Upgrade Your Car With These Practical Additions

You use your car every day, so it makes sense to try and make it as practical as possible. On its own, it’s probably only capable of taking you from A to B, and then to C, D, and E as you act as a taxi driver for your kids. 

But, with just a few little additions, you can upgrade your car into a more practical beast. Now, you can do a whole bunch of things that will benefit both you and your family. 

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Get a bike rack

Bike racks are very practical as they let you use your car as a way of transporting your bikes from place to place. If you’ve ever gone anywhere with your kids, then you know how valuable this is. They always want to bring their bikes, which is impossible if you don’t have a good bike rack. But, now that you’ve armed your car with a great rack, you can take their bikes wherever you want. So, no more screaming kids on a family day out!

Attach a towbar

A towbar gives your car the ability to, well, tow things behind it! While this might not seem all that beneficial, it’s surprisingly useful. Top-quality towbars will be strong enough to pull another vehicle behind you, which gives you an excuse to buy a caravan for your family holidays! On a more realistic level, a towbar lets you pull small trailers behind you - which can be very handy if you’re doing something like clearing out your home and need a way of transporting all the rubbish. Regardless of how you use it, it will definitely add a new level of practicality to your car.

Get a USB charger

This is such a simple addition that makes your car so much more useful. It’s everyone’s worst nightmare; you’re driving for a long time, and your phone runs out of battery. You don’t have a portable charger, so you’re resigned to your phone dying. But, if you add a USB charger to your car, it gives you the ability to plug your phone in and boost the battery. There are ones that fit in the cigarette lighter and can charge multiple devices; super practical.

A digital assistant

You know those things like the Amazon Echo that have been growing in popularity the last year or so? Things like that are basically digital assistants that provide you with all the information you request. Mainly, you use them in the home, and they can be pretty useful. But, you can also get them for your car as well. By adding one to your vehicle, it makes it way more intelligent. Essentially, you’re driving with a co-pilot all the time! If you need directions, you can ask the assistant. If you need to accept calls, you can do it via the assistant - and so on. It allows you to do things you previously couldn’t, so your car is more practical. 

Add any of these things to your family car if you want to give it a bit of an upgrade. They’re all relatively low-cost, and they definitely make your car better. 

Tips To Train Your Puppy

One of the most joyous, loving, loyal additions to any family unit is a dog, and puppies are just the cutest darn’ thing in the world. However, your new bundle of joy needs love, play, your attention and most importantly training. One of our best friends and housemate for many years has great experience at training rescue dogs and puppies, and his mantra for a long-time happy dog is ‘A happy dog is an obedient dog’. 

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Training through play

Dogs love to play, it’s their favourite thing to do. Be it fetching a ball or stick, tug-of-war on a rope, jumping for a toy, rolling over or, something more productive in terms of training, even learning to sit and stay - if you can make the training task you are trying to achieve become a game, your dog will enjoy this activity and learn from it. Play is a treat for a dog in itself, so if you can use play as a treat rather than using treats to get your dog training through play, then you’ll have a healthy and obedient dog in no time.

House training

Dogs need to learn where it is allowed for them to go and do their business and where it is not allowed for them to do this. This really is the trial and error part of dog training, as they’ll never learn they can not wee or poop on your lovely carpet or floor until you tell them otherwise. Many owners will pick their dogs up during the act and physically move them to the garden or pet toilet area until they learn this is the place to do it. Others will tell off their dog at the scene of the crime, so they learn that this is not ok. In both of these well-known approaches, it is key that you praise your dog when they are weeing or pooing in the right place! 

Another house training to consider is where you want your dog to be allowed to go or not go in your home. This is completely down to you as the owner, but don’t just rely on gates or objects blocking their paths to these areas - you must teach them where they can and can’t go.

But, admittedly, sometimes the teaching or house training process can be very frustrating. Particularly in the early training stages, your dog may still end up pooping in your yard or anywhere around your property. Don't give up. Instead, continue to train them, or better still, hire a dog training expert to do that for you. Another expert you can consider hiring is someone to scoop the poop from your yard. Yes, professionals are devoted to that task, and you can find them on many online platforms, such as https://scooptroop.com/. 

Dog obedience school

As well as your owning training methods, and the tips above, you should also go to a dog trainer or a dog obedience school. Here you will get professional help from trainers with years of experience behind them, in all forms of training and will all types of dogs. What’s great also is that this is a place your dog can meet and play with other dogs in a controlled safe space, but do make sure they don’t pick up any bad behavior from fellow dogs.

Training your dog takes time, care, strategy and your unwavering love and attention - but with these tips, you can make the most out of training your dog and reap the rewards which are a happy dog and happy family!

Making the Most of Your Backyard Space

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If you are looking for a favorite spot to relax on summer evenings, look no further than your own backyard. All it takes is a bit of planning to create your own bit of heaven at home.

Layout and Building

Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a postage-stamp sized patio, it can best be utilized by a bit of planning and organizing. Basically, you need a place to sit, a place for food and a bit of shelter. Install some kind of flooring, whether you use brick, concrete pavers, plank decking or poured concrete. A shelter is a good idea if you can swing it. Build a wooden pergola, add a sunshade or even use a patio umbrella to protect from the sun and rain.

Furnishing

You can choose something as simple as a couple of chairs or as elaborate as a wood, iron or wicker seating group complete with an outdoor dining table. It all depends on the area you have available and the kind of use it will receive. Look at the variety of patio furniture Kennesaw GA has available for choices you will love. Choose colors and finishes that will complement your home and yard.

Amenities

Depending on the type of space you have and the usage your new patio will get, you may want to install anything from a small hibachi for grilling to a fire pit to a full outdoor kitchen. A wet bar may suit some people. Provide a way to serve food for parties or evenings with the family. Opening a pass-thru window from the kitchen may be a space-saving option.

However you serve it up, a patio can increase the usability and enjoyment of your home. A few additions can create a comfortable space to entertain and enjoy time with your family. 

Build A Garden Pond In These Simple Steps

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Now that the winter is finally gone for good and the weather is warmer, it is time for many of us to turn our attention away from the house and towards the garden. As soon as the temperature starts to rise we are gifted with sprouts, colours and blooms from the garden and this can be a wonderful thing. Today we are taking a look at a fun project that you can try in the garden this year to add a fun feature and also to pull in some wildlife to the space: a pond. 

Mark it out 

The first step for creating a cute little pond in the back garden this year is the mark out where you want the pond to be, what size it will be and what shape it will be. It will all depend on your personal preference whether you make a small pond or a large one, and you can always take some inspiration from people online as to the design and the shape of the pond you want to make. The best way for you to mark out the space is with some string and this will ensure that you stay within your boundaries while you plan it out. 

Above or below?

One of the things you will want to consider is whether you are going to build a trench for the pond or whether you are going to build it raised from the ground up. This is something you need to think carefully about because a raised pod will take a lot more work for you to create. As long as you are happy with putting the time into it, a stone raised pond can look stunning in any garden. Have a think too about the depth of water, make sure to buy Grundfos CR pumps to keep the water clean, and keep the water fairly shallow if you want a wildlife focused feature.

Add liner 

Once you are happy with the depth and size of the pond it is time to add the liner. Liner will prevent the water from seeping into the soil below and it will ensure that the pond stays full and stable. You can buy liner from any garden center and even the most basic one will be ideal. 

Add water 

Now that the pond is ready, it’s time to add the water. If you have any bog plants which you want to install in the pond, make sure that you know whether they should go in before or after the water as it can vary depending on the type of plant you use. 

Add wildlife

Now the fun part! If a family member has a pond, see if you can ask for some frog spawn. As well as this you can buy fish for the pond, pond snails to keep the water clean, and other small creatures. There’s no need to go overboard because over time animals will find their home here. 

Be Prepared for your Medical Imaging Appointment

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Medical imaging is an important diagnostic tool that is improving all the time. It can be intimidating, though, especially if you're not sure what to expect. Whether you're having a simple CT scan, an ultrasound, or digital x-ray imaging, there are a few things you can do to be ready before your imaging appointment.

Talk to Your Doctor

Make sure to get a clear idea of what's going to happen and why. When your doctor tells you you need to have imaging done, ask what they're looking for, and how they will be looking for it. The answer might be complicated, and might involve other options; there are an increasing variety of digital imaging technologies, and more being invented all the time. If you're still having trouble understanding, go to the internet. There are other people out there who've had this procedure done for the same reason. 

Talk to Your Imaging Techs

You might be encouraged to make your appointment online, or you might not even be required to make an appointment, but don't be afraid to call and ask a real live person for clarity. You might need to do some prep work; drinking or fasting or avoiding certain foods. Make sure to get a checklist of what you need to do in order to be ready for your appointment. And of course you want to be absolutely certain your insurance will cover this procedure, and how much you will be expected to pay. Have your insurance information at the ready when you make the appointment.

Be Patient

Answers very likely won't be instantaneous, no matter how much you wish they were. The techs on the day probably won't be able to interpret your results, and you'll have to talk to your doctor again before you know what your results really mean. Imaging technology isn't a magic bullet, it's a complex and subtle tool in getting you the diagnosis that will help you get healthy. 

Equipment Every Modern Police Department Needs

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In today’s ever-evolving world of policing, departments constantly have to upgrade their procedures and equipment. Providing your department’s officers with up-to-date equipment allows them to feel more secure on an already stressful job.

Police Shields

Ballistic shields protect officers during riots and SWAT raids. As these scenarios unfortunately become more frequent, departments across the globe have adopted police shields to better outfit personnel. Even civilian members of the public can find a reliable ballistic shield for sale to provide personal protection.

Protective Vests

Weapons pose a direct threat to the lives of officers if in the wrong hands, making protective vests a must for any department. Vests primarily come in two forms. Ballistic-resistant vests protect vital organs of the torso against firearm ammunition. Stab-resistant vests, utilized primarily by correctional officers, protect against knives and other types of melee weapons. Some protective vests can combine both features to safeguard officers from a variety of threats.

Body Cameras

More and more departments nationwide are adopting officer-worn body cameras to not only convey transparency and accountability to the public but also to document evidence easier than relying on testimony alone. Body cameras can also allow department heads to provide better feedback on officer actions.

Equipment To Aid in Arrests

A wide range of equipment exists to protect officers as they make arrests — all without drawing a firearm. Tasers, stun guns and pepper spray can safely immobilize suspects without violent force. For car chases, placing physical barriers or road spikes on pavement can slow down or stop a pursued vehicle before it endangers the lives of pedestrians and other drivers.

As threats to officers continue to increase each year, police departments must adapt to evolving ideas of fighting crime. By investing wisely in equipment upgrades, you can ensure your men and women in blue continue to serve their communities to the highest of standards in safety and ethics.

Reasons to See the Dentist

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Many things can become neglected in a person’s life. Car maintenance is a big one. People neglect to get their oil change, forget to rotate their tires or don’t check their brakes. Health is another area people neglect things. They ignore a constant pain they develop or skip their annual health screening. One of the most common areas, however, that people neglect is their dental health. Many people in the country haven’t been to a dentist in years. Here are three reasons to see a dentist.

Routine Check-Up

While routine check-ups may seem like something you can skip, they are very important. By seeing a dentist regularly, you can ensure your teeth and gums stay in good health. Also, you can stay ahead of any problems that develop. Unfortunately, many people skip their routine check-ups and then wonder why they have teeth problems years down the road. It’s helpful to know that a company like Park Slope family dentistry can take care of you before your dental problems get out of hand.

Tooth Pain

Another sign that it’s time to see a dentist if you have chronic tooth pain. Do you have a tooth that you avoid chewing on because of the excruciating pain it causes? Are there teeth that hurt whenever they are exposed to hot or cold foods and drinks? These are signs of a problem in the tooth. It could be as simple as a cavity that needs to be filled or it could be something more serious. If you’re dealing with tooth pain, see your dentist right away.

Swollen Gums

Another indicator that it is time to visit your dentist is if you have swollen gums. Swollen gums can be a sign of infection in your teeth or gums. This might be an easy fix or could require something like a root canal. It’s a good idea to check it out before the problem becomes more serious.

Tooth problems are no fun. Be sure to see your dentist regularly and visit them if any problems develop.

3 Ways To Get Your Car Vacation Ready

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Hoorah! Summer is on the way, and with it comes vacation time. And if you're using your car for a road trip, driving it to the airport, or simply using it for the occasional family day trip, you should start to get your car ready early.

Here are some useful tips for you.

#1: Ensure your car is well-maintained

If your car suffers a breakdown, or worse, gets involved in an accident, then whatever you are doing during your vacation time might be cut short. To keep your family safe on the road, and to ensure your car doesn't have a meltdown under the summer sun, then you need to make sure your car is fit for purpose.

Two things to look out for are your tires and windscreen. Especially when driving in hot conditions, both can be affected by the temperature. The hot surfaces of the roads can cause your tires to blow if air pressure is low or they already have signs of wear and tear. And should your windshield already have a chip in it, know that the damage can spread when the glaring heat of the sun causes your glass to expand. Replace your tires if necessary, and replace or repair your windscreen with the services of AGD or similar if you notice any damage. 

You might also take your car to your local garage for professional advice and a service. Especially when you're not particularly car-savvy, they will make sure your car is ready for your summer vacation.

#2: Start loading your car with your emergency supplies

In the event of an emergency, you might struggle to cope if you have forgotten something vital, so start loading your car ahead of any journey you take to ensure you have everything you need to hand. 

Emergency supplies should include anything that will help you should your car break down. As examples, you should bring jumper cables, something to inflate your tires, a flashlight so you can see in the dark, flares, and the necessary fluids for your car. You should also pack blankets and spare warm clothes to keep you and your family warm should you be stranded overnight, and plenty of water to keep everybody hydrated. Remember your phone charger too, as you might need to get in touch with the police and a breakdown service should your car suffer a fault. 

Another important item is a first-aid kit. This should include everything you need in the event of an accident or injury, as well as items for sun protection and insect bites. You should also include any medications that are relevant to you and your family.

#3: Get your car ready for fun 

Finally, and especially if you are going on a long car trip, you need to have plenty of entertainment items for you and your family. This might include music CD's (if you're going old-school) or added playlists to your phone if you are able to connect it to your car. You should pack books and magazines into your car too, as well as travel games, be they something you purchase from the store, or a list of those games which might only need a few pens and pieces of paper to play, such as hangman and tic-tac-toe. You might also install a DVD player in your car, as this can give your kids hours of pleasure as they watch their favorite family movies. Add as many entertainment ideas to your car as possible, as this way, you will avoid those insufferable two words, 'I'm bored' from your children.

We hope you have a wonderful summer vacation!

Private School Doesn't Have to Drain Your Finances

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It may seem like a struggle to come up with money to pay yearly tuition for your child's private school education, but it doesn't have to be. There are luckily ways in which you can ease your family's financial burden while still giving your child the benefits of private education.

Save Early

If it is important for you to send your children to private school, start saving while your children are still very young and not yet attending school. For example, if you live in the King County area of Washington State and want your children to be able to attend Sammamish private schools, look up the tuition cost for the private schools in your area and make it a goal to save a specific amount based on your research before your children are school age. The earlier you start saving, the better, so as soon as you know that you want to save money to put toward your child's education, put a certain amount of your income each month into a savings account to be used only for this purpose.

Research Financial Aid Options

Financial aid for private school tuition is available to qualifying families in many states. Aid is awarded by the state and sometimes even by the specific educational institution itself depending on need and other factors. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is one institution that awards financial assistance in the form of grants and scholarships to young students who excel academically or artistically and are in need of aid. If you apply for types of financial aid that your child may qualify for, you may be able to receive assistance that will help you save thousands of dollars every year on tuition for your child's private school education.

By utilizing some planning and resources, you can set aside adequate finances for your child's education as well as save money on tuition. This way, you may be able to pay for private school without breaking the bank.

Signs Your Family is Ready for Pet Ownership

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There will come a time when most children will ask if they can have a dog. You may be concerned about the challenges of being a dog owner presents, but there are ways to tell if your family is ready to deal with them.

Are You Allowed Pets?

The first thing you have to consider is if you are allowed to keep pets where you live. If you have your own home it will not be a problem, but it could be if you live in an apartment complex, for instance. You will know from when you moved in whether pets are allowed or not. There are some states that ban certain breeds too, and you should check this out before buying any family dog.

No Allergies

As much as they may love the dog, if a family member is allergic to them they could suffer a great deal. It is worth getting the family checked out first, especially very young children and older people. Most kids will outgrow the allergy and it could be a case of just waiting another couple of years. This will seem like a lifetime to your child, but it will soon pass and then they can have the dog they have been dreaming of.

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Can You Afford It?

On a day-to-day basis, dogs are not expensive to keep, but vets bills or pet insurance can soon add up. You have to be honest with yourself about whether you have the spare money to pay for these things, or your pet could be unwell and you not be able to pay for their treatment.

They will also need toys to play with and their own bed to sleep in and this are the sorts of thing that will soon mount up.

Do You Have The Time?

A dog needs you to devote some time to it if you want it to stay healthy and happy. They have to be bathed, groomed and played with as well as ensuring they get plenty of exercise.  Some people get around the exercise problem by using on-demand dog walking services. Then they know that even if they are out all day, their canine friend will get the walk it needs with someone who understands dogs and will know how to care for them.

Does Everyone In The Family Agree?

Does everyone in your family agree that it would be good to own a dog, or is one of your children frightened of them? Although owning a dog could be good in helping them to get over this fear, it could also create a lot of stress and anxiety for them. Children will not always relate their fears to anyone, and you should ask each family member if they have any problem at all with your buying a dog.

Adding a new member to the family should be something that everyone is happy with, and that is really the last hurdle to decide if your family is ready for pet ownership.