Wordless Wednesday: Greenhouse Yurt
Wordless Wednesday: Starry Canopy
Wordless Wednesday: Glass Walls
Wordless Wednesday: Bookcase Room Divider
Goodbye, Stinky Dogs!
Summer is almost upon us, which means that it’s time to give your dogs some grooming. Hair needs to be trimmed so they don’t overheat, paws need to be protected, and baths need to be given regularly- though that’s more for the owner’s benefit. Dogs are stinky. It’s a fact of life. Even if they are bathed and groomed regularly, they’ll start stinking again soon. So, what’s the best way to avoid having a stinky, dog-smelly house (without spending tons of money and time on groomers and baths)? Check out this post by Beth at Unskinny Boppy for how to INSTANTLY banish the odor:
-Add about 10 drops of an essential oil you like to an 8 ox bottle of water.
-Attach a spray nozzle on top
-Shake the mixture vigorously
-Spritz your dog’s coat, your furniture, carpets, their beds, etc. with the mixture and the odor is instantly gone!
Be sure to read her entire post for essential oil safety with pets. Use less drops with smaller dogs, and do your research before using any essential oils on cats (tea tree oil is toxic to them!)
Do NOT Do This If You’re Pregnant
Most people are aware of the basics- don’t drink alcohol, smoke, or lift anything heavy during your pregnancy. Certain types of shellfish and changing kitty litter (being exposed to ammonia) are also big no-nos. It can seem restrictive, but when it comes to the health of your child, I don’t see why anyone would risk it. For a complete list of activities, food, and medications to avoid when pregnant, read this post by Marissa at Kindred Bond:
-Do not eat anything raw, uncooked, or fish that contain mercury
-Do not eat/drink anything unpasteurized.
-Avoid aspirin, Tylenol, “natural”/herbal supplements, and regular vitamins.
-Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time
-Don’t travel for long periods of time during your third trimester
-Do not participate in any high risk or contact sports, like water skiing, snowboarding, or scuba diving.
Things You SHOULD Splurge On
So I’ve written a lot recently about unnecessary items that people waste their money on. However, I’m also a firm believer that you should spend money on things that make you happy. Spend your money on traveling, vacations, experiences, motorcycles, tattoos, makeup, food, books, craft supplies, cool gadgets- whatever you want after paying bills. If you enjoy something (or just think it’s beautiful), get it! I’m not advocating impulse buying (give large purchases a few days of thinking!), but if you want to add a little luxury to your life and can afford it, why not go for it? You can’t take your money to the grave. For a list of things that are worth the splurge, read this post by Peggy Wang at Buzzfeed:
-A high end mattress or pillows
-An awesome pair of headphones
-Lasik eye surgery
-Good kitchen knives
-A well made, tailored suit
Your Home Has Multiple Offers On It…Now What?
Picking which one to choose might seem like a no-brainer to most people- you choose the one that is offering the highest price, duh! However, things aren’t always so black and white. There are other factors to consider. Are all of your offers pre-approved by a mortgage company? Is anyone offering cash? And honestly, how do you feel about each of the prospective buyers? It’s fine to lend -some- emotion to the home buying and selling processes. For more information, check out this article by Lynn Pineda at the Imagine Your House Blog:
-Make sure the buyer’s credit report has been thoroughly reviewed
-Make sure buyer’s income and assets have been reviewed
-How much is the offer? Can they back it up?
Kid Gifts That Will Make Their Parents Hate You
When I was growing up, my parents’ motto when it came to gift giving was “no toys that make noise!”. And for good reason. While kids love basically any kind of loud, annoying, messy toy, they are complete nightmares for parents. So, if there is a loved little one in your life with a birthday coming up, or you are getting a jump on holiday shopping, please read this article by Michelle Myers at Sunshine and Hurricanes for toys to avoid like the plague:
-Anything that breathes- NEVER give animals as gifts. Ever. It’s a commitment, not a toy.
-Glitter, paint, moonsand, playdough, etc.- crayons and coloring books are fine.
-Musical instruments, or toys with annoying sounds
-Stuffed animals- kids already have enough, and they seem to constantly be multiplying.
-A toy that requires batteries without the batteries.