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We have all had a lot more time on our hands recently, and we have all spent a lot more time in our homes!  As such, there is no doubt a lot of you have been thinking about what improvements you could make around the home.  We have put together some top tips as to how to plan your ideas effectively.

Make Sure you Have a Budget in Place

You need to know how much money you have to spend before you go into the deep end and start making purchases. Put together a strict budget of what you can afford so you don’t go over it.  Make sure that you don’t get yourself in hot water after the project is complete by overspending.

Plan Room by Room

If you are doing a complete overhaul on your home – make sure you plan it out room by room.  If you take on too much at the same time it can be overwhelming.  The last thing you need is a lot of unfinished rooms, make sure you get one thing done at a time.  It’s also a good idea to have a checklist for each room.  That way you won’t miss anything along the way.  If you want to get a visual, there are also a lot of home interior design apps you can use.

Save on your Bills

One thing that we all forget to do is look at how much we are spending on our utility bills on a regular basis.  Money comes in and out – and we all get used to it.  Sit down and have a look at how much your phone bills are costing, how much your gas and electric is costing – and see if there are any savings that can be made.  There are lots of comparison sites out there where you can find the cheapest rates and uncover any savings that can be made, and this could be part of your home improvement fund!

Look for Inspiration from Others

There are lots of Pinterest ideas, and home improvement magazines to gain some inspiration for your home.  There is lots of good info out there, such as how to do a room up on a budget, upcycling and general tips and advice to have your home looking great.  Here are 5 interior design trends we think you will love to get some ideas flowing.  This should have your home looking on trend.

Shop Around

Don’t make the mistake of buying items straight away if you see something you like.  Unless it’s a one-of-a-kind piece, you will find it elsewhere online.  Make sure you look around to get the best deal.  There are also some great online stores such as Etsy, and Facebook Marketplace where you can get some great finds.

Undertaking a home improvement project is a big job, so make sure you plan ahead in advance so you can easily iron out any kinks on the way.

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It’s estimated that there are over 8.5 million dogs in the UK, but what you may find surprising is how many of them are in shelters. At any given time, there can be over 100,000 dogs who are without a home. Whether it’s their breed, age, or they have a disability, you may be inclined to rescue a dog who needs some much-needed TLC.

If you plan to bring an older dog into the family home, here are some things you should be aware of and tips that can help your new best friend settle in with ease.

Get a Full Medical History

The key difference between adopting a puppy and an older dog is that the latter has a much bigger chance of having medical issues. You shouldn’t let this put you off adopting an older dog, as many medical issues can be managed easily. However, you should have an idea of what to expect. Make sure you communicate with the rescue home who will provide a full medical history of the dog you plan to adopt. You must have an honest and frank discussion about the dog’s medical needs before you decide on going any further.

Take Out Pet Insurance

No matter how old your dog is, it’s strongly advised to take out pet insurance if you can realistically afford to do so. Not only is it important for when your dog gets older, and if they develop any diseases along the way, but you will be covered for any routine trips to the vet. There are numerous insurance companies to pick from on the internet, so don’t pick the first one you see.

You must remember, any condition or disease that your dog already has will not usually be covered in your insurance policy, and you must declare any medical issues to your insurance company to get the right quote. The last thing you should do is lie as your pet insurance provider will need to see your dog’s full medical history anyway.

Find a Reputable Vet

Finding the right vet in your area is essential for the health and wellbeing of your senior dog. Whether it’s knowing the right kinds of food to give your dog, or if you have any concerns about their health, having a good rapport with your vet will make the experience less stressful.

Your vet will draw up a plan and provide treatment to ensure your older dog’s health and wellbeing is at the forefront. It’s recommended that your dog gets a health check every six months as this is a great opportunity for your dog to be weighed and find out whether they need to change their diet.

Research Common Diseases in Older Dogs

Like with human beings, when dogs get older, there are all kinds of diseases they may develop. It’s your job as your dog’s owner to look for signs of a condition or disease that you can raise with your vet. Being in the know of the common signs of cancer, arthritis, and kidney disease will mean you know what next steps to take. If your dog suffers with their mobility, you may also want to start them on dog supplements. You can find joint tablets for dogs at sites like YuMOVE. YuMOVE is on a mission to help dogs up and down the country lead the best quality of life. The company prides itself on making the best joint support products with the help of veterinarians and nutrition specialists.

Get Your Home Ready

Before your older dog arrives at your front door, you must get your home ready for them. There are several things you can do, such as purchasing an orthopaedic dog bed that will support your pooch’s old joints, removing or blocking off hazards like the garden or charging cables, as well as buying rubber-backed rugs that provide grip on the floor.

If you’re adopting an older dog, you need to appreciate that they may not have had the best start in life and could be incredibly scared and anxious when first arriving at your home. Instead of panicking that they don’t like their new environment, know that, as long as you get your home ready and in good order, they should start to settle in much quicker.

Prepare for Training

You should never assume that an adult dog is house trained. Unfortunately, some dogs have lived in horrendous conditions and faced neglect, meaning their behaviour may be affected as a result. If you’re planning to adopt an older dog, you need to factor in training to ensure they comply with your house rules. Make sure you remain patient throughout and reward your dog with plenty of treats to keep them focused with training.

Before adopting an older dog and bringing them into your family home, make sure you take these tips into account to give you an idea of what to expect, and ensure your pooch has the best start in their new and forever home.

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We all know that our pets make us happy – the way they welcome us home, their cute facial expressions, and how they love to cuddle us. But did you know that owning a pet can actually be good for you? Here are 4 reasons why pets are good for our health.

Stress Relief

Animals are great providers of stress relief.  Stroking the coat of your pet, especially if your pet is a cat, is known to lower your blood pressure and induce relaxation. A steroid hormone known as cortisol is released from the adrenal glands when a person is stressed and causes them to produce the “fight or flight” response. It can be harmful to your body if levels of this hormone are too high for too long. Enjoying time with your pet lowers cortisol levels and increases the production of serotonin – the feel-good hormone.

It isn’t only stroking a pet that lowers stress hormone levels; watching fish swimming around a tank or a hamster run on its wheel can have a similar effect on pet owners.

Reduce Loneliness

Many people get a pet for companionship.  Pets can reduce loneliness for people who live alone as the owner can talk to the pet and offload any issues they may have with their furry friend. Having a dog can also enhance a person’s social life, as when you take your dog out for a walk, you will find that people will stop to fuss over your dog, and fellow dog walkers will chat and share stories about their precious pooch.

Having a pet to look after can give you a purpose in life and make you feel important and needed like you would if you are a parent to human children. Ensure that you look after your pet as you would a child so that they live a long, healthy life and give you companionship for as long as possible. A top-quality diet is essential for your pet – feed your best friend healthy dog food if they are of the canine persuasion and suitable, nutritious food to all other types of pet.

Keep You Physically Fit

Walking a pet dog – or even a cat or ferret, will get you out in the sunshine, soaking up the health-giving vitamin D and burning off calories.  Having to exercise your pet means that you have to go walking every day come rain or shine, and this is great for your physical fitness too as it lowers blood pressure, strengthens muscles and bones, and improves circulation and the health of the heart.

If you have a pet horse or pony, riding it regularly will improve balance and strengthen core muscles. Holding the horse’s reins can increase strength in the hands and arms, which is particularly beneficial if you have arthritis or have had a stroke.

Alert You of Imminent Danger

Some animals, predominantly dogs, can warn us of imminent health issues.  Dogs can be trained to alert their owners when they sense that their owner is going to have an epileptic seizure or are headed for a diabetic coma. It is believed that humans give off specific scents when such health dangers are about to happen.

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Are you sick of spending your cash on printer ink only for it to run out in the space of a few days? We know how you feel and so do the millions of printer owners across the world who are in the same position. Genuine printer ink is overpriced and each cartridge comes underfilled so we took some time to discover what cheaper alternatives there are so that you can reduce the money you pay out every time you need a refill.

Shop Around for Offers

It may sound simple but one of the quickest ways to save money when buying ink for printers is to shop around and see if it is on special offer in any of the shops that are local to you or via an online seller that delivers to your address.

We have to be honest and share that while this will save you some money, don’t expect massive savings this way as shops will pay a premium for the item and still need to make a profit themselves. The result of this is usually a small reduction in price.

Check Out Subscription Services

Another way to make small savings is to sign up for an ink subscription service. These are typically offered by the printer companies and work by sending you an ink supply at a specific time in the month or year.

These services are sold as being smart, simple and money saving but like the in-store offers, don’t expect too much of a discount. Ultimately, printer brands needs to make a decent profit to cover all their expenditure and the easiest way to do that is through printer ink as everyone needs it.

Try Replacement Ink for Printers

The cheapest way to get the ink you need is through an ink replacement service from a company like Smart Ink. These companies are not affiliated with a printer brand and make high-quality compatible cartridges at a fraction of the cost of genuine ink.

To get the best deal, take some time to find a supplier that offers great value, great service, and a great money back guarantee. Doing this will help you to get the best ink when you need it. For example, if you need to purchase HP Envy 4524 ink cartridges, simply go to the site and look up the cartridge name you usually buy and you will be shown the compatible version at a much lower price – it’s perfect!

Start Saving Today

With a few options to choose from, you never need to overspend on ink again! If you are keen to continue using genuine ink then take the time to shop for offers or try a subscription service that offers a small discount. If you want to make larger savings and still get access to the best ink then replacement ink services from companies like Smart Ink will help you to achieve the quality you need a price you can afford – give them a go today and be stunned at the savings.

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Authentic art deco doors can be difficult to refurbish. They are 90 years old after all. It is time for an upgrade. That doesn’t mean you can’t have the 1930s style in your home. Explore these premium oak doors and experience 1930s style in a modern door.

Art Deco

The art deco period came about before the 1930s. It wasn’t until the 1920s that it took off before dying down at the outbreak of the Second World War. By the 1930s, doors had their own distinctive designs, both inside the home and the front door.

Some homes built in the 1930s still have their original front door. As people are unlikely to let random strangers into their homes to view internal doors, the front doors are the easiest to see. Look for stained glass. Some of these might be replicas, but the period is known for stained and leaded glass in the front doors.

Internal Doors

Internal doors from the period are easily recognised and make your home very welcoming for guests. They have four panels, a large one at the top and three smaller ones for the lower two thirds of the door. Authentic doors from this time will show signs of wear and tear. The door handles and even the hinges would have been changed. The doors themselves would have been repainted a few times. At 90 years old they will be showing cracks.

You may not even realise your 1930s home has its original features. By the time the 1970s rolled around, it had become fashionable to cover everything with flat panels, including doors, to give a smooth finish.

Time for an Upgrade

Internal doors last a long time, but 90 years is really pushing the life expectancy. As the 1930s style remains popular and lasts through interior design fads in a way that more contemporary designs don’t, replica 1930s doors can be purchased.

The panelling can be replaced with glazing to brighten up your home. Glazing allows sunlight to travel from room to room, hitting dark corners that need it the most. As the 1930s designs are characterised by the distinct panel up top and the three smaller ones below, it is easy to match doors. Not every doorframe will benefit from glazing. No one wants messy storage cupboards on display, even with frosted glass.

Period Homes

Some people like their home to have the feel of a certain time period. 1930s homes aren’t excluded from this. The 20^th century was a period of major, rapid change. Modern takes on 1930s furniture is available. Alternatively the 1930s door designs are so classic, they go with any interior design style after this. Modern Furniture Shop has a range of furniture to suit all interior design needs.

Door designs from the 1930s remain a popular feature in homes. That doesn’t mean the doors themselves aren’t in need of an upgrade. The beauty of 1930s door styles means it matches with whatever interior design fads are happening without the doors being dull.

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Whether you are planning on selling your property, looking for ways to add value is a smart investment. You never know when you may wish to move, and by ensuring that your property is continuing to unlock its full potential, you are safeguarding your investment and able to sell and move to a new property whenever you wish to, without much thought. Yet, you will want to figure out the best way to add value to your property and whether you need special planning permission. A loft or basement conversion, for example, may need planning permission.

Are you looking for ways to add value to your property? If so, this guide has got you covered. Read on for tips on how to maximise your properties profit.

Extend Your Home

Extending your property and increasing the size and space of your house is often a failsafe way to increase the value of your property. People are typically looking for a larger property that they can grow into and start a family in, and a well-planned and well-designed extension can turn the humblest of abodes into a dreamy property people are willing to bid over. If you are unsure of how to extend your home, the payoffs of doing so, and what you could do with the added space, be sure to speak with contractors and architects who can help you unlock your property’s potential. Remember that you may need to apply for planning permission!

Add a Veranda

Do not neglect the outside of your home. Your garden holds a wealth of potential, and therefore, you should consider investing in a veranda that suits your home and is a useful but attractive feature. Nationwide has a selection of verandas, including traditional verandas that offer a period aesthetic to your home. Their glass verandas can offer cover from the outside elements while also allowing the sun to shine through. A patio cover like a glass veranda is a great investment opportunity as it offers a comfortable outside area for you to entertain.

Update Your Bathroom

Updating your bathroom so that it is modern and more contemporary can add value to your home. Bathrooms should be optimised and offer comfort while people use them, and a cramped, uncomfortable bathroom can cause frustrations. You can update your bathroom with a few simple fixes such as a fresh lick of paint, updating any tiling, and modernising the bathroom facilities. For instance, if you have a bath but you rarely use it, swap it out and incorporate a walk-in shower instead.

You should also consider adding another bathroom if you only have one main family bathroom already. Adding a bathroom, be it a downstairs toilet or an en suite can add a lot of value to your home. This can be an expensive venture, but the payoff can be immense.  

Your home will have unlocked potential. All you have to do is find the best ways to unleash it so that you can reap the benefits. Your best bet is to ask a professional to evaluate your property so that you have a starting point you can build on.

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We all struggle to sleep from time to time. Sometimes, the reasons for our sleepless nights are clear. You might have had too many late nights or early mornings, only to find that you can’t get back into your routine. You might be drinking too much caffeine late at night or overeating sugar. Sometimes we can’t sleep because we are stressed out and worried, and so we spend our nights tossing and turning as we struggle to turn our minds off for the night. 

Health Issues Caused By Lack Of Sleep

Lack of sleep can cause a whole host of health issues including memory problems, mood changes, weakened immunity and high blood pressure which in turn can lead to heart and other organ problems, dizziness and ear problems, to name a few.

Problems with your ears can be particularly stressful and even painful. It’s important to maintain good ear health, which the team of Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) doctors at Auris Ear Care can help you with.

Finding The Cause

But, the causes aren’t always as clear. You might find that you can’t sleep, but that there’s no apparent reason for it, which makes it much harder to deal with. Fortunately, it doesn’t always have to be difficult, and you might not have to make any drastic changes. There are often just a few simple lifestyle changes that can improve your quality of sleep, as well as its length. 

Stop Smoking

Smoking might not directly impact your sleep. But, it can hurt the quality of the air in your home, increase your adrenaline levels, and have a negative effect on your mental health. Of course, quitting isn’t an easy change, but you could always go for a classic shisha pen in this kit for a swap.

Switch Off for an Hour Before Bed

A common cause of sleepless nights in the modern world is our growing use of technology. We sit in bed on our mobile phones or tablets, or minds kept alert by both the light and the content that we view. Try to switch devices off, or at least put them down for an hour before bed. 

Leave Your Phone in Another Room

You might also be guilty of sleeping with your phone charging up next to your bed. This won’t hurt you as such, but you might be tempted to check more than the time if you wake in the night. You might also turn to your phone as soon as you wake up, instead of trying to get a little more rest or waking gradually. Leave your phone in another room overnight, and you might sleep much better. 

Exercise More

Getting even ten minutes more exercise a day can help you to sleep better. It tires your body out, eases your stress and improves your mood. Try cardio exercise, or at least going for a short walk after dinner.

Get Organised for the Morning

Sometimes, we can’t sleep because we are worried about how much we need to do in the morning. You might be subconsciously planning what you need to do. So, start doing some of it before you go to bed. Pack lunches, get uniforms out, prepare what you are going to wear, and even begin showering before bed. You might sleep better if you know your morning will be easier. It can also mean that you can get up a little later. 

If these changes don’t help, there’s still no clear reason for your sleepless nights and no sign of improvement, you may want to look for any other symptoms, and see your doctor. Just in case it’s a symptom of an underlying condition.