Take your Garden to the Next Level.

{Collaborative Content} Every garden reflects the personality of the people who own it. That being said, if you want to improve your garden and really give it the wow factor, there are several things you can do that will achieve that goal while still allowing you to make the garden you own. Let's take a look at some of them right now.

When it comes to flowers, more is more

If you want your garden to look truly spectacular, then planting as many flowers as you can in as many shapes and colours, with as many unique aromas, as you can is an excellent way to do it. 

Not only do bold blooms add visual interest and intense aromas to your garden, but they also give it a luxe and decadent feel that you will love. They’re great for attracting bees and butterflies to the garden too, which is always a nice thing to do.

Shape your shrubs

If you have a lot of shrubs and bushes in your garden, then turning them into perfectly sculpted topiary is another good way to take your garden to the next level and make it even more visually stunning.

Add an awning

Awnings are great because they provide you with shade when it is getting too hot, and enable you to have a safe place to sit out at all times of the day. Luxaflex® Awnings are a simple and affordable way to add exterior shading to your patio with lots of exciting style choices. Pick one that matches your taste in terms of colour, have it fitted in the location you would most like to sit and you’ll never have to go inside because the sun is overwhelming again.

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Fire and water are essential

If you want your garden to have the wow factor, then installing a fire pit that enables you to light up the yard at night, and spend more time out there under the stars is a great idea.

What’s also a great idea is adding a water feature such as a fountain or pond, which will not only look amazing but also provide you with that gentle running water sound that really helps you to relax and de-stress outdoors.

Create an outdoor kitchen

You don’t have to spend thousands of pounds on an outdoor kitchen proper, but investing in a nice set of outdoor dining tables and chairs and the best barbecue you can afford will really help to make your outdoor space seem much more attractive and more importantly, give you the spade you need to have great outdoor parties with your friends and family members when the summer comes around and barbecue season is in full swing.

If you want to create a next-level garden that will be the envy of all your neighbours for years to come, the above ideas are sure to help, but only choose the features that you truly love because, after all, it’s you who will be spending so much time in your garden!

How to Ease Dental Anxiety in Children.

How To Ease Dental Anxiety In Kids

{Collaborative Content} Dental anxiety is a pretty common occurrence in children. The unexplained fear of dentists and what they do is the main fuel driving this anxiety. Available data indicates that the anxiety prevalence rate is up to 20%. Usually, the problem is more profound when the child's first appointment is after age six. What can you do to allay their fears and make your kids' dental appointments positive to help them adopt healthy oral habits? Below are some tips.

1. Start dental habits as early as possible 

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As mentioned in the introduction, children who are introduced to the dentist's office later in life have a higher chance of developing this anxiety. The underlying reason is that when their cognition starts to improve from age six and above, it becomes difficult to convince them that the dentist won't hurt them. Moreover, they're likely to have friends from school who may have recounted unpleasant experiences at the dentist's office. For this reason, dentists recommend booking an appointment for your child when their primary teeth cut through the gum.

The dentist doesn't carry out any procedure at that age apart from checking the primary teeth and gums. However, that single pleasant appointment becomes a positive reference point in the child's mind. That way, subsequent visits will be without the well-known anxiety and fear. The familiarity of the dentist's office and the instruments there will cease to become fearsome for a young mind.

2. Use role-play at home

You can never get enough of the cliché, 'children learn through play.' It is an absolute truth that many parents and guardians have used to their advantage. When easing dental anxiety in kids, you may want to start the process at home. Role-playing offers an opportunity to encourage your child to learn about what happens at the dentist's office. Playful routines help normalise what would have turned into full-blown dental anxiety on the appointment day. You may want to buy dentist play instruments for kids for the best results. Furthermore, it helps to intensify these at-home role play in the weeks leading to the actual appointment. As you take turns playing the role of dentist and patient, your child learns the basic processes to expect before the appointment day.

3. Explain dental procedures ahead of time

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Apart from role-playing, another tip that works quite well is to directly educate them on the procedure they will get. For example, you can take the opportunity to explain professional teeth cleaning to your child. If your little one has a chipped tooth and you suspect that will be attended to, you can explain composite bonding to them. Again, if your child has some dental misalignment, it would be a great time to teach them about braces and the types available.

For all you know, your young ones have peers wearing some type of braces and already have a fair idea. However, it would be in your interest to discuss other options like the invisible braces. Your child may even think of them as cool and want one. By staying ahead of their expectations, you would have dealt with their dental anxiety.

Last but not least, help the dentist by providing some vital information about your child. For example, their favourite colours, best cartoon characters, preferred foods, etc., can be chatting points between the dentist and your child. This helps in building rapport between the two. You will be too when your child is relaxed at the dentist's office.

4 Easy Ways to Create a Comfortable Living Space for your Pet.

{Collaborative Content} A pet is a member of the family, and like any other family member, they need a comfortable place to live. If you're not sure how to make your home pet-friendly, don't worry! We've got you covered. In this blog post, we will discuss four easy ways to create a comfortable living space for your pet. Read on to learn more.

Photo by Johann: 

1) Pet-proof your home

Get rid of anything that could be harmful to your pet. This includes things like chemicals, cleaners, and medications. If you have any plants in your home, make sure they are not poisonous to animals. In addition, get rid of anything sharp or breakable. Pets can be curious and may try to chew on or play with these things, resulting in injury. Finally, make sure all electrical cords are out of reach. Pets can easily chew through these and be electrocuted. Taking these precautions will help create a safe environment for your pet.

2) A Comfortable bed

Provide plenty of comfortable places for your pet to sleep. Pets need a place to call their own, so make sure they have a bed or crate that is just for them. Fill it with blankets and pillows to make it extra cozy. Additionally, provide your pet with a few toys to keep them entertained. Choose safe toys for pets that cannot be easily swallowed or chewed up. By providing your pet with a comfortable place to sleep and some fun toys, you will help create a comfortable living space for them.

3) Food and water

Of course, your pet will need food and water. Pets need a nutritious diet to stay healthy, so make sure you feed them quality food. In addition, always have fresh water available for your pet to drink. You may also want to consider investing in a pet fountain. These fountains provide pets with running water, which they love. Keeping your pet well-fed and hydrated will help create a comfortable living space for them. Additionally, you should create a feeding schedule and stick to it. This will help your pet know when to expect their next meal, and they will be less likely to beg for food at inappropriate times.

4) Exercise

Pets need exercise, just like people do. So make sure you provide your pet with plenty of opportunities to run and play. If you have a backyard, create a space with Fence panels and let them explore it! If not, take them for walks around the block or to the park. In addition, there are tons of pet-friendly activities you can do together, such as hiking, swimming, and playing fetch. By making sure your pet gets enough exercise, you will help create a comfortable living space for them.

These are four easy ways to create a comfortable living space for your pet. Taking these steps will help your pet feel at home and part of the family. Do you have any tips for creating a comfortable living space for pets? Let us know in the comments below!

Looking after yourself when Expecting.

{Collaborative Content} When pregnant, it is more crucial than ever to ensure that you are taking adequate care of yourself. Yes, you'll be overjoyed that you'll soon have a little bundle of joy to hold and care for, and your primary focus will be them, but caring for them also includes caring for yourself.

Photo by Suhyeon Choi on Unsplash

There are certain areas that you should be concentrating on for you and your baby, whether it's sticking to consultations, eating the right food, resting, doing some regular exercise, or checking out a few pregnancy checklists,  both of you will be happier, healthier, and probably saner if you follow a few of the tips in this short guide:

Your Nutrition

Food and drink are extremely important before, during, and after pregnancy, but they are especially crucial for a healthy pregnancy. You should prioritize consuming full, healthful foods high in vitamins, iron, and protein. This should be done throughout your pregnancy by consuming small but regular meals. If you feel nauseating at the start of your pregnancy, consider eating little portions and eating something before getting out of bed, such as arrowroot biscuits. There are several foods you should avoid when pregnant as well, such as:

• Soft cheeses with white rinds 

• Soft blue cheeses

• Raw or part cooked eggs

• Raw fish and undercooked meat

• Pate- Avoid all types of pate

• Cold Cured meats- Only eat if cooked. 

• Liver and Game

• Shark, marlin, or Swordfish

• Only eat pasteurized milk products. 

• Limit Caffeine

Despite this list, there are still lots of healthy and interesting foods that you may enjoy, so try to eat a varied diet as much as feasible and remember that you should only be eating 200 calories per day throughout the third trimester to support the final phases of growth.

You must pay close attention to your water consumption when pregnant; staying hydrated is critical. Depending on your level of activity, you should drink at least six to eight moderate (200ml) glasses of fluid every day. The good news is that all beverages count, including hot beverages like tea and coffee. You could have the following drinks as an option:

• Water

• Fruit teas

• Fresh fruit juice

• Skimmed or Semi-skimmed milk

You are at risk of dehydration if you do not drink enough fluids. The following signs indicate you are dehydrated:

• Feeling thirsty

• Dark-colored urine

• Not weeing very often

• Dry mouth and eyes

• Light-headedness or dizziness 

• Headaches

A doctor or midwife should be consulted if you are concerned about your fluid intake or you have dehydration symptoms that don't improve when you drink more fluids.

Get Plenty Of Sleep

As your pregnancy progresses, it might become increasingly difficult to get the rest you require. This is one of the main reasons why people are permitted to take maternity leave before the baby is born. If you are tired during the day, take a nap to catch up on any sleep you might well have missed during the night. Using goods like a pregnancy pillow can help relieve back pain and make it easier to sleep on your side. Plus, getting in the habit of getting some rest when you can make life with a newborn much easier.

Be Self-Assured In Your Body

Maintain your self-assurance in your physique! Look for positive birth and pregnancy information. Avoid the birth horror stories that everyone wants to tell you. Your body is capable of giving birth. Don't listen to anyone who tells you it will fail. If someone tells you about her traumatic birth, encourage her to do it after you've had your baby. If someone gives you advice on what you must do, take it with a pinch of salt. There is no single optimum way for every woman to give birth. You can find your best path, and hearing about happy experiences can help you do so. You may experience pregnant dry skin, this is common, but it is something you can tackle to help you feel more confident while your body is changing so much. 

Talk To Your Midwife

Even if you believe you are not a candidate for homebirth or midwife-attended delivery in a hospital, it is a good idea to consult with a midwife first. Why? A midwife will spend much more time with you early on, will teach you more about nutrition and self-care during pregnancy, and will offer you a more confident start to your pregnancy. If complications emerge, your care can be moved to an OB.

Hire A Doula

No of where you plan to give birth or who your caregiver is, it is a smart option to have someone on your birth team who is primarily concerned with the emotional and comfort aspects of birth and does not have clinical care responsibilities. This way, if anything happens that requires all of your primary caregiver's attention, you'll still have someone to assist you in understanding the process. A doula may also make everyone at the delivery feel more at ease, even if the midwife is doing the most of the labor support for the mom.

When To Let People Know

When notifying others about your pregnancy, add two weeks to the official due date. This serves two purposes. For one thing, it saves you from the post-due-date syndrome, in which your mother-in-law phones you the day after your due date and asks, "Have you had that kid yet?" Two, it is more believable! A normal pregnancy lasts between 38 and 42 weeks. On average, first-time mothers are eight days past their "due" dates. This means that half of the first-time mothers have their babies more than a week late! Even with successive pregnancies, the majority of women miss their due date, with three days being the average and up to 14 days being typical. Even extended pregnancies are possible; different caregivers advise dealing with "past due" in various ways.

Ask About Your Care

Inquire about your treatment. When a test or procedure is advised (such as an ultrasound, blood test, or amniocentesis), you have the right, if not the obligation, to ask questions. "What exactly is this test?" "What is the point?" "What will we discover?" "How will we put this information to use?" "Are there other options?" "What are the test's potential negative effects?" "What are the ramifications of doing nothing?"

Educate Yourself 

 Get educated, take classes, and learn everything you can so you can make informed decisions about the treatment you receive. But remember this at the heart of what you learn: you don't have to be taught how to give birth effectively. When it comes to the nitty-gritty, the messy physical job of giving birth, the best thing you can do is throw your mind out the window and let your body do what it knows how to do down to the bone. That doesn't mean you should be distant from the process; quite the contrary.

It means you don't have to use a sophisticated technique to get through contractions, and you don't have to hold your breath and count to ten to bring your kid into the world. You've been breathing since birth and your know-how. You can do it while sleeping. Similarly, women are fully capable of giving birth without any cognitive guidance. What will aid in the birth of your child? Your willingness to go through the process, pain and all, and to listen to your body. If you let it, your body will tell you what you need to do. And your body is the most knowledgeable about what it requires to give birth.

Choose Your Birthing Partner/s

Choose the people who will be working beside you with care. Everyone should be dedicated to assisting you in finding your own best path through labor. Each should be willing to take a step back if you decide you need more privacy or more concentrated time with just one of your support team members. Birth should not be regarded as a social event. It is far better to be social a few hours or a day following the birth than it is during labor. During labor, you should not have to worry about taking care of anyone else's needs. You shouldn't have to worry about uncomfortable family relationships, and you're not compelled to invite anyone to your baby's birth who you don't want to be there.

Nobody, not even your mother. Nobody, not even your sister. Nobody, not even your best friend. If you want them present because you believe they can actively assist you in having a more peaceful birth experience, that's fantastic! They should be invited. But don't fall into the trap of viewing birth as a family social occasion.

Think About A Labor Support Person

A labor support person. Perhaps one friend or family member who can blend in or be helpful and encouraging without being overbearing. Why? Birth is a deeply personal and private experience. If you don't have your entire extended family and network of friends in the same room with you, it will be simpler to let go and allow birth to happen. It's not impossible to give birth to a large group of people there; it's simply not as simple. You are queen for the day you give birth.

If you remember these tips you should be able to take the best care of yourself possible during pregnancy. Are you expecting? What have you put in place to help look after your health? Please share some ideas in the comments below. 

How to make the most of your Home's Outdoor Storage.

{Collaborative Content} For many of us you can never have enough storage in your home. Yet there ultimately comes a time when your loft space, your cupboards, and even under the bed is filled with your family items. If you can’t part with your things, then there has to be a way to find more storage, right? And what about storing your garden items? This article is going to look out how to make the most of your home’s outdoor storage.

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Construct A Wooden Garage

Building a full garage can be both costly and difficult to do. But oak garage kits are a great way to construct a sturdy garage that can help you with outdoor storage without costing a fortune to make. Oak framed garages provide a structure with a roof and solid frame where you can store your vehicles, and also any outdoor items that need protection from the rain. Think of any items - like garden furniture - you have no storage for in the garden that would benefit from a little overhead cover. You can even install shelving units and hanging racks in the garage for items that need tidying away.

Create A Conservatory

A conservatory is a lean-to made of plastic or glass that is placed directly beside your property. It effectively allows you to add another room to your home without necessarily needing planning permission. Conservatories can be used for garden storage, but also interior storage as they should be waterproof. Install shelving units in your conservatory to maximise your use of the space. That way you can still use it as an additional room in your home while still benefiting from the additional storage opportunities. 

Buy A Shed

Conservatories are not the only form of lean-to. You can create lean-to sheds on the outside of your property for additional storage opportunities. A shed of any size can help you add storage to your garden. You might have a tiny 2x3 shed which looks like a broom closet but allows you to put in your gardening implements and a lawnmower. Larger 6 x 6 sheds can store your paint pots and your garden furniture. Choose a shed that doesn’t take up your entire garden but allows you to put in your essential items. 

Sheds are usually of a plastic or wood construction. They can have a single opening door or sliding doors which allow you to access more of the shed. You can also install additional shelves to make the most of the space. Hanging hooks and racks are also a great storage tool to put in a shed. You can repurpose tool racks for storing garden implements and items.

Repurposed Furniture 

Benches, tables, or wooden crates are all fantastic ideas for outdoor storage. You don’t need a shed to store your garden items. Traditional furniture can be repurposed with extra storage opportunities - a bench can lift for outdoor toy storage, that table can also open up to store your plant pots. You can even get larger yet discreet storage containers if you’re trying to hide your bike or wheelie bins. You can repurpose standard living room furniture for use in the great outdoors. A bookcase could be turned sideways and used as a storage bench with some paint and a little creativity. 

A Summer House

You can build a wooden summerhouse yourself with the help of some DIY videos. A summer house is more like a garden room than a shed, but can still be used for multiple storage opportunities. Summer houses need to be less than one storey and not exceed 2.5 metres to fall below the threshold for planning permission. Add bookshelves and storage boxes to your summer house to help store your outdoor items but still create a relaxing room to enjoy the sunnier months.

Conclusion

Having outdoor storage can reduce the pressure on your inside cabinets, lofts and shelves. Lean-to or wood-framed garages, conservatories and sheds are a great opportunity to maximise the space you have outdoors. Sheds and summerhouses can also be free-standing and are a great addition to any garden space. For your summer houses you might want to make the storage more discreet so you can still enjoy your new garden room. 

Furniture can also be repurposed for the outdoors itself, so you can use multifunctional benches, bookcases and tables for additional storage as well as furniture. Shelving units and hanging racks are a great way to tidy up your garden space, to avoid clutter and allow you to make the most of the summer months.

How to Keep your Garden Healthy all Year Long.

{Collaborative Content} A healthy garden is a beautiful thing! Not only will it be full of blooming flowers and lush greenery, but it will also be a haven for helpful insects and wildlife. Of course, a well-maintained garden takes work, but the benefits are definitely worth it. This blog post will discuss some tips on how to keep your garden healthy and thrive all season long!

via Pexels

1) Watering

One of the essential aspects of gardening is making sure your plants get enough water. Depending on the type of plant, they may need to be watered daily or just a few times a week. Check the soil before watering to make sure it is dry; if it is still moist, wait a day or two before watering again. Overwatering can be just as harmful as not watering enough, so be sure to give your plants only the amount of water they need.

If you have trouble remembering to water your plants, consider setting up a drip irrigation system or investing in a self-watering planter. That way, your plants will always have access to the moisture they need without you having to worry about forgetting!

2) Fertilising

Another important step in keeping your garden healthy is fertilising. This helps to replenish the nutrients that plants need in order to grow. Just like with watering, be sure not to overdo it with the fertiliser! Too much can burn your plants and damage their roots. Apply fertiliser according to the package directions and only as often as needed; most plants will do just fine with one application per month.

There are many different types of fertiliser available on the market, so do some research to find out which type is best for your plants. Some lawn moss control options come with an added fertiliser so you’re not only protecting your grass but enhancing it as well. You may also want to consider using compost or manure instead of (or in addition to) chemical fertilisers; these natural options are great for adding extra nutrients and improving soil health.

3) Pruning

Pruning is another important gardening task that is often overlooked. Regular pruning helps to encourage plant growth and can also prevent disease. When pruning, be sure to cut back dead or dying branches and leaves. You can also trim back overgrown plants to promote new growth. Pruning doesn’t have to be a difficult or time-consuming task; a little bit of regular maintenance will go a long way in keeping your garden healthy and happy!

4) Weeding

Weeding is a necessary evil when it comes to gardening. If left unchecked, weeds can quickly take over and choke out your other plants. So pull weeds regularly, being sure to get the entire root so that they don’t just grow back. You can also use mulch or groundcover to prevent weed seeds from germinating in the first place. No one likes spending time weeding, but it is an important part of keeping your garden healthy!

In conclusion, following these simple tips will help you to keep your garden healthy and beautiful all season long. With a little bit of regular care, you can enjoy your garden for years to come! Thanks for reading!

How to put the Spring back in your Step.

{Collaborative content} It can be challenging to remain on target with what you're achieving or to keep an eye on your long-term goals at times. Everyone feels the same way at some point in their lives; it's entirely normal. Humans aren't perfect; they make errors and have setbacks from time to time. It's critical to know how to pick yourself up and get back on course after a period of indifference, boredom, and energy loss. You simply need to know what will help you feel good and what will not. Continue reading to discover more and how to put a spring back in your step.

 

Photo by Sebastian Voortman

Find Out Why You Lost Your Spring

It is possible to lose your motivation and spring for no obvious reason, but these are the moments when you need to take a closer look and see if there is a cause. It's quite probable that, even when there's no visible cause, it's the same old issue expressing itself in a new manner.

You will be in a better position once you realise this is the case. You'll be able to devise a strategy to overcome these bad feelings and move forward. Try that technique every time you feel low, even if you're not sure why, and you'll feel better a lot of the time. If you're not sure what the issue is, evaluate recent events that took place or are anticipated to happen in the near future. This might be a source of concern for you. If you're worried about your health, don't be afraid to seek assistance.

Try Something New 

Get out of your comfort zone so that you can start your life over again with a new outlook and a bounce in your step. Many options exist here, but the most important thing is to choose something that both excites and helps you. You might do something that reminds you that you're successful in life or that makes you think of a person who wouldn't want you to give up on yourself. Perhaps you decide to take up a new language, learn an instrument, or fly a plane. Despite having worked at the same place for decades, you might decide to look for a new job. A lot of choices are out there.

If you're doing anything that pushes you beyond your comfort zone, you can find new topics, interests, and experiences. Always be on the lookout for fresh ideas, and don't be afraid to experiment. 

Get Out And About 

It's difficult not to feel sluggish after spending hours sitting still. When the brain's blood flow isn't being stimulated, it's natural to become tired and bored. Endorphins are released into your body's system when you exercise, making you happier, more optimistic, and more energised. Take a long stroll with your dog, play swing ball in your backyard, or go for a jog at the park - or anything else that takes your fancy, as long as you get up, get out, and move around. 

You'll be in a much better mood when you get home, and you may even have some new ideas for dealing with your present problem. In the absence of a solution, you will at least feel more energised and capable of dealing with the situation.

 

Buy Something New For Your Home 

When we buy a new item of clothes or a new pair of shoes, it might offer us a temporary lift. However, you will discover that a new item for the house will continue to provide you pleasure for weeks, months, and even years to come, which makes it the ideal thing to purchase. After all, if selected and placed well, a single object can radically transform the appearance and feel of a space and improve the positive energy flow in your house.

This could be anything at all. A new duvet cover, for example, can drastically transform the appearance and feel of your bedroom and even inspire numerous creative ideas to expand the room's new style further. Or how about new porcelain paving slabs for the garden? That's something you can use on your own, with friends and family, and it will give you your own outside space to enjoy all year round.

It doesn't even have to be a large or major thing. It could be a tiny vase, a plant, a piece of art, new throw cushions, anything that gives a pop of colour, or even a picture frame in which you can prominently display a happy photo. You'll discover that one new item, such as a change in furniture arrangement or paint colour, can have a cascading effect on what you can do for your home's energy, or it may simply provide fresh impetus for that dreaded spring clean.