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Transporting Your Dog Across Country Safely

Moving home is a stressful and chaotic time for everyone.  More so if you have a pet and let’s be honest here – pet relocation which you may face won’t be a walk in the park either.  Moving house can have a big impact on your dog. Our lives are based around routines and our animal friends too feed very much off our emotions.  Any disruption to you and your routine can also be a difficult time for your dog.

Special care has to be taken when transporting your furry family member to another home whether across country or across the border. Simple strategies can help make moving house with your dog easier and safer for the both of you.  The preparation period before moving is crucial for the success of the entire relocation. It is even more important to make the right decisions as far as arranging the proper pet transport.

The easiest way to ship a pet across country is  to have the pet with you in your car as you embark on a cross country journey to your new place.  Your presence next to you pet will have a calming effect on your pet’s nerves and this will lessen the stress, anxiety and fear  of the  sudden changes in their life. Your dog will know that you will protect it no matter what happens and that reassurance can contribute to a largely problem-free move for all of you.

However, if this option is not possible, there is no need to panic. You may need to contact specialized pet shipping services such as Shiply to connect you to reliable and reputable pet transportation companies that can transport your dog.

Below are the following questions you have to ask the transport service to help evaluate your options:

The number of stops the vehicle will make for other deliveries

It is unlikely the pet shipping company will provide a direct door-to-door service. If the truck make a number of stops during the journey, it can significantly add to travel time and this could cause a high level of stress for your dog.

Are there other animals travelling at the same time?

Having a variety of pets can be extremely stressful for your dog. It is best to to avoid options where there are a number of pets in a single transport.

Is your pet travelling in a climate-controlled environment?

All shipping companies are required to provide a climate-control shipping compartment when transporting animals but not all options are the same. Remember to ask how the temperature is maintained and the type of ventilation that is present.

The type of crate used?

Be sure to inspect ahead of time the type of crates that the shipper is providing.  Make sure that it is large enough and properly ventilated. If your dog is not used to being in a crate, you may want to consider other options or spend time to get him used to being in one prior to the trip.

Feeding schedule

Check and confirm how, when and what your dog will be fed.  Do ensure that your dog receives his regular diet.

Sleeping arrangements if it is an overnight trip

Ask if the driver will be sleeping in the van with your pet in case special attention is required.

Do weigh in all possible options for shipping your pet safely and choose the safest and easiest transportation method for your four-legged pal.

 

Essentials to Consider to Achieve Your Fitness Goals

When you are setting your fitness goals you might want to lose weight, gain muscle, learn to run a marathon, or have more energy to get through the day. There are a few essentials listed below that you need as you get fit. You can add any of the items on the list to your routine, and you will see better results. Fitness is a lifelong journey, and you should try to add these essentials to your daily routine instead of trying something just once.

1. Get Plenty Of Sleep

When you are working out or exercising every day, you need to get a good night of sleep. Use an app on your phone to determine what time you need to go to bed so you can sleep well, and set an alarm that allows you time to get ready in the morning. If you are working out in the morning, you need energy for your workout. If you are working out in the afternoon or evening, you need to be rested so that you can get through the day.

2. Drink More Water

People who start working out need to drink more water. If you are hydrated, your body can flush out toxins that are bad for you. At the same time, water will help balance your electrolytes. You should carry a water bottle with you when you go to work, and you can refill that bottle when you get to the gym. Replace most of your drinks with water so that you can remain healthy.

3. Set Small Goals

You need to set small goals that you know you can achieve. You might want to run a marathon, but you should not plan to run 26 miles all at once. You need to learn how to run one mile, two miles, three miles, and more. If you are lifting weights at the gym, you should start with the lightest weights you can find. You can run on the treadmill for five minutes before building up your stamina. You might also want to write your goals on a calendar so that you can see the progression of your goal.

4. Work Out With A Partner

You should work out with a partner so that you have some accountability. You can work out with your partner every day, and they can help you set your goals. Your partner can serve as your spotter when you are lifting weights at the gym, and your partner will notice how much progress you have made.

A partner is also good for you when you are running or swimming. You want to have someone with you who can keep you safe. Joining a gym might also help you find a workout partner.

5. Eat A Lean Diet

When you are eating a lean diet, you need to know which proteins to use. A lean diet includes lean proteins that are low in calories, and you should add carbs and healthy fats to each meal. You can count your calories, but you also need to remove processed sugars and foods from your diet.

When you eat lean protein three times a day, your body can process that food faster. Your diet should also include greens that are healthy for you. You can also eat healthy fats that come from vegetables like avocados.

6. Do Not Weigh Yourself Constantly

You do not need to weigh yourself constantly when you want to lose weight or get in shape. You can check in with your weight every few days. If you have a partner, they should weigh you. Your partner can see your progress, but you do not need to be burdened by the number on the scale every day.

7. Take Supplements When Needed

You can use vitamins and supplements to remain healthy. You might go to the doctor for tests that will reveal any vitamin or mineral deficiencies that you have. You can take supplements to fill in the gaps, and you will be much healthier. You might prefer to take supplements in the powder form, or you can mix them into shakes that you use as meal replacements in the morning. You might also consider a multivitamin as recommended by your doctor.

You Can Start Working Out And Reach Your Goals Today

You can start working out and reach your goals today by using these tips. You can work out with a partner, set reasonable goals, and reach those goals with your partner’s help. You can start eating a lean diet, and you can add supplements to your diet as needed. Drink more water so that you can remain hydrated, flush toxins, from your body, and balance your electrolytes. You can get off the couch, learn to run a marathon, or gain muscle at the gym using these tips today.

 

Ways To Look Out For Your Health And Safety

There are more ways than one to preserve your personal health and safety. Eating healthy foods, locking the doors at night, and fastening your seatbelt on the roads are all simple ways to look after your health and safety.

Let your mind get a bit more creative on the matter, and consider taking a quick read. Check out some of the more unconventional ways to directly provide for your health and safety in life.

Understand when you need a lawyer

Sometimes you need to hire a legal professional to look after your best interests. If a family member is injured or killed by the wrongdoing of a medical professional, you need a lawyer to make certain the consequences are placed where they are due.

If you’re injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you’ll need an accident lawyer to help you get your bills paid. You shouldn’t have to be financially responsible for the damage caused by others.

Learn how to properly research a physician

The caliber of medical care you receive through the course of your lifetime makes a huge difference in the longevity of your life.

It’s important to choose a physician that fulfills your individual medical needs and pays close attention to your overall long term well-being when formulating treatment plans.

Learn what really makes a doctor good for you, and take your time researching local treatment options for your everyday health.

Invest in home security systems

You can look after the safety of your whole household by investing in a proper home security setup. You don’t have to live in a perceived “bad” area of town to fall victim to a home invasion.

Safety at home is of the utmost importance, and criminals are no respecters of territory. Research today’s most efficient and affordable home security systems, and sleep sound knowing you and your family are safe.

Play sports with your friends

Keeping your body fit is one of the well known ways to look after your health and longevity, but exercise often seems like work. Try mixing it up with a few creative ways to keep your body moving.

You don’t ever have to go to the gym if you get your exercise in other ways. Try playing sports with friends, hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures to keep your temple healthy.

Stay open to trying new things

The ability to go with the flow is a valuable way to keep your body cool, calm, and collected. Excessive stress can be damaging to the inside and outside of your body, so it’s important to maintain a manageable level of stress in your daily life.

3 Tips For Offering The Best Care To An Elderly Loved One

If you love and care for someone who is aging, you may find yourself struggling with how you can give them the best possible care. While each situation is going to be different, there are some general principles that you can and should follow to allow your loved one to remain happy and healthy while being helped with something as personal as their health, wellness, and overall lifestyle.

To help you ensure that you’re giving your loved one your best assistance, here are three tips for offering the best care to an elderly loved one.

Get Recommendations Before Trusting Their Care To Someone Else

Even if your loved one is still living at home or is living with you in your home, you may find that you’re not able to give them all the care they need single handedly. In situations like this, you’ll need to entrust someone else with part of their care. However, doing some can be a very scary and intimidating task.

To make this easier, AARP advises that you ask for recommendations from other caregivers that you know when you’re seeking to get additional care for your loved one. Because good help can be hard to find, getting a personal reference from someone that you know and trust can increase the odds of you finding a supplemental caregiver that will help your loved one at the standard at which you seek and they need.

Give Them As Much Control As Possible

Just because you’re having to step in with some of the care for your loved one doesn’t mean that you need to take over everything completely. In fact, many aging adults don’t like when they’re offered more help than they think they need.

To keep this from happening within your relationship with your loved one, William A. Haseltine, a contributor to Forbes.com, suggests that you regularly speak with your loved one about the kind of care they need, when they’d like to receive it, and by whom they’d like the care to be given. By doing this, you’re giving your loved one as much control as possible while still ensuring that their needs are met.

Make All Changes On A Trial Basis

As your loved one continues to age, there will likely be a lot of changes that you need to administer in order to keep up with their health and personal needs. But for your loved one, making these changes may be scary and overwhelming.

When a change is necessary yet your loved one resists, the staff at the Mayo Clinic suggests that you propose the changes on a trial basis. Then, if things go well or aren’t as bad as your loved one anticipated, the processes will already be in place for continuing on in that way.

If you’re caring for an aging loved one, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you give them the best possible care while respecting their wishes.

How to Plan a Birthday Party Your Child Will Not Forget

If your child’s birthday is fast approaching, you want to start preparing for their birthday party. Planning parties for a child can be so much fun and a project you will throw yourself into wholeheartedly. You want to make sure that your celebrant will have the time of their life and a memorable experience for both your child and yourself.

To make things easier for you, here are a few useful tips to help you prepare.

Get your child involved

If you aren’t planning a surprise party, it is an excellent idea to get your child involved in the preparations. They would love to be part of it all. Listen to what they suggest, from the theme to the food to the games. They know what they want, and you are guaranteed that they will have the best fun at their party.

Come up with a theme

Party themes are a fun way to celebrate a birthday party. It gets everyone involved, dressed up in the attire for the party motif, and ready to participate in the activities. Ask your child what they prefer. There is a wide variety of ideas, such as the carnival theme where funfair stalls for hire can provide their professional assistance. If you have a particular party theme, you can also come up with the food and other activities to complement it.

Prepare goody bags

Children always look forward to receiving goody bags. You don’t have to spend a lot of cash or time to figure out what’s in them. Kids will appreciate whatever is inside as long as they take something home. Get creative instead and come up with small fun items to add in the bag. You can even decorate the paper bags yourself.

Don’t forget the cake

The birthday cake is the focal point of the party, no matter what age you are. For a child, blowing out the candles of a unique birthday cake is a fun activity. Come up with a unique design that you know your child will appreciate and get it baked by a professional.

And the food

If you have already decided on your party theme, you can start figuring out what you will be serving your children’s guests. Avoid making complicated choices. Keep it simple, but as close to the theme as possible. The kids will be a lot more excited to start with the activities than sit down and eat.

Make a list of games

Your child’s birthday party will not be fun without the games. Make a list of some favorites that have been successful in children’s parties. Ask your child for suggestions too. Prepare the special prizes for the winner and watch the party come to life.

Your child will be looking forward to their party, anticipating the happiness of being around friends, receiving gifts, and having the most enjoyable time. Every minute you spent preparing will be worth it, knowing how happy your celebrant is and how appreciated you are.

Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/birthday-cake-candles-birthday-cake-947438/

5 Unique Ways to Accessorize on a Budget

Accessorizing is underrated, especially when you are on a budget. A basic daily outfit can quickly go from dull to drama with the right accessories. You don’t have to be a fashionista to create trendy looks, and you certainly don’t need to go broke doing it. All you need are unique tips to accessorize your personal style and put your best-dressed foot forward. From phone cases and eyelashes to scarves and handbags, read on to be inspired to try something new.

1. Fashionable Phone Case

The only way to recognize one smartphone from another by phone cases. You spend a lot of money on your Google Pixel, Android, or iPhone, and you need to keep it protected from bumps and scratches. Limited 77 makes the best real wood pixel wood case on the market. Their hand-finished wooden cases are made from real wood, such as walnut, to provide extra, stylish protection for your phone. All of Limited 77’s real wood covers fit the diameters of any smartphone and keep your fingerprint sensor protected and functional. Accessorize your smartphone with a laser-cut cover and turn heads the next time you answer a call.

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2. Luscious Lashes

Glam up your natural makeup look with eyelash extensions that compliment your eye shape and enhance your natural lashes. Enhance your lash style with faux mink eyelash extensions to give you the luxurious look of intense lashes. Glamnetic has the best faux mink eyelashes around. Unlike traditional false eyelashes that are applied with messy glue, faux mink lashes fit along your natural lash line using magnetic eyeliner. Their magnetic mink strip lashes can be cleaned and reused for multiple wears. Simply line your eyes with the special magnetic liquid liner, peel the lash band from the magnetized tray, and apply. Glamnetic has every type of extension you need to create a jaw-dropping style on a budget.

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3. Scarves

The classic scarf is an inexpensive and versatile accessory that can easily add some trend to your outfit. Scarves come in a number of lengths, weights, patterns, prints, and fabrics. There are endless ways to wear scarves and create a stylish look. Long scarves can be turned into summer sarongs, skirts, flirty tops, and more. It’s affordable and fun to build a collection of diverse scarves that you can accessorize with for every fashion season.

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4. Shoes

Shoes are a functional and sassy way to accessorize any outfit. You could wear almost any style of shoes with basic jeans and a t-shirt. Make a casual statement with a pair of trendy sneakers, add some class with statement booties, or go full fashionista with the perfect pumps. Shoes are definitely worth investing a little money in, given how much wear and tear they take. You can find plenty of great deals and prices on lesser-known brands that offer just as much style as popular brands.

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5. Handbags

Handbags work hard carrying all the essentials you may need throughout the day. Make a statement by mixing a fabulous purse or two into your collection. Don’t skimp on quality when it comes to purses; faux leather, knock-offs, busy bags, and ridiculous sale prices aren’t always worth it. Like shoes, you want to invest a little in a handbag that will get you through the seasons and pair well with all of your outfits. Mix up your purse often and have fun trying to match your purse to your shoes to create continuity.

Looking good and feeling great on a budget is easier than you think. Channel your inner fashionista and challenge yourself to find unique ways to accessorize without breaking the bank.

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4 Reasons People Look Older Than They Are

There are some people, who despite their actual age, don’t look a day over 30. And then there are those who tell you their age, and you’re startled because they look about 20 years older than that number. So, what is the secret to looking younger, and what is it that people are doing to age themselves?

The truth is that aging comes down to knowing what you should be doing to slow down the effects of aging, and perhaps more importantly, what you should not be doing.

Take a look at some of the most common reasons that people look much older than their true age.

They Don’t Use Sunscreen

Even though the sun has certain benefits that do favors for our body, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. There are certain harmful rays that not only increase the signs of aging on your face but can even increase your chances of developing skin cancer.,

People who don’t apply sunscreen when they go outside are adding years of aging to their faces over time. In fact, it’s not only advisable to apply sunscreen on sunny days, but even on overcast ones. Always apply a layer of at least 30SPF before going outside, even on cloudy days.

They Don’t Exercise

Exercise is something that does more than just release endorphins and burn fat. Exercise releases all sorts of toxins and hormones that can make you feel and look younger.

People who have failed to keep up with exercise over the years usually show the effects in their posture and body composition. If you want to keep your body looking young and fresh, it’s important to get at least a few hours of exercise in a week. Doing so will build muscle and increase your overall strength.

They Smoke

Cigarettes contain a significant amount of toxins. The more that you smoke, the more toxins that you’re releasing into your body that are known to age your skin. One of the most notable toxins that cigarettes contain is carbon monoxide, which is particularly harmful for your body.

From age spots to an increased likelihood of broken bones, cigarettes aren’t doing you any favors. Not only are you aging yourself significantly by smoking, but you’re also putting yourself at risk for cancer.

They Don’t Pay Attention To What They Eat

As the saying goes, you are what you eat. The more processed and refined foods that you put into your body, the more likely that you are to develop obesity.

In addition to causing weight gain, unhealthy foods also lack vital micronutrients that keep your body working the way that it should.

3 Tips For Teaching Your Kids Kitchen Skills

As a parent, you might start to feel like your entire life revolves around getting your kids food each day. So to give yourself more time to accomplish other things, and to teach your kids how to be more independent, it might be time for you to start teaching your little ones some kitchen skills.

To help you know where to start with this, here are three tips for teaching your kids some kitchen skills.

Focus On Cleanliness First

Before you allow your kids to start working with any food in the kitchen, you should first teach them the basics of how to keep things clean when preparing or cooking food. Not only will this help your kitchen stay cleaner, but it will also help you to keep kitchen pests away as well.

According to Sarah Klemm, a contributor to EatRight.org, some of the cleanliness issues that you should first teach your kids include washing their hands correctly before handling or eating any food, how to best keep their hair back and away when preparing food, how to clean off countertops prior to preparing food there, and how to keep from licking their fingers or kitchen utensils while preparing food. With these guidelines in place, your child should be ready to start preparing food that will be clean enough for themselves and others to eat.

Use The Right Terminology

As you teach your child how to cook or work in the kitchen, they’re likely going to come upon terms that they’ve never heard or used before.

Now, while you might be tempted to use simpler terms that might initially be easier for your child to understand, Cheryl Sternman Rule and Catherine Newman, contributors to Parents.com, advise against using the wrong terminology in the kitchen. By speaking to your kids using the right terms in the kitchen, they’ll more quickly be able to learn how to do things like read a recipe, follow cooking instructions, and instruct others on how to do things around the kitchen.

Make Them Responsible For Lunch

Once your child has learned how to do the basics in the kitchen, Hilary Meyer, a contributor to EatingWell.com, recommends that you try giving your child some more responsibility over their own food by making them in charge of preparing lunch for themselves. Especially if your child is taking lunch to school, they won’t be able to prepare anything too complicated, which makes this the perfect meal for getting some good food practice.

If you want your child to do more in the kitchen, consider using the tips mentioned above to help your kids learn some vital kitchen skills while they’re young.

 

Facing financial risk? Get the best quote for public liability insurance

Public liability insurance is designed to protect you financially in an instance where you may be liable for costs related to injury to a third party or damages to their property caused by your business activities. To avoid substantial financial loss, it’s a good idea to look into obtaining public liability insurance. It can cover the financial payout if the claim is within your policy limits, which means you don’t have to risk your business and personal assets.

What happens if you have no public liability insurance?

If you find yourself without public liability insurance when you face a claim, you can find yourself out of your pocket due to covering the costs. It can be potentially damaging to your business’ finances. Depending on the incident, you may be responsible for the cost of medical bills, rehabilitation, repairs and other expenses. It makes getting public liability insurance one of the essential parts of running your business. Also, even if the claim against you is unsuccessful, you still need to pay for the legal expenses if you have to get legal representation and advice during the claim process.

Another reason to consider obtaining public liability insurance is a more straightforward process when you obtain your trade licence. Even though public liability insurance might not be a legal requirement, not having public liability insurance can make it more challenging for tradespeople to get a licence due to requirements from companies and their clients.

When you consider the worst-case scenario, you leave no room for unexpected financial loss. Accidents happen, and a lot of the time it is outside of your control, that’s why public liability insurance can provide you with security knowing that your business is protected.

Does house insurance cover public liability?

If you have home and contents insurance, most liability cases are covered. Australian policies generally include comprehensive liability insurance, which often ranges from $10 million to $20 million depending on the level of policy. This liability insurance covers you if an accidental injury happens to third parties (non-residents) on your property, as well as damage caused to their property. Although your home insurance policy will be fairly comprehensive, some important situations may happen where it doesn’t provide cover where you are found liable. For example, claims that involve your business or trade, damage to your property, responsibility for rental or leasing contracts and damage to property or injury to individuals who live with you.

If you need public liability insurance for your business, home and contents insurance might not be enough for you. It’s important to speak to an insurance broker to get a quote for public liability insurance that will provide you with enough cover for your work activities.

At All Trades Cover, we can discuss all the options available to you and help find the right public liability insurance for your business. We have an easy online quoting system through which you can get a quote that will outline all the necessary information for you to get starting with the cover. If you have questions you can call All Trades Cover on 1300 826 850, otherwise fill in our easy online enquiry form to get a quote now.

 

Home Improvement 101: Stress-Free Methods That Can Elevate Any Home

There is no denying that home improvement can vary greatly depending on where you live. The methods for improving a small home can differ from home improvement methods for a large living space, and there is always plenty of wiggle room for creativity. That said, there are quite a few methods out there that tend to have a generally positive effect no matter the scenario.

The best part is that the methods are reasonable and entirely stress-free. It is a good way of dealing with home improvement without necessarily committing too many resources to get the job done. Not every project has to be drastic to make a difference! Here are just a few stress-free methods that can elevate any home.

The simple power of beautiful nature

If you have ever wondered how you can make your home feel more comfortable and accommodating for both yourself and any visitors, one of the ideal methods would be to invest in houseplants. Not only is it quite cheap, but there are plenty of benefits from filling your home with a splash of nature. Depending on the type of plant, you can improve the air quality around your home, and the only thing it asks for in return is a bit of maintenance in the form of watering.

That said, you do not even have to worry about watering the plants if all you care about is the aesthetic value of houseplants. You can purchase fake plants to provide the same visual impact without necessarily having to worry about maintenance.

The easiest way to improve a bedroom

No matter the type of home, the bedroom will always be one of the stars of the show. When it comes to bedrooms, there are few aspects more important than the bed. You can leave everything else alone, focusing solely on improving the bed, and it will still make a substantial impact. For those who live in smaller homes, improving the bed could very well make it the best part of your home. You can make use of resources such as www.myfittedbedroom.com to give your bed the royal treatment you deserve.

Miscellaneous methods

Aside from the addition of houseplants and the royal treatment given to your bed, there are still plenty of other ways to make stress-free improvements. For example:

  • You can make use of mirrors to help improve the natural lighting in your home without necessarily having to do anything drastic. It can be a boon for those who have a dark house even during the day, as the natural light will bounce much easier thanks to the mirrors.
  • You can help promote the feeling of space by focusing on rounded furniture, as well as glass surfaces. It will allow you to see more of your home without remodelling.

While it can sometimes feel overwhelming to deal with home improvement projects, the tips above will help you elevate your home without dealing with stress.