What Is a Home Inspection?

Basically, a home inspection is a visual check of the home performed by a trained inspector. They will be looking at the building itself as well as the systems contained within it, such as the water, sewer, plumbing, wiring, and insulation. They will check for water damage, both inside and out, and make sure the electrical and plumbing systems are up-to-date and working the way they should be. In some cases, the inspector may check for mold, termites, or radon. Keep in mind that this is a visual inspection, so they won’t be tearing the walls apart.

You Can Learn a Lot

Although in most instances it’s not mandatory that you are present while the inspection is being performed, it may be in your best interest to be there. A home inspector is usually knowledgeable about how to perform routine maintenance and will most likely be willing to share their years of experience. You can learn a lot if you pay attention. A professional home inspector will notice things that escaped you during your tour of the house and will be able to point out what needs to be done in order to ensure the home is safe to live in. A home inspection goes far beyond mere cosmetic discrepancies. It is structural damage that you should be concerned about.

What a Home Inspector Looks For

The inspector will be looking for more than a missing tile in the bathroom or a torn carpet in the living room. They will check everything from the roof to the foundation for structural damage. They will look at the shingles, the gutters, and the siding. The inspector will make sure that water will drain away from the home and make sure that the sidewalks and driveway aren’t potentially dangerous. They will check the structural integrity of any porches, patios, or decks. On the inside the inspector will be looking at the attic, checking to make sure it’s appropriately insulated and properly ventilated. The inspector will also look at the bathroom fixtures, and will usually check for correct water pressure. They will also ensure the electrical system is working properly.

Further Checks

This may seem like an awful lot of work, and it is. A thorough home inspection will usually take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, and can seem quite tedious. On the other hand, you really should know of any potential problems that exist. In addition to the above mentioned items, a home inspector will also make sure the water heater is in good shape, and the heating system is working right. That includes checks of the furnace, chimney, and fireplace (if there is one.) The inspector will also look at the duct work, and the central air conditioning unit if one is installed (weather permitting.) The kitchen appliances, such as the range, oven, and dishwasher will be checked, as well as the washer and dryer. If there is an attached garage, the inspector will take a close look at the floor, walls, and doors, including an electric garage door opener, if one is being used.

Report Time

After the inspection is finished, it will be a few days before a report is issued. Don’t be surprised if there is a laundry list of items that need to be addressed. It’s common in most any sale. The inspector will usually separate the essential repairs from the less important ones. Once you are aware of what needs to be done, you’ll be able to determine whether or not you want to go through with the purchase. Usually a compromise of some sort can be worked out between the buyer and the seller as to what each will pay for. Unless the price of the needed repairs is exorbitant you should be able to negotiate a fair and reasonable transfer of ownership.

Guest post from Jean Clark. Jean writes about background checking for BackgroundCheck.org.

Placement

If you’re thinking about getting an area rug, you probably already have an idea about where you want to put it. Placement is an important thing to consider because the size, layout, purpose, and décor of the room as a whole will heavily influence your choice. Determine the area your new rug will occupy, and start thinking about what kind of rug will fit in with all of its surroundings.

Purpose

What will be the primary purpose of the area rug? Some people use area rugs to protect their floors, while others use it to hide flooring that is outdated, worn, or otherwise unattractive. Maybe you would like a rug for warmth or comfort in a room that you or your family members plan to spend a lot of time in. If the rug will need to withhold a lot of foot traffic or will be played on by young children, you’ll need a durable one that can tolerate heavy use and be cleaned easily. If your rug is being purchased merely as a room accent or decorative piece, color or texture will be of more importance than durability.

Size

The size of the room that will be accommodating the area rug is very important when it comes time to choose one. Take accurate measurements of both the room and the space that the rug will occupy. Consider the furniture that will be placed on or around the area rug and how it might look and fit once it’s all put together. Keep recorded measurements handy so that you can easily locate them when shopping either online or in a store for your new area rug.

Color and Texture

Last but certainly not least are the notions of color, design, and texture. An area rug is the perfect way to accent a room with color, and you can choose one that’s a solid color or one with an interesting pattern. If the room is already busy due to multiple patterns and artwork, you may want to select a rug that’s on the simple side. If the room could use some flare– a rug with ornate or colorful patterns or designs might contribute a nice decorative touch. Rugs come in an endless variety of textures, too. If your rug is being used for comfort or warmth, you may want one with a soft feel to it. On the other hand, if your rug will be tolerating a lot of activity, go with a tightly woven rug that can handle wear and tear. A rug used only for decoration offers up a lot more flexibility when it comes to texture. If it’s merely there to look at, any texture that you desire will do.

Knowing ahead of time what qualities and functions you want in an area rug will make it much easier to choose one when it comes time to buy. Not only will you get your money’s worth out of a nice area rug, you’ll be satisfied for years to come by a choice that was well-considered.

Guest post from Bailey Harris. Bailey writes for Area Rugs, a site that sells brand name area rugs and related supplies.

The most significant problem with conservatories is their ecological impact, which can be vast, depending on who you entrust with the build.

What with the materials and potential heating issues involved, it can be difficult to know where to begin if you want to retain an environmentally conscious lifestyle, and also save yourself a bit of money on bills.

Follow these steps, though, and the process will be much simpler.

1. Choose the Right Glazing

Glazing is probably the most substantial element of your conservatory, and will certainly be the most noticeable.

Shoddy glazing, or glazing inappropriate for a conservatory, will leave you shivering all winter and scorching in the summer.

When choosing your glazing, look out for low-e (low thermal emissivity) glazing, complete insulating glass units, and high “R-ratings”.

An R-rating is quite simple to understand – 0.35 is normal glass, 3 is a decent start, and about 5 is good.

Some glass units have reached R-ratings as high as 12.5, but this will definitely be overkill for the average conservatory. Most customers will have to ask their builder on this one, so make sure you get one who is trustworthy and knows what they’re talking about.

2. Choose the Right Material for the Framework

The choice here is mostly between metals (aluminium), hardwoods and uPVC. In terms of eco-friendliness, all three have different strengths and weaknesses.

– Choosing uPVC

Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride is often considered less attractive than hardwoods or metal, but is a good insulator, lasts a long time, and represents very good value for money.

The biggest environmental issue you will face with it is that, when it comes to the end of its life, recycling is more difficult than for other products. uPVC does not biodegrade, although there are schemes in place to enable consumers to recycle their used uPVC, though.

You don’t have to worry about replacing your conservatory framework when it starts to deteriorate. uPVC spares are plentiful, cheap, and easy to get hold of.

– Choosing Metal

Dealing with metal in conservatories is not as common as it used to be, but it is also much easier than it was in the days of cast-iron monoliths.

Aluminium is probably the most common metal in use on conservatories, and is fairly typical of metals; it provides a strong, flexible framework which is useful for areas with a lot of ‘clay heave’ (clay bulging and contracting) or soft ground, but it lets out a lot of heat.

There are also hidden environmental costs, in the strip mining and vast amounts of industry required to produce Aluminium in large amounts, although once you have it in place it’ll last for a long time.

– Choosing A Hardwood

Hardwood is probably one of the trickiest issues for the layperson to approach.

Price is not necessarily an indicator of quality: many valuable hardwoods are prized more for their rarity and attractive grain rather than practical properties. Conversely, cheaper hardwoods are not automatically from more sustainable plantations.

Look for woods which have been certified as sustainable – Forest Stewardship Council wood, Pro Forest wood, PEFC wood.

Avoid tropical or exotic woods unless you are sure that they are not under threat, and if in doubt, look for a second opinion.

In terms of wood quality, look for strength, natural oil and moisture content, and ability to receive coats of varnish or paint.

3. Think Carefully About the Interior

In terms of conservatory furniture and miscellaneous items, a certain amount of research is required, but these are the general rules to follow:

• Steer clear of air conditioners if you know you can cool the room down by opening windows
• Don’t buy expensive heating solutions if you can prevent heat loss in the first place
• Go for beech or wicker rather than oak or mahogany

You can also seek out companies that specialise in eco-friendly solutions. This way you can be a little more confident that your efforts really are helping the environment, and get everything from one convenient and relatively trustworthy place.

Ideally, you’ll end up with a conservatory that keeps you and your plants warm from February to early October, and doesn’t drag your heating bills up the rest of the year.

Plus you get that warm inner glow from having helped save the world!

Patrick Robson is a regular blogger and eco-enthusiast. He blogs for David Salisbury Conservatories, who provide a bespoke hardwood conservatory design service, utilising a range of FSC and PEFC certified timbers.

Homeowner’s Insurance

Traditional homeowners insurance probably won’t cover items of great value–you will have to stipulate that you need the additional coverage in order to ensure you’re completely covered. Each policy will have limits built in, so you’ll need to take out extra coverage for expensive items like expensive jewelry, one-of-a-kind paintings, or a collection of antique figurines.

Get an Appraisal

It will probably be necessary to have an independent appraisal done for each item or items that are part of a collection. Keep in mind that the way an insurance company looks at valuables may differ from an appraiser. Because the cost of precious metals continues to rise, your antique pocket watch that was handed down from your uncle could be increasing in value not only because of its age, but because the metal itself may be worth more now than it was in the past. You need to make sure your insurance policy will cover each item’s actual worth, which means carrying a replacement value policy.

Travel Insurance

When taking out a personal possessions policy, sometimes called a PAF or personal articles floater, find out if the items in questions will be covered while you’re traveling. If you take a vacation overseas and wear your expensive jewelry, you will want to make sure you’re still covered. If your present policy doesn’t cover you, you may want to consider taking out an additional travel insurance policy.

Determine Your Needs

After you’ve determined the value of your possessions, you need to decide the extent of coverage you’ll need. If you’ve been collecting valuable coins, stamps, or antiques, their value could fluctuate according to the market for that particular item, so you should carry adequate insurance to protect against their loss or damage. Make sure your policy will cover additions to your collection, as well. Since these items are more than likely not covered by your regular policy, there will be an additional premium charge. The object is to make sure you’re adequately covered without paying outrageous prices.

High Deductibles

As with any other type of insurance, the cost of personal possession floaters can be alleviated somewhat by raising your deductibles. It is standard practice within the insurance industry to lower your premiums as you raise your deductibles. Because the items you’re insuring are considered to be extremely valuable you should use caution if you decide to take this route, because the deductible could be excessive. Having a high deductible policy will mean that if you need to file a claim because your collection of rare baseball cards was damaged in a fire, you will be required to pay the deductible before your insurance policy will kick in. It would be a good idea to open a savings account designated strictly as an emergency fund. If you deposit money into this account on a regular basis, it will accrue interest and be available if you need to pay a deductible–providing you exercise the necessary will power and avoid tapping into the account for non essential items.

Shop for the Best Price

Because the insurance industry is extremely competitive, you should shop for the best price on insurance coverage. This is true for any type of insurance, but extremely important for additional coverage such as a personal possession floater. Because this is additional insurance made necessary due to the value of the items it’s designed to protect, it probably won’t be cheap. Shopping for the best price could begin by gathering quotes from online insurance companies. Use these quotes for comparison when you call on the more traditional brick and mortar insurance companies. Tell the agents you talk to what items you’re looking to insure and ask them for their best price. Also ask if you qualify for any discounts. If you already do business with an insurance company, make sure you tell them the best price you’ve been offered. If they want to keep your business, they will make every attempt to match or beat the price.

Guest post from Bailey Harris. Bailey writes about free insurance quotes for InsuranceQuotes.org.

January

Provide unfrozen water daily for the birds to drink and bathe in. Make sure you provide plenty of food off the ground such as fatty peanut cakes and high energy garden bird food. The breeding season is about to start to do provide nest boxes if you have the opportunity in your garden. Look out for Mistle Thrush and Redwings during cold spells.

February

Keep feeding the same nutritious food and unfrozen water that you did in January. Top up the supplies regularly and keep on top of hygiene in the feeding stations. Chances are, you’ll have plenty more birds visiting in the winter months and it’s important to keep feeding areas clean. Also, check your nest boxes if you haven’t already done so to make sure they are easily accessible for the birds as they begin to prepare their nests. Be prepared for sharp weather changes as February can be unpredictable.

March

As spring time approaches bird song will intensify as the male birds compete for the females. Don’t reduce the amount of garden bird food you provide as the birds will still be struggling to find food naturally and need more energy during the breeding season. It’s the last chance to clean out that nest box or provide a new one in time for the nesting season, and ensure that it’s protected from predators.

April

Keep your feeders topped up as the weather is still unpredictable and can serve both warm spring temperatures and snow and sleet. Consider feeding the birds live foods as some birds don’t eat seeds and can really benefit from these. To help the birds build their nests you can put out pet hair or wool from sheep so they can line their nests with it.

May

A high activity month with plenty of bird song as the breeding season reaches its peak and eggs are hatched. By the end of the month many baby birds will have already learned to fly and left the nest, and demand high protein food from their parents. You can help them by feeding live foods and keeping the nutritious seeds topped up.

June

The young birds are coming into their own and there will still be high activity in the garden as they learn to fly and become independent. Keep your garden protected from predators such as cats by fitting them with a bell to warn off birds of ensure they will be deterred from entering your garden with special deterring products such as sprays. Bear in mind that some eggs are yet to hatch, for example House Martin eggs.

July

Keep providing water as it will evaporate in hot weather. You should also keep providing food as normal and ensure you stay on top of the cleaning of feeding areas. Most of the young would have left the nest and activity levels may start to die down in your garden. Keep an eye out for baby birds such as Robins and tits and note if they look different to their parents, or if they are just smaller copies.

August

August is much the same as July, however, some species are leaving for their natural habitats in woods and fields while the summer migrates start preparing to return. The last broods of young are expected this month so it’s important to keep your food supply high on protein for the little ones. Even if you have less visitors this month, don’t stop leaving food out for the birds as they might not come back come winter.

September

The nesting season is over for most bird species and many of the visiting birds will return south for the winter. With natural food supplies being widely available you will probably see a decrease in garden visitors, but like August, don’t stop putting out food.

October

Another quiet month in the garden as natural food is plentiful. Take advantage of the calm and have a clean out of your feeding stations and nest boxes in preparation for next month. Stock up on highly nutritious garden bird food and fatty bird food such as peanut cakes.

November

As the weather starts turning colder more and more birds will find their way to your garden as the natural food resources become scarce. Winter migrants start to arrive and by the end of the month you should have seen a significant increase in garden visitors. Be sure to provide unfrozen water regularly in case of freezing conditions.

December

By December your garden will be busier with more birds seeking food and water. You might need to increase the amount of food you put out to make sure there is enough for everyone. Also, vary the types of food you offer to accommodate the different eating habits of the birds. You can start thinking about where to put up the nest box next year or even take in down for a clean in preparation for the breeding season starting in the early part of next year.

Follow these basic tips and you can enjoy bird song and bird watching all year round while helping our feathered friends.

Tina Smith is a keen bird watcher and loves providing food and water for birds throughout the year. She can recommend the high quality selection of garden bird food from Peckish all year round.

For Girls

- Princess parties are all the rage today, especially among the younger (3 to 7 year old) set.  Since just about any girl in that age range probably has a Halloween costume of some Disney princess, it makes it a lot easier on the other mothers if they want to have their daughter “appropriately” dressed.

- A Tea party is great fun for both dress up and doll playing.  Many of the girls love to take their American Girl dolls with them to a tea party.  Depending on how brave you are, you can serve iced tea or soda in your own tea cups and dainty cakes on your own plates, or you can pick up pretty flowered paper plates and cups.

-A Ballet party is another popular theme that is easy for all parents involved.  If your daughter takes ballet, most of her friends will probably be in her ballet class, and be ready to come in tights and tutus.  Dancing contests and displays make for great entertainment, since the little divas love to show off their skills.

-A Sleepover party is one of the easiest parties to organize and probably the most fun for the girls.  This is a great idea for girls who are a bit older (8 to 11 years old), since the little ones may miss mommy, plus they go to bed too early.  There are so many advantages to a sleepover. Entertainment is easy: it is a real thrill for the girls to stay up later than usual, they can play music, dance, and fix each other’s hair.  A great idea for favors is a diary for each girl, one they can start that night.

- A Cupcake Decorating party is a lot of fun for the kids, even if it is a bit of a mess for the hostess mom.  Young aspiring cooks can blend their own mix for cupcakes, make their own frosting and then sprinkle and decorate to their heart’s delight when the cupcakes are done.  Because of the logistics involved with messes, bowls and the oven, you should have at least one other mother on hand to help you.  Great advantage: the girls can take their own cupcakes home as souvenirs!

For Boys

-A Superhero party is the masculine equivalent of a princess party.  The boys all have at least one superhero costume left over from Halloween, and there are tons of accessories and toys available in the superhero genre.  If you find out ahead of time what each boy is coming as, you can get a small figurine of his hero for each one.

- A Pirate party is a great and easy idea and all the rage now because of the Pirates of the Caribbean movie series.  Pirate costumes are easy to make and you can have inexpensive bandanas, swords and eye patches to add to the theme. A perfect take home favor is a bag of chocolate doubloons wrapped in gold foil.

- A Camping party works great for the hostess if you are already into camping and can supply some of the items needed.  Find out beforehand which boys can bring sleeping bags, and then supplement the rest.  To make it most interesting, it definitely needs adult supervision so that you can have roasted marshmallows (on the barbecue if your town does not allow fires) and scary stories.

-Star Wars parties are perennially popular and if you don’t mind having a bunch of Princess Leias, you can even include girls.  The birthday boy will have to be Darth Vader, of course, so he can tell everyone what to do, and dad can dress up as Chew Backie. Supply laser swords as favors, (only at the end unless you are willing to referee the battles).

-A Scavenger Hunt party works out really well if you live in an enclosed community such as an apartment complex or enclosed town home complex.  This is a party for older boys, aged from 8 to 12, and they should be paired.  Each team is sent out in the area with a list of things to find. Scour the environment ahead of time to see what are the most common things, and add a few of your own.  Examples would be a dead branch, and empty soda bottle, a scarf on a mail box (you put them there), etc.  Set a deadline and whichever team comes back with the most items wins a nice prize.

I’m writing on many topics, including criminal background check, basic background check and investigating someone in general.

Toothpaste serves a number of functions when it comes to oral hygiene. Certain components in toothpaste are actually a little abrasive and they’re designed to remove the soft plaque and food particles that accumulate on your teeth. These abrasive agents actually make up about 50% of what’s in your toothpaste. The word “abrasive” may be alarming to some people because it conjures up images of sandpaper, grit and other harsh materials.

Although the action of the abrasives in toothpaste operates on the same principle that sandpaper does, the degree of abrasion is relatively small. Students in a dental hygienist program learn that any surface abrasion to the enamel that occurs is quickly repaired through a process known as remineralization.

Remineralization is the process by which your body naturally adds new minerals to the tooth surface to protect, rebuild and restore the enamel. Remineralization won’t be sufficient to repair serious gouges, chips or cracks in the surface of the enamel, but it will rebuild any damage a mild abrasive might possibly cause. Some toothpastes may also include ingredients in addition to fluoride that promote remineralization of the enamel.

To avoid long-term damage from brushing, use a soft bristled toothbrush only (unless your dentist recommends otherwise), and change your toothbrush every three months, or sooner if the bristles show signs of wear or damage. If your toothbrush bristles are crushed and splayed by the time you change toothbrushes, you’re probably applying too much pressure to your teeth when brushing.

After the abrasives, your toothpaste contains fluorides that can aid in the process of remineralization and cut down on the incidence of tooth decay. Your dentist will recommend the use of fluoridated toothpaste in most circumstances, and not all toothpastes have fluoride. If your dentist has recommended fluoride toothpaste, check the label of your paste carefully to ensure that it contains fluoride. The fluoride in the toothpaste should offer sufficient protection against tooth decay, provided that you brush your teeth regularly and you take good care of your teeth.

Your toothpaste also probably contains a surfactant, which is a foaming agent. The foaming agent helps distribute the toothpaste more evenly around your mouth. Some people don’t like the foaminess of certain toothpastes. If this describes you, try different toothpastes to see if you can find one that doesn’t produce quite as much foam.

Other ingredients that are commonly found in toothpastes include antibacterial agents that help to reduce bacterial colonization in the mouth. These anti-bacterial agents will provide a temporary reduction in the bacteria population, and will contribute to better breath and a cleaner mouth. Keep in mind, however, that there are more than 600 different kinds of bacteria in your mouth, and no anti-bacterial agent is universal. In other words, the anti-bacterial ingredients in toothpaste won’t be effective against all kinds of bacteria that grow in your mouth!

More recently, toothpaste manufacturers have begun to include tartar control agents and whiteners in toothpastes. Whitening toothpastes often contain peroxide, which will kill some types of bacteria, but it has only a mild whitening effect in the concentrations used in toothpaste. Whiteners usually contain extra abrasives that are designed to penetrate stains on the surface of tooth enamel. These are generally not more effective than regular dental cleaning, and will not change the natural color of tooth enamel the way a bleaching agent can.

Last but not least, you’ll find flavoring and coloring agents that are designed to make the toothpaste palatable to the tongue and pleasing to the eye.

Do I Really Need A Pasta Maker?!

With seemingly less and less time for the pursuit and art of cooking in our busy lives, manufacturers have seized the opportunity to create a new wave of time saving devices. For many, the kitchen has been the birthplace of some of the most revolutionary of these devices in the last 100 years, the microwave oven, freezer and most importantly for a large proportion of households, the dishwasher. As a generation we have wholeheartedly embraced anything that can help us cheat our way to culinary glory in the eyes of our peers.

The home chef is sadly aspiring to an unobtainable position. Buoyed on with rapturous encouragement of an ever-increasing gang of celebrity chefs, mocking us with their recipes, utilising mere ‘leftovers’ to create restaurant quality delights. Leftovers that were probably carefully sourced, prepared and placed in the fridge by a production team no less. We mere mortals don’t stand a chance by ourselves. The bar has been raised and apparently pasta bake surprise is no longer an acceptable home cooked delight.

Surprisingly Few Beans

Coming from my university experience of cooking, although the term ‘warming up’ would be more appropriate; kitchenware and appliances were predictably abused. The microwave is king, the oven is but a lowly prince, the hob makes do as jester and the local Kebab shop is a veritable magical kingdom. You know your oven is neglected when you have a tab at the local take away and are receiving invitations to the owner’s son’s christening.

Attempts were made to pull together and utilise the appliances and facilities so kindly provided to us by our landlord, unfortunately the only facility our oven provided was making sure that the batteries in our smoke machine weren’t flat. Which, as safety conscious as that made us, did not make up for the fact that a cheeky post night out pizza at 3 am could end frantically wafting smoke out of the window with an ever useful and now multi-purpose take away menu.

Getting Your 5 a Day

Great lengths were undertaken to avoid the rigmarole of cooking, the most common ‘meal’ being ham, eaten as is now customary, from its packet with the fridge ajar in front of you. However, as my education progressed, more adventurous methods were undertaken, underlined by one fateful day when the household discovered hash browns that could be cooked in the toaster.

Like castaways stranded on a desert island, every commodity is used to its full potential, simple items of kitchenware become as multipurpose as a Black and Decker Workmate.  Saucepans become bowls, bowls become drinking receptacle and sporks become a valid form of currency, holding their own against the Euro. Conversely, the kitchen table loses its primary function and becomes an inefficient large bottle opener and intricate game of dirty plate Jenga, like some kind of washing up purgatory.

To say I will miss this way of life is probably not the right phrase. I will always look upon it with a slightly undeserved sense of nostalgia. Knowing that, these ways of looking after oneself are not socially acceptable outside of being a university Student. Now I have to be sensible and cook ‘proper’ meals, for myself and even for other people (although not in a ‘Come Dine With Me’ format thankfully), I need all the help I can get. Time to go shopping for some appliances, for one, I need all the help I can get.

Patrick Robson is a freelance journalist and recent graduate. He blogs for Lords of Notting Hill, who offer a great Brabantia touch bin range – perfect for cleaning up messy student apartments!

Once you and your new love are settled in and the reality of day-to-day costs begin to sink in – don’t despair! There are many ways to save money on pet care, and still provide an excellent life for your best friend. Just keep the following tips in mind.

Veterinary Care

The most common, and detrimental, mistake that pet owners can make is not keeping their pet up-to-date on basic, routine care. Vets resoundingly advise not trying to save $15 on vaccinations, because taking a chance on your pets health, and placing them at risk of developing diseases and infections, is much more costly in the long run. Saving one puppy from distemper can cost a staggering average of $2,000, nor is the treatment a guaranteed success, which is the case for many ailments that pets can suffer due to lack of proper preventative care.Never skip your pets recommended core vaccinations, annual (routine) exams, flea/tick preventative, heartworm medication, or spay/neutering.
Another tip – clean your pets teeth daily with the corner of a wet washcloth or piece of gauze. Keeping their mouth clean is just as important to preventing illness as it is in humans. Phone your vet, rather than making an office visit, for minor questions – the vet tech can usually let you know if you need to bring your pet in, or provide you with advice over the phone. If you have multiple pets, remember to ask if your vet provides a discount, or package deals, for treating them.

If the occasion arises that your pet needs multiple procedures, book as many as can be done safely, all in the same appointment to save on the cost of anesthesia and overnight stays. Finally, keep in mind that secondhand smoke is just as dangerous for your pet as it is for any human who is exposed to it. Animals can become afflicted with asthma, bronchitis, and cancer through exposure to cigarette smoke, so protect them from it for their health.

Save on Food

Many pet owners believe that it’s a sign of love and dedicated care to feed their animal the most expensive brand of exclusive food, which can cost as much as (ouch) $50 per bag, and $5 per can. When vets were polled regarding the advantages of premium foods the consensus was that it’s really not necessary. Simply purchase a well-known, quality brand name, and buy it the largest bulk amount possible.

You can save up to a third over the premium foods by doing so, but, don’t go to the other end of the spectrum and buy generic as they generally don’t have the same level of nutritional balance. Also, make sure to follow the feeding guidelines provided on the packaging of whichever food you select. Overfeeding is a significant problem which not only wastes money, but also leads to obesity and health problems in your pet.

Grooming Costs

Depending on the breed, having your pet groomed by a professional isn’t an indulgence, it’s an important part of maintaining their health and well-being. Grooming is expensive, so save money but keep performing upkeep at home on a regular basis. The most important thing to do is make sure to brush your pet thoroughly once or twice a week to prevent matted hair, and begin while they are still young getting them accustomed to being bathed.

When you do deliver your pet to the groomer, request that they receive a “lion” or “puppy” cut. These type of trims keep the fur as short as a half-inch which means fewer grooming sessions each year, and your pet will also be more comfortable, especially during the warmer months of the year. Dog owners – ask your groomer to show you how to safely trim your pets nails, and invest in a good-quality pair of clippers so that you can perform the task at home. It’s important to receive instruction before plunging in, however, as clipping their nails too short can cause severe pain and bleeding.

Keep these tips in mind to save money, and enjoy a long, healthy, and happy life with your precious pet.

Enjoy a Merry Christmas with your pet and visit Stocking Fillers for the best of the holiday! This guest post was written by Stephani Spitzer, a freelance author, and pet lover.

If you want your bathroom to look like a spa, you need to choose the right type of design. This may not be the easiest of tasks, especially if you are working with a smaller area.

Vanities & Furniture Runs

Not only do vanities make bathrooms look more luxurious, but they also make the area more functional. Many include their own storage spaces, so you can hide away all of your unsightly things like bathroom cleaners, medicines and makeup. If you are designing a smaller bathroom, consider getting a unit that is installed into your sink.  By doing so, you will free up more space (since your sink and cabinetry would be combined in one structure).

As for the furniture run, this is a new structure homeowners can use to create a more modern look in their bathrooms.  Basically, the toilet, cabinetry and the bathroom sink are all installed in one unit. They don’t work well in smaller spaces because you need to be able to accommodate your sinks and toilets along the same pipe (with a cupboard area in between). To create a more sophisticated look with the furniture run, consider getting one with a wood finish.

Luxury Bathtubs

A designer bathtub is an absolute necessity for today’s designer bathrooms. Corner bathtubs are especially interesting because they offer a very snazzy, contemporary look.  Unfortunately, they do require a relatively large space, since they tend to be wider than traditional tubs.

Next, there are whirlpool baths. These are the most luxurious tubs on the market.  As you are taking a bath, you can turn on special jets to create bubbles and a relaxing stream of water to massage your body. With whirlpool baths, you will feel as if you are at a spa.

If you like getting romantic in the bathtub, consider getting a double ended design. With this style, the tap is placed in the center of the tub.  In turn, no one will have to bathe with an uncomfortable nudge in their back. In addition, since these tubs tend to be bigger, couples can avoid scrunching themselves up during their romantic bath.  With the double ended bathtub, couples can stretch out their legs, and bathe in comfort…just like they would if they were using a luxury bath at a hotel.

Accessories

A designer bathroom would not be complete without appropriate accessories. Consider the illuminated mirror. Often associated with Hollywood dressing rooms, these mirrors will give your bathrooms a touch of pizzazz. This is especially the case if they are placed over a vanity.

The soap dispenser is another accessory that can greatly add to your bathroom’s appearance. Just make sure that all of your handwashing containers match the décor of your bathroom.  If you use liquid soap, you can either put a cover over the original container, or buy a separate dispenser. You will be surprised at how much of a difference this makes in your bathroom.

Additional Tips for Creating Designer Bathrooms

Redecorating is often a very personal experience. If you have a particular style that you like, you might be hesitant to look at other alternatives.   However, if you want to keep up with today’s most popular styles, you have to be open to different designs. In some cases, you might even want to combine different styles to create an even more unique look. Indeed, when you are creating a designer bathroom, you must always keep an open mind.

There are a plethora of bathroom designs. Vintage styles offer an older, yet elegant look, while contemporary styles give your bathroom a simpler, yet futuristic look.  There really is no limit to what you can create, as there are hundreds of designs you can choose from. Let us take a look at some of these styles.

If you opt for a contemporary design, focus on plain, modern colors. Black and white is always a good combination for those that do not know how to put different colors together.  But if you want to get more adventurous, really any hue could do. Just make sure that all your structures and furniture matches your main color scheme.  As for your initial scheme, it is best to focus on two primary colors. If you do more, your bathroom could look gaudy.  And if you only concentrate on one color, your bathroom will end up looking boring. This applies to any color, even the ones that are brighter and more spectacular.

After you have selected an attractive color scheme, you can start thinking about which appliances you want for your bathroom.  If you want to create the most relaxing atmosphere, you will probably want to install whirlpool baths.  Conversely, if you prefer a quick wash-up, you should install a luxury shower enclosure.  They are available for all bathrooms, regardless of their size. If you have a small bathroom, you can get a quadrant enclosure. Containing a curved exterior, this design fits perfectly in corners or other tight spaces.  

In the meantime, you can also decorate with freestanding basins. Since they are not as common in most traditional bathrooms, your guests will be really amazed at their presence. Also, by the fact that freestanding basins tend to have a more contemporary look, they work really well for homes that utilize modern designs.

Emma writes for liberty bathrooms, a supplier of wet room shower screens.