Tag Archives: weather

May16

Summer Care For Your Furry Friends

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Summer Care For Your Furry Friends

When the weather gets better, it becomes the perfect time to head out and spend some long lazy days with your furry friend. Walking in the snow and rain is fun, as is anything with your best friend, but the summer sun? Unreal. It opens up so many more opportunities to go out and explore. But the care that you need to provide your four-legged friend changes when the heat cranks up. So what can you do to make sure that your dog is going to live his best summer life? Read on to find out more:

Car:

This should go without saying, but people are still leaving their dogs in hot cars. There have been plenty of videos where people have locked themselves in a hot car to demonstrate the issue… and yet it is still happening. It can take just ten minutes for a dog to get heatstroke and then die. Many people simply don’t know how hot a car gets when left in the sun, even for a few minutes. If you need to run some errands but have your dog with you, take the dog home first. Alternatively, make sure you have enough water and take the dog out of the car when you get out, too.

Protection:

In the summer, you are much more likely to have a dog rubbing noses with new friends and shaking that mane in the grass. It is time to step up protection to include things like heart-worm, Lyme disease, fleas, and tick prevention for dogs. All of which can put a damper on your summer fun!

Cool It:

Asphalt, heck, even earth gets baked and soaks in a lot of heat. If you wouldn’t walk on it barefoot, then don’t make your dog walk on it, either. It will burn their paws, so make sure there are shady spots in the garden and try to head out early in the morning or late in the evening when it isn’t too hot. If you have a cool truck that your furry buddy likes to travel in, remember how hot that metal base is going to be before your pup hops in.

Sunburn:

Dogs get sunburn just like we do. Make sure that you apply a high factor of cream to ears, nose, and any other exposed skin. You’re going to need to check with your vet about the best cream to use, just because it is excellent for us humans, doesn’t mean it is going to work for your pooch.

Water:

In the summer you can never have enough water ready for your dog. They carry around a fur coat all of the time – imagine if that was you! Have a big bowl of fresh water in the house that is topped up all day long. And, when you go for your walks, take a pop-up bowl and a giant bottle of water. Most dog-friendly parks also have taps that have fresh drinking water, too. Dogs can’t simply cool down, they need to pant and drink water. Speaking of water, get a children’s swimming pool and fill it up and let them go wild for a few hours. It really helps them burn energy and relax. But remember that all-important sun cream!

Weight:

Over the winter months, we all have a tendency to put on a little weight – your dog included. The summer is the perfect time to shed those pounds by getting out there and exploring together. Just like humans, it isn’t healthy for dogs to carry too much weight as it puts a lot of strain on their joints. Increasing your levels of activity slowly over the space of a week or two will help you tackle those more adventurous days with ease. On average, you should be looking to walk your pooch for around 30+ minutes per day. If they are a little overweight, then you are going to have to ease them into it.

Fans:

If you know it’s going to be really warm, then get a fan in the room your dog spends the most time in. Leave the fan running for as long as you can during the day. It is better that you have a fan that is safe to use when you aren’t at home, too. But a simple oscillating fan will do wonders to bring down the temperature.

Dogs and humans aren’t too dissimilar when it comes to what they need in the summer. We are both more likely to get bitten by an insect, both need a lot more water, and enjoy splashing around in a pool. Treat your dog the way you treat yourself over the summer months!

Featured Image By: Andrew Pons on Unsplash

May2

Trends To Try This Summer

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Trends To Try This Summer

2019’s Spring/Summer trends are all about female empowerment. Whether it’s bright, neon colors, chic biker shorts, or retro tie-dye, big name designers and high street brands have been sure to use their platforms to inspire, motivate, and champion women.

Longer skirts, fluid shapes, and comfortable tailoring were key elements of Givenchy’s, Burberry’s, and Valentino’s collections, with Loewe and The Row also showcasing flattering cuts and relaxed outerwear options. With an added emphasis on empowerment, designers are giving control back to the women wearing their clothes. S/S 2019 trends are adaptable, comfortable, and confidence-boosting, which means they’re a realistic option for everyone.

A wide selection of trends ensures great variety on the high street, so take a look at our top picks and choose which trends you’ll be trying this summer:

Beige is back:

Featured by Dior, Givenchy, and Max Mara, amongst others, beige is making a big comeback this season. If you think beige is boring, think again. Laying different shades, using different fabrics and incorporating pink-hued pastel beiges is a great way to stay on trend this summer.

Create a soft, feminine look with pink-toned beige in silk or tulle, or go for a more utilitarian, authoritarian style with a deeper beige, bordering on khaki. Teamed with Alias Mae boots or Dr Martens from Platypus shoes, it’s easy to create a unique, powerful style with this year’s top color.

Top Handle Bags:

Easy to carry and more functional than ever, top handle bags are bound to be a big hit this summer. The sheer number of variations in style, fabric, and texture ensure that you can find the perfect top handle bag for work, formal wear, or a simple day at the beach. Try a top handled leather piece for a city chic look or a woven bag for an easy-going, relaxed style.

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Peep that purse!

Neon is in:

Loud, vibrant colors are a hit this summer and you can incorporate neon into any outfit effortlessly. While the current trend of 80’s glitz and glam gives you the perfect opportunity to rock a solid block neon dress, there are subtler ways of making a statement if the all over neon look is a little too much. Layer a thin neon sweater with a chic black blazer to keep on trend at work or opt for a neon dress in a soft fabric like lace to create the perfect evening outfit.

Get sporty:

Known as athleisure, sports-inspired chic is all over the place this summer. Cycling shorts may be the must-have item, but if you’re not sure you can get away with Lycra bicycle shorts at work, incorporate the latest sea, skate, and surf styles with shell tops, anklets, and a pair of sunnies. Team with a midi skirt and flats at work or opt for relaxed tie-dye if you’re off-duty.

Animal prints:

Leopard print has caught our eye again and many of this year’s must-have pieces feature this classic print. From full-length print dresses and button-down shirts to utility boots and handbags, leopard and python are the big animal prints for this season. Available in a variety of colors, they can be paired with an array of other pieces to create a classic, yet up-to-date, stylish look. Easy to incorporate into any outfit and suitable for any occasion, use animal prints to showcase your style and you can’t go wrong.

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Pexels Image

Make the most of this year’s trends:

Using the latest fashions and staying on trend is a great way to feel in control, stylish, and sophisticated. With great pieces available from designers and high street retailers, there’s bound to be a few new additions to your wardrobe this year for your chicest summer yet!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Apr12

Flower Power

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Flower Power

Hellooo! As I get older, I notice that I am enjoying the winter season less and less. Ohio has a particularly annoying one, because it drags on until god knows when. But, this past week, we have finally began to experience warmer, spring-like temperatures and it has been such a treat. No more bundling up against the cold or snow flurries – just light jacket weather and sunshine. Of course, until it snows again, that is. -_-

But, for now, I will definitely take this turn of events in weather and I can notice how much it has lifted my spirits already. Especially because flowers have began to pop up all over the neighborhood. Some of our daffodils opened up over the weekend and it was a delight to see a sunburst of yellow after months on end of grey, gloomy weather.

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I absolutely love flowers of all kinds and there is nothing better than seeing all of them in full bloom. I especially love daffodils, because the bright yellow reminds me of my grandma who was really fond of that color. Catching a glimpse of this little flower patch every time I leave for work puts a smile on my face and I can’t wait for more flowers to spring up soon!

What is your favorite flower? What is your favorite color? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan27

Lots Of Snow In Ohio

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Lots Of Snow In Ohio

Hiiii! This past weekend, my neck of the woods in good ol’ Akron, Ohio got absolutely pummeled with snow. It had myself and my family stuck indoors for three days straight and the roads were so bad that I couldn’t get to work when Monday rolled around. I also couldn’t go to my planned weekend trip to Pittsburgh for some quality cousin time. I was so bummed! In a nutshell, it was insanely boring, freezing, and oh so very, very snowy. Lots of people have been interested in pictures of what this massive snowfall looked like, so I ventured out into the tundra and snapped the following:

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^^^ As you can see, the snow was up to my mid thigh – yikes!

For three days in a row, I basically did nothing but hang out, play Candy Crush, watch TLC, and a few LifeTime movies. And, of course, stare out the window and watch all of the snow that we didn’t get throughout the winter fall outside in a matter of a day and a half. It was pretty crazy to see, because my area barely got any snow for the past few months – in fact, we had a lot of days in the forties and fifties. Incredibly mild, to say the least!

Since this RAS (Random Act Of Snowfall), things have pretty much gone back to normal weatherwise in the 330. It is definitely a lot colder than what we’ve been used to, though. But, single digit temperatures have never stopped us Midwesterners yet. 😀 #ope

What is the weather like where you live? What is your favorite type of weather? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec26

6 Ways To Warm Your Wintry Walls

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6 Ways To Warm Your Wintry Walls

Houses get cold in the winter. They just do. The onslaught of freezing conditions from rain to snow is enough to make the interior temperatures fall dramatically inside the house. It’s not nice, it’s not comfortable, and we didn’t buy and build houses just to feel like we are outside. Keeping your home warm in the winter is important, and you want to be able to do that with the least amount of money spent at the same time.

It’s crucial that you start thinking about warming your home for the winter as early as possible before the season begins. You don’t want to be caught freezing your toes off because you didn’t get that furnace tune up that was on your to-do list and had been from the last month. Heating a house takes a lot of energy – especially if the house is a big one. If you’re not looking after your home energy properly, all you’re going to do is cost yourself some cash. So, let’s look at six ways that you can make sure your walls are warm this winter:

  • Use Your Curtains: You have windows and they allow for sunlight. The sun is free – and it’s hot, even in the winter. Open your curtains in the day to allow the sunlight in for the free warmth. When it gets dark, shut the curtains and keep that extra insulation layer. Make sure there are no gaps, and you won’t have any warm air leaking out.
  • Use Timers: Central heating should be programmed so that you aren’t wasting your energy. Put the heater on the timer so that it’s not burning all day and not costing you money at the same time.
  • Move Your Furniture: If you have a sofa in front of the radiator, move it now. You may feel warm and toasty in your favorite chair, but the sofa and other furniture is blocking all the hot air from heating the room.
  • Layer Up: Adding blinds under the curtains, rugs to the carpet and throws to the furniture is going to add layers to each room, making you warmer than you thought you could be. Lagging the boiler can also help massively.
  • Block Draughts: Make your own draught excluders and replace the rubber sealant around the windows and doors. They’re both easy to install, but you should get them all done before the winter really does set in. Think of it this way: if there are cold air patches coming into your home, then there will be warm air leaking out of the sides, too.
  • Upgrade The Boiler: Sometimes, your actual boiler really needs an upgrade. These can make all the difference to the way your home is heated, and you should be looking into it properly before you spend winter in a freezing house with no hot water or heat.

Getting warm? Not always easy. Assessing and fixing the problems that could occur before they could happen is the key!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Dec17

Bad Weather? Here’s How to Protect Your Home

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Bad Weather? Here’s How to Protect Your Home

If you’ve never experienced the damage bad weather can do to your home, you should consider yourself lucky. Sure, rain may make your living room floor soaked if your windows are leaking and a hard gust of wind may weaken the shingles of your roof – but it’s still nothing at all compared to the floods and hurricanes we’ve experienced over the last decade.

While it’s difficult to prepare your home for that kind of weather unless you live in a bunker, you can still prepare it for cold days and heavy falls of both snow and rain. The spring has yet to arrive for a couple of months and the more you can do for your home now, the better off it will be in case your area should experience a storm anytime soon.

Here is a handful of tips in terms of making sure your home is strong enough to handle the elements. It just makes it a bit easier to put your feet up and relax as the wind howls outside:

First: Seal windows and doors

It’s only logical that the first thing you need to do is to ensure that the storm has no way of entering your home. This means, of course, that you need to make sure that all of your windows and doors are sealed properly. Wind funneling through your home will push upwards and may even lift your roof if it’s strong enough. It’s the kind of water damage your home could definitely do without.

You may want to purchase and install special storm shutters for your windows, for example, or just take a tour around your home to inspects the seals and make sure that there are no cracks to allow the wind in. Have a look here if you’d like to make your own storm shutters, by the way. They will be just as strong as the regular ones you’d buy in the shops as long as you follow the instructions.

Next: Consider steel doors:

You will only need this if you live in an area that often experiences stormy weather, but steel doors can really make a huge difference in terms of safety at home. When you have a steel door as your entry door, you avoid seeing hard winds tearing through those weaker double, French, or sliding doors for your patio. Install special hardware to strengthen the doors where they meet and try bolts that fasten the doors into the framing at the top and the bottom.

Think about the other doors in your house that are connected to the outside world; have a look at garage doors, for example, to avoid seeing the storm damage your vehicle, as well. That being said, your car may still get damaged by severe weather and if that does end up being the case, don’t wait to file your insurance claim for hail damage or any other type of damage that comes from the weather. Your insurance will work with you to make the repairs as cost-effective as possible.

Other points to keep in mind while it’s still quiet before the storm is, of course, to clear out your yard so that no furniture is able to fly off – and have an extra look at your roof. While the damage bad weather can do to your belongings is big enough, it can do even more damage if a roof shingle should hit an animal or a person.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Dec11

Is Your Home Ready For Winter?

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Is Your Home Ready For Winter?

The days are getting shorter, the nights longer, and winter is officially among us. The temperatures are dropping and you don’t have to be an expert to know that you have to get yourself ready for the cold. As a person, you bring out the winter coats and sweaters, swapping sandals for boots and wrapping up in scarves and fluffy hats. Preparing yourself for the cold is easy, but you need to think about how you’re preparing your house for the battering of the wind and rain that’s bound to happen. There are a lot of things that you could be doing to make sure that your home is as ready as possible for the season.

Getting your house ready is not just about keeping the cold out of the house. It’s about making sure that you’re not paying out damages because your house hasn’t managed to stand up under the freezing conditions. So, with all of that in mind, you need to consider what you should be doing to get your house ready for the cold months and how to ensure that it doesn’t become damaged in the process:

Clear Your Gutters:

Rain and wind whip up leaves and debris, blocking the gutters and causing a sloppy mess to clog the drains. With the freezing temperatures, you end up with frozen water behind the gunk in the gutters. This causes a blockage, the gutter to crack, and an overflow issue that could turn into icicles over the side of the house. The problem with this, is that if they break up and fall, it could cause a lot of damage for cars – and people.

Clearing the gutters is one option, however years of neglect can cause overgrowth which can be too difficult to clear on your own. Another option would be to look into Saint Petersburg Gutters replacement (or a similar service in your area) in order to have a fresh set of drains ready for the winter months for years to come. Whichever option you decide on going with, it’s one of the most essential tasks on your to-do list if you don’t want leaks in the roof and the walls of the home. Speaking of the roof – it is a good idea to give it a once over while tending to the gutters to site any roofing repair that might need complete before the cold weather.

Check Your Boiler:

One of the worst things that could happen to your house during the winter is the loss of heating. Over the winter, the last thing that you need is to have freezing cold kids and be able to see your breath in the house. The one thing that you need to do is get your boiler serviced before the cold really does set in. If you think a repair is needed – don’t wait to call because the closer it gets to winter, the more full the schedule will be. You can find an expert to help by entering a search for “boiler repair gateshead” or in your local area. Making sure that your engineer is able to check over your boiler is important, and they will be able to catch any issues before your boiler breaks down and you lose your heating or hot water in a sudden breakdown. You might also want to look into how to apply for a boiler grant if something like this is offered in your local area. These grants were made to replace outdated boilers with energy efficient models so it is definitely worth seeing if you are eligible.

Watch The Foundation:

Did you know that the cold has a huge effect on the foundation of your house? Fixing a foundation crack is only easy if you can find the crack and know what caused it in the first place. Soil heaves and contracts when the ground freezes and melts, and this is called a frost heave cycle. It’s also the cycle that has a negative impact on your home’s foundation. They are dangerous and can be incredibly expensive to repair. The damage can and does occur before freezing point, too, and if you don’t take care of the foundation, you risk huge damage to the rest of the house.

Sweep The Chimney:

Not everyone has one, but if you have a chimney that you need to maintain, it’s time to call in the professionals. Chimney fires are caused by unclean chimneys that haven’t been looked after. You could severely underestimate the severity of a chimney fire, forgetting to clear out the chimney altogether. They do occur frequently, though, so think about bringing in the professionals now and get it cleared so that you don’t end up with a house fire to end all house fires. Businesses like Priddy Chimney (or a similar one in your local area) offer chimney sweeping services as well as annual inspections which is another great thing to look into. Like any other heating system, it should be reviewed by a professional before being put to use.

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Sweep that chimney!

Insulate Your House:

You invested in a proper winter coat, with scarf, gloves, and a hat for yourself. The thing that you have to do next is ensure that you’ve insulated your house well. Most of the heat in the home is lost through the roof and this means that insulating the loft is the best thing that you could do for your home. Cavity wall insulation is the next thing that you can invest in, and if you are really wanting to invest in some insulation, think about providing your house with extra carpet offcuts, rugs, and curtains! Any way that you can insulate the house should be done, and you should do it early so that you don’t end up with a house that is losing energy.

Hug Your Pipes:

Speaking of insulation, have you invested in pipe insulation yet? These look like pool noodles covered in electrical tape and they are the best thing that you can put around your pipes to make sure that there isn’t any freezing water in the pipes that could cause them to burst. It’s not just a way that you could flood your home, it’s also a way to have a very expensive repair bill when you have to replace your entire plumbing system. Go around your pipes and insulate them well, removing any vegetation as this can also cause damage to the pipe systems.

Being ready for winter with cute boots and a new thick coat is one thing, but you have a house to prepare, too. Get warm, get the right people, and make your house the coziest ever this winter.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov27

Winter Guest Bloggers?!

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Winter Guest Bloggers?!

Howdy! For some of us, winter weather is already in full swing and, for others, it will be arriving soon enough. Some of the lucky ones, though, don’t experience the cold at all! No matter what the situation is in your neck of the woods, Lil Red wants to feature your winter themed posts on the ol’ blog. From favorite recipes and frosty makeup looks to bundled up OOTDs and holiday shopping tips, I want it all! If you are interested in guest blogging on my page for some winter fun, please shoot me an email at: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com ! Much love. -Sarah

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