have loved having a summer birthday. There is nothing better than getting drinks on the patio of my favorite bar during an early summer evening to celebrate.

Does the way you eat or drink change during the summer? I would say somewhat. I definitely prefer cold teas over my normal water when it’s hot out. I also think that I enjoy lighter foods like salads and flatbreads more in the summer. Because I don’t like the heat, I’m really just looking for my food and drinks to make me feel refreshed!

What happens when you get too much sun? Pardon my French, but I burn like a motherfucker. I burn, and I burn, and I burn some more. But, now I have a secret weapon up my sleeve: Aloe Vera. That stuff is the best, and I can’t believe that I haven’t used it sooner. It literally got rid of my sunburn after applying it three times a day for TWO DAYS! So amazing!

How would you answer some of the above questions? What are some of your summer time questions for me? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun15

Saving Your Vehicle From The Elements This Summer

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Saving Your Vehicle From The Elements This Summer

Enjoying a long drive during the summer and being pampered by the warm weather is a great experience. But, there is something that one must keep in mind – that such weather poses a major hazard to a car’s exterior. To escape the negative effects of the elements altogether, a lot of precautions need to be taken. There are several tasks which one can do to help reduce the impairment done to a car’s paint due to weather conditions. Even though these are fairly simple steps to follow, completing them at all times can be a tricky task, as most people are forgetful and they tend to make silly errors in judgment. Here are some great tips to save your vehicle from the elements:

Parking in the shade:

Unless a car owner finds him or herself in a situation where there is no time to park at all, avoiding parking directly under the sun is possibly one of the biggest favors a car can get. There are essentially two benefits of parking a car under the shade. First, it helps in keeping the car cool. Secondly, it makes sure that the paint does not fade away so easily. These jobs may not seem so important, but these little incidents cause damage that adds up to cause a big problem in the future. So, rule number one is – never roast a car under the sunlight.

Using a car cover:

If the car owner regularly fails to find shaded locations to park the car, keeping a car cover in the trunk always is a must. These car covers can come in handy in many occasions, and will always provide your car with your own personally brought protection.

Another excellent way to keep your car’s exterior looking its best is to invest in wraps for your car to further protect it from the elements. This is definitely worthwhile if you want to keep your car looking brand new no matter its age. It may be worth researching local paint protection film experts in your area, to see if there is anyone who can provide you with this service. A skilled technician will be able to assist with reducing the risk of chips and scratches to your paintwork.

Washing the car on a regular basis:

Washing cars on a consistent basis ensures that the exterior of the car is fresh for a long period of time. Such benefits only come to play when the car owner washes the car properly. After parking the car under shade, rinsing off all forms of accumulated dirt and grime is the first step. If getting the grime off after washing is proving to be too much trouble, using a clay bar to clean the sticky spots before rinsing the car for a second time is highly recommended. For convertibles, using a convertible top protectant is the ideal solution.

Once the car has been cleaned, with the use of a microfiber cloth, the car must be dried off completely, without missing any spots so that there are no water spots on the exterior.

Waxing:

Similar to washing, waxing a car regularly can help in reducing any type of damage done to the car paint. If a car is waxed regularly, the prevention of dirt and debris sticking to the vehicle becomes easier.

Saving a vehicle from the elements might be an annoying task but it is definitely achievable, and will keep your car looking better for longer.