Traveling With Your Pet? No Problem!
Traveling With Your Pet? No Problem!
Whether visiting my parents at the lake for the weekend or going to the mountains or beach for a week, I always struggled with what to do with my precious dog Taffy. The thought of boarding her brought tears to my eyes and pet sitters are a luxury I just can’t afford. So, my only option was to take her with me.
Luckily, Taffy enjoys riding in the car. We go for rides everyday and she really looks forward to it. For those of you who don’t have a car-loving dog, you will need to take some time to get them used to an automobile. Try taking them for short rides and you may want to have them travel in a crate or carrier. This provides them with a safe and secure place and can help reduce the amount of anxiety they experience. Once your pet is used to the car, you’re ready to hit the road!
Now the first time I took Taffy to my parents’ house, I was extremely nervous. She had never stayed the night anywhere else before and I didn’t know how she would react to my parents’ dog or being in a strange place. Oh well, off to grandmother’s house we go!
As I mentioned before, Taffy loves the car, so the ride was a breeze. It was actually being there that I was afraid of. When we arrived at our destination, I put on her leash and we headed towards the front door. My parents’ beagle, Butch, was already barking up a storm and the fur on Taffy’s back began to rise. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all. My mom came to the door to greet us and settle Butch down a bit. As we entered the house, both dogs were uneasy but began to check each other out by the usual sniffing and a few low growls; so far, so good. Taffy started to familiarize herself with her new surroundings, checking out each room of the house. Butch, of course, was trailing right on her heels every step of the way. This turned out fine, so we all headed out to the backyard.
The dogs began to run and play together which was a good sign. I brought along Taffy’s wireless fence to keep her from wandering off. It works wonderfully at home but I had never tried it in a new environment. I just turned it on, adjusted it to the desired setting, and we were all set! These fences are adjustable from 5 to 90 feet in all directions, so she had plenty of room to roam. When she heard the warning beep, she stopped, just as she did at home. What a relief! We could hang out on the dock by the lake and not have to worry about where Taffy was. Butch could continue to do as he pleased but he tended to stick around closer to home to keep an eye on his “niece”. I could let Taffy out at any time of the day or night without having to accompany her. It worked out perfectly! My parents couldn’t believe how well it worked. They even decided to get one for Butch.
Now Taffy and I are road warriors! We go to the beach, the mountains and visit family and friends. So, if you are thinking of traveling with your dog, go for it! Just be sure to get him or her used to the car before hand and consider whether a wireless fence would make your vacations with your dog(s) more enjoyable. It sure gives me piece of mind when I take Taffy on vacations. It may do the same for you!…
Home Improvement – Three Why’s to Modernize
Home Improvement – Three Why’s to Modernize
I really don’t like the word “modern”. Modern becomes old all too soon. When you read an old book or article and they are describing something “modern” it often sounds silly compared to the present moment in which you are reading!
Okay, that being said, I used modern in the title a slightly different way. I’m talking about modernizing. Bringing styles current. This is a common reason to do a home improvement.
Three Popular Situations for Modernizing a Home
There are three times when home improvement is undertaken for the sake of modernization. I’ll mention the three then we’ll talk about easy and effective ways to accomplish the goal.
First: When you are preparing your home for resale
Second: When you are preparing to move into a new purchase
Third: To enhance your enjoyment of your existing home
Your specific reason or reasons will dictate exactly what you do to accomplish the improvement of your home. Before I get into a few specifics about each situation I’ll outline some of the most popular and effective ways to accomplish the process of modernization.
Most Effective Home Remodeling Tips to Modernize
Ways to modernize are virtually endless but here is some food for thought.
Replace old style and worn carpeting
Replace dated ceramic tile
Remove old wall-paper
Upgrade counter-tops
Change out appliances
Install new kitchen and bath cabinetry
Change lighting fixtures
Upgrade faucets and other plumbing fixtures
Paint, trim, and window coverings
Hiring an interior designer is a great way to get ideas and get some direction. Most of the time you do not need to retain the designer to take charge of the project. You can simply pay her to give you some ideas or even prepare a plan that you can follow yourself.
But, before you dive headlong into your project, let’s go back and analyze your reasons for the home improvement.
1) Preparing for resale: When you are preparing to sell your home, many times you can get by just with proper “staging”. This is where you simply just dress up the home cosmetically. However, if your home is seriously outdated, this may not work. That’s the time you may have to start well before you list your home and take care of things like removing old wall-paper, adding new paint and trim, and replacing old-style, worn out carpeting.
2) Moving in to a newly purchased home: This calls for more extensive upgrading. Some things can be done over time, but I normally advise people to tackle the big items like new carpeting and other floor coverings, replacing of cabinetry and counter-tops, and changing of outdated fixtures like tubs, toilets, and sinks before moving in.
3) To enhance your enjoyment of the home: Certainly, the items in number two apply here. Yet, we would carry the project on with many things that can be accomplished over time. Light fixtures, new appliances, paint and trim, window coverings and many cosmetic changes can be done one at a time if you wish and can provide a significant change in the feel of the home.
For Profit or Pleasure
If you know your goal, your strategy will be easier to develop and follow. Whether it’s for resale, your personal enjoyment, or whether it needs to be completed quickly or it’s a process to enjoy over time, only you can know.
Plan well, execute according to the plan and you’ll find it far easier to reach that “modern” look you want for whatever reason you want it. …
Home Remodeling – What It Can Do For Your Home
Home Remodeling – What It Can Do For Your Home
In today’s economy many families are foregoing buying new homes. Foreclosures, tight credit and other problems with the housing market have made remodeling a home more attractive. Remodeling a home not only gives it a face lift, it can be a way to increase value, and add much needed space to a dwelling. Remodeling can range from painting to adding a room addition. No matter how small the project, a remodel can make a home look stunning and increase value by thousands of dollars.
Remodel Economically With Paint
Paint is a low-cost way to brighten up a home from the inside out. Bright white paint used on molding and trim, and contrasting colors on walls can provide a fresh contemporary backdrop for all types of home furnishings. A nontraditional paint color on outside trim provides an unexpected touch of class. Stripping dated wallpaper and repainting a bathroom wall gives a bathroom an updated look.
Consider A Room Addition
A new room addition adds square footage to a home and will increase resale value. A den or recreation room can provide additional space for entertaining. Add an office or library for a quiet get-a-way space for meditating and relaxing, or reading.
Update The Kitchen
Kitchen remodeling allows the homeowner to update appliances, cabinets and flooring. The increased interest in do-it-yourself gourmet cooking make a commercial refrigerator and range and granite counter tops popular upgrades for those who like to entertain in the kitchen. When done tastefully, kitchen remodeling can add thousands of dollars to the value of a home.
Basement Remodeling
A basement left to itself is just wasted space. Add drywall, a ceiling and sunny yellow paint and this underground room becomes a bright and cozy den,play area or craft room. Take basement remodeling a step further by partitioning the basement into rooms. Add a small bathroom, closet, and a kitchenette for the perfect guest suite, or small apartment.
Bathroom Remodeling
Bathroom remodeling is another popular upgrade. A bathroom in a home can be enlarged or remodeled to resemble a mini-spa. Add a garden tub for soaking away sore muscles after a day of yard work, or maybe a body spray shower would be preferable. Sophisticated fixtures like vanities made of cherry or mahogany wood, with glass bowl sinks that appear to float on top of the vanities, remind a homeowner of baths found in luxury hotels.
The best aspect of home remodeling is that no space is to small for remodeling. When space is limited, consider using high quality materials that make an impact. This draws attention to the design elements rather than the size of the room. To save money, consider remodeling one space at a time.…
Tips on Greener Garden Designs That Are Pet Friendly
Tips on Greener Garden Designs That Are Pet Friendly
Green garden designs are popular today because of an ever increasing public awareness about the importance of sustainability. There are a variety of simple ways to make a garden environmentally friendly.
Many people who care about this increased level of sustainability want their garden design to be animal friendly as well. Many methods exist that can help gardeners create a greener garden that is also a safe and enjoyable place for pets.
One way to do this is to use thick mulch throughout the garden. Mulch helps the ground withhold its moisture for longer than regular dirt or rock surfaces would. This helps to greatly conserve water over time. Mulch is also very soft and will not harm the sometimes delicate feet of pets when they roam the garden area.
Another tip that helps with water conservation is having a water collection device. This can be a bucket or large barrel designed to catch and hold rain water. These are usually placed below gutter systems. Collected natural water can be used to irrigate the garden and possibly eliminate the use of well or city water systems. Pets are also able to drink from the rain water that is collected and stay hydrated as they spend time in the garden area.
Fences are an important aspect for any garden and can be constructed in ways that are both animal and environmentally friendly. Gathering rocks to build a stone wall is a great option for those who want to do this. Dead tree branches and limbs can also be cut and constructed into a fence. Making a fence out of natural materials is a great way to conserve the resources that would be needed to build one from bought materials. These fences will keep animals in areas they are meant to be in while keeping them out of those that they are not.
Planting certain areas of a garden in a very thick manner is another great way to make a greener and more animal friendly space. A thick plant cover can be used to keep the ground shaded and moist while also discouraging animals from venturing into areas of the garden where they should not be.
Composting has long been one of the most popular garden design changes for those seeking a more sustainable gardening experience. With that being said, a compost pile should be protected in order to make it animal friendly. Rotting compost is excellent for soil but dangerous for animals should they ingest it.
A well established path system throughout the garden is crucial for those who want animals to roam freely without ruining planted areas. This is especially true for gardeners who have dogs as pets. A perimeter path around the garden is the best option for these situations.
These are just a few of the many ways that people can enjoy their garden while allowing their animals to do so as well.…
Bad Credit Home Improvement Loan – Free Tips Inside
Bad Credit Home Improvement Loan – Free Tips Inside
You can get the money that you need in order to put your home in order. Even when you decide to do your home renovations yourself, you are still likely to spend some amount of money. Take some time to research the things that you will have to do as well as the materials that you will need in order to carry out your renovating project.
Financial institutions, usually the one that granted you your mortgage, offer home improvement loans to help out people who wish to improve their homes. As these loans are unsecured, even those with bad credit can get a bad credit loan. These loans are actually treated as an extension of the homeowner’s original mortgage with the home’s equity value serving as the collateral. So, even when there is no separate collateral that is set us with a bad credit home improvement loan, the lender is actually secured against losses from defaults by the market value of the home. In this case, the home improvement is actually beneficial to the lender as well in that these improvements should increase the market value of the house in consideration.
You can get the information that you need on how to get a bad home improvement loan from online sources. There are varying specifications to these loans and it would be good find out all that you could before taking out these loans. If you have a bad credit rating, you would likely be slapped with higher interest rates. You have to make sure that you are still getting a good deal despite your bad credit rating. But, you should not expect to get the lowest possible interest rate. You have to be realistic as to the terms of your loan vis-a-vis your credit standing. If you want to find out how you can make your renovations possible by taking out a loan, research your home improvement loan options online.…
Kitchen Remodeling – Top 5 Reasons to Remodel
Kitchen Remodeling – Top 5 Reasons to Remodel
Your kitchen is one of the most visited rooms in the household because it’s the gathering place for the whole family when they get hungry. Food is one of the essential pleasures that attracts people to the kitchen making it the busiest and most used location in your home.
Because of the overwhelming significance people place on their own cooking area, the popularity of kitchen remodeling has gained a large number of interested followers. If you wish to do some home remodeling, the kitchen is the best place to start.
Top 5 reasons for kitchen remodeling1. Upgrade existing kitchen
Whether you have just moved into a new home or have lived there for some time, you may not be entirely happy with your kitchen because it’s not functioning how you want. For instance you want to create a center island to make better use of space or the appliances are not sufficient or located in hard to reach places.
2. Family expansion or reduction
When you purchased your home you had no kids however now that you have several kids you may want to expand your kitchen to accommodate your family members.
Alternatively you may have a large kitchen but now the kids have left home and you’re not as active as you were years ago. A smaller kitchen would make it easier to access all the appliances, cabinets, etc.
3. Custom-made kitchen
You’re not happy with the stock kitchen you received with your new house and wish to have a new one designed. A custom kitchen may be expensive however you’ll be happier with it because it’s built according to your needs and fits your lifestyle better.
4. Increased market value
New home buyers always visit the kitchen because it’s where they’ll spend most most of their time. If it looks old or well used (ie faded colors, scratches, broken hinges, etc) consider getting it remodeled. Even if it costs you thousands of dollars to remodel you’ll recoup the costs by increasing your homes market value.
5. Partial remodeling
Instead of remodeling the whole kitchen you may just want to remodel the counter tops, kitchen cabinets or flooring. Each of these areas may become worn out, lose their colors or the hardware is outdated and needs replacing.
Whatever reason you have, remodeling a kitchen is a great investment because it not only adds value to your home but will give it a fresh new look you’ll be happy with for years to come.…
Home Remodeling – Create Your Dream Home!
Home Remodeling – Create Your Dream Home!
The biggest asset that one can own is his or her home. Everybody wishes for a dream house which is decorated as per their tastes and comforts. Nowadays people are ready to put enormous efforts into the idea of home improvement in order to make their place worth living. This would not only make their house look beautiful and attractive but would also improve their living space and increase the value of their homes too. Over the years, people have become style-conscious. In order to update their houses with latest fads and trends, people often resort to the concept of home remodeling. People may also go for such home renovations simply because the house is too old that needs to be refurnished.
Reasons to Remodel a Home
People may want to remodel their homes to make an effective utilization of their living space.
Another reason as to why people consider introducing necessary changes to their homes is to modernize it and update it with latest trends.
Some may want to make their homes functional for the aged, kids or persons with disabilities.
Some would prefer remodeling their homes to increase their resale value as per the new property trends.
People may also remodel their homes to make them energy efficient. In order to achieve this, people may resort to adding insulation or changing windows.
How to start Home Remodeling?
Money is the primary consideration that one needs to bear in mind while doing home improvements. A well planned budget should be prepared in order to invest money wisely and in right direction. People should be aware as to how much they have in hand to spend. The budget will not only tell how much to spend but it would also guide as to where to cut costs or impose controls.
Once people have formulated a financial budget, they should prioritize as to where to spend the money and how much to spend. Some may want to change the entire look of their house whereas some would prefer to make only few necessary changes where they think is relevant. This decision will be influenced by the amount of money a person can afford to spend.
People must plan as to what changes they wish to introduce. They should go through various magazines that would help them in deciding design and color schemes. For instance, if they want to do a complete make-over of their bedroom, they must read a lot of bedroom magazines which would help them in making the right choice.
People must contact reliable architects and interior decorators to convey their designs and ideas. In order to ensure that their designs and ideas are turned into reality, professional help is necessary. These professional people must be highly competent as to deliver desired results within a limited budget.
Home remodeling requires lot of patience as it is a tedious job. However, at the same time home remodeling is full of fun and exciting too. People need to work with enormous amount of patience to get fruitful results.
Home remodeling can be quite a stressful procedure. However, it is worth all the stress and cost in order to make home sweet home. One can do wonders by introducing only few changes in their homes. It calls for prudent investment and making most of it within that limited budget. Everybody must make few changes in their homes from time to time to make it appealing and full of life.…