Do you share your home with a fur baby? Would you love to be able to care for your pet more naturally? We’re all becoming more health and environment conscious, and there’s no reason why your cat or dog can’t be included. The best place to start is with their diet. As you may or may not realise, commercial pet foods often contain mostly grain waste and meat by-products, along with lots of other less than savoury ingredients. Feeding your pet food that’s so low in nutrition increases the chances of cancer and other diseases.

Natural Pet Food

Dogs and cats aren’t designed to handle processed foods. They’re much better suited to raw, uncooked food. For a balanced diet, you can mix fresh cuts of meat with whole grains and vegetables. If you want to buy a ready-made solution, there are pet food companies that sell food mixes containing nuts, herbs, and grains if you want to add to the meat you’re preparing for complete nutrition. Fish is another ingredient that should be included in your pet’s diet, but it’s best if you cook it to eliminate parasites. There are also companies that sell already-prepared dry and wet foods for both dogs and cats. If you want to buy your pet food, here are some tips to help you choose the best one.

• Be wary of corn in the list of ingredients because it’s generally genetically modified unless it’s labelled as organic
• Two named types of meat or meat meals should be among the top ingredients in dry food
• Avoid synthetic chemical preservatives such as BHT, BHA, propyl gallate, propylene glycol and ethoxyquin
• Cats, in particular, require food that’s high in protein and moisture as this helps to prevent kidney and bladder problems, obesity and associated diseases

Kitty Litter

If your pet is litter trained, there are less toxic and more eco-friendly options. Conventional clay litters tend to be laden with silica dust, a well-known carcinogen. Litter that is marketed as being clumping has also been found to cause intestinal blockages in cats and kittens because the clumps can be inadvertently consumed when grooming. Look for eco-friendly cat litter that’s wheat-based because it’s scoopable, biodegradable and flushable. Other options include odour-absorbing pellets made from 100% recycled pine wood waste, recycled newspaper and recycled wood pulp.

Fleas and Ticks

If you read the small print on the conventional flea and tick treatments and then investigate the ingredients further, you’d be horrified. These pests can be a nuisance, carry some nasty diseases and you don’t want them in your home but are there any natural alternatives? Herbal shampoos, collars, sachets and sprays that contain citronella, eucalyptus, tea tree oil and other aromatic oils can be used to repel ticks and fleas, or you can make your own. Another recommended method includes adding garlic and brewers yeast to your pet’s diet as they produce body odours that fleas simply don’t like.

Flea combs are the best method to discover if fleas have taken up residence. Pay particular attention to the tummy and tail areas. Combing your pet on a regular basis may seem rather tedious, but it happens to be very effective.

For controlling fleas and ticks in your garden, diatomaceous earth, borax and beneficial nematodes can be used. Keeping your grass cut and the garden tidy will also help. Regular vacuuming of your car and home should also help keep pests at bay.   

Pet Grooming

Companies are free to use whatever perfumes and detergents they want as there is very little regulation when it comes to pet grooming products. Shampoos that are intended to kill fleas or solve skin problems are particularly problematic because the chemicals in the products can be absorbed through the skin, get into the bloodstream and put your pet’s liver under extra strain. Natural pet grooming products, on the other hand, contain mild ingredients and safe herbs that are gentle on the skin and less likely to be absorbed and accumulated in the body.

Pet Treats and Chews

Everyone likes to treat their pet every now and again, and for dogs in particular treats can form an important part of the training process. Many of those you can purchase in your local pet store are made in China and have been implicated in causing illness and death. A far better option is freeze-dried or dehydrated meats and organs, or cutting up some of their food into bite-sized pieces and freezing them yourself. Alternatively, have a go at making some of your own treats.

More Tips for a Healthier Pet

• Vaccines – If you’re planning to bring a young pet into your home, wait until they are at least three months old before vaccinating. It is still a very controversial area of pet care, and an increasing number of chronic and severe diseases are now being linked to vaccinations and their overuse.
• Drug Use – Homeopathic treatments are much safer and gently stimulate natural healing. Use of strong drugs such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatories should be kept to a minimum. CBD is becoming an increasingly popular method of treatment for a variety of conditions, and you can read more about it in this blog.  
• Environmental Toxins – Many of the products you use around your home are not very pet-friendly. Look for safer and greener cleaning products. You should also try to walk your dog away from grass that might have been sprayed with insecticides.
• Stress – Environmental and emotional stress can impact on your pet’s health, so try to avoid it whenever possible. Interact and mentally stimulate them as much as possible. Enrich their environment with stimulating toys and training classes. Try not to leave your pet alone at home for long periods of time and never yell at them.

Being a pet owner is a big responsibility, and if you want to do everything you can to raise a healthy and happy pet, you need to look for ways to do it as naturally as possible. Of course, it’s going to take a little more work, but it will be worth it in the end.

No matter what your anxiety triggers are, we all experience it on occasion. It could be caused by a new job, meeting your partner’s family for the first time, or being in an uncomfortable social situation, but knowing your triggers is important to identify. Anxiety is nothing more dramatic than your body’s own natural response to stress, but finding ways to tackle your feelings of anxiousness means being aware of the best methods for coping. Once you know your triggers, it becomes much easier to identify the best coping strategies. If anxiety is having a detrimental effect on your life, here are some of the key things to remember that may give you much greater control when anxiety hits.

Recognize its Normality

One of the worst things about anxiety is that can cause even more anxiety, and that can mean a vicious panic cycle. Remember to remind yourself that anxiety is a completely normal and natural emotion. We have evolved so that anxiety is a part of our humanity, and it has helped us to recognize danger, threats, and challenges to the status quo.

Anxiety can even be beneficial.

It can boost concentration in interviews, or keep you alert when driving at night. If you suffer from bouts of severe anxiety, remember that while it is normal, those high peaks of anxiousness will pass. Become more accepting of your anxiety and recognize why it happens.

Understand the Harm Limits

Anxiety in itself is not going to harm you, and it’s certainly not a sign that you are developing a mental problem. While there’s nothing pleasant about panic attacks or strong feelings of anxiousness, the physical effects can lead you to believe that the problem is worse than it is. Increased heart rates, excessive perspiration, or even physical tremors are simply your body reacting to stressful situations. It’s essential that you have a firm understanding of the normality of anxiety, and that you recognize that by itself, anxiety cannot harm you.

Don’t Avoid Triggers

Once you have identified your anxiety triggers, you will probably start to limit your exposure to them. This can be a mistake. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you need to start engaging in high-risk behavior. Consider your triggers and identify the ones that are activities that most people have little to no issues with.

Facing your fears can be extremely difficult but by engaging in those activities that are causing inappropriate anxiety can help you recognize that there is no threat there.

The more that you let anxiety dictate your actions and activities, the greater an influence it will have on your coping strategies. Anxiety will only become worse if you avoid your triggers permanently. Take your time and try to establish exactly why some situations are causing anxiety to become a problem.

The Importance of Exercise

While there are medicines and therapy options that can help with your anxiety, the fact remains that looking after your health is vital. Exercise has been proven to have a big effect on anxiety, and may even be comparable to anti-anxiety medicines.

That’s because exercise actually improves your mood and releases vital endorphins into your body. These might be more powerful than you think.

Exercise also helps you to regulate your heart, which in itself is an effective way of reducing your likelihood of an anxiety attack. Combined with the fact that exercise can help you to reduce excess energy and regulate your hormones, then exercise should be a high priority if anxiety is having a detrimental effect on your life. If your health levels are low, then simply start with ten minute walks every day, and slowly build up as your confidence improves.

Commitment to Treatment

Medical help is possible with anxiety, but you will need to commit to it. The most common factors that reduce the effectiveness of medical treatment for anxiety sufferers are:

• Choosing the wrong treatment options
• Not taking those treatments on a regular basis
• Dismissing all treatment when one doesn’t help

There are many options available for those hoping for a medical solution to their anxiety. Talk to your doctor about your options. One of the most popular in the current climate is CBD, but while this can be a highly effective option, remember that CBD can have an effect on any other medications you may be taking. You can learn more about finding the right dosage of CBD and how to include it in your medication regimen.

Social Stigma and Panic

Being around other people when you’re not feeling 100% mentally strong can be a leading cause of anxiety. One of the big issues with anxiety is that the sufferer then starts to feel embarrassment about what they are feeling, and that means that anxiety only goes in an ever-growing cycle. The stigma of mental illness and anxiety is far less than it used to be. Remember that:

• The vast majority of people will be very understanding and non-judgmental about anxiety

• People that are judgmental will not be a positive influence on your life, and should be avoided

• Withdrawing from social situations can cause an increase in the feelings of isolation, which can make it even harder to recover from your anxiety.

You don’t need to hide your anxiety. Most people will recognize and identify with the signs. Share your feelings and let people know what you are going through. You don’t have to have a heart to heart with a stranger, but talk to those that you trust. Never underestimate the effectiveness of talking about your anxiety to those that love you. This can help you to reduce your feelings of anxiousness, and will mean that you don’t need to keep avoiding those otherwise wonderful social occasions.

One of the big problems with anxiety is that it can make us want to be alone more than is healthy. Shame and regret are common issues when someone starts to suffer from deep feelings of anxiousness, and the cycle can be hard to break free of. If you believe that anxiety is having a negative effect on your life, then start looking for your triggers and talk to those that you think will help. Whether that’s your doctor or a friend will depend on your confidence, but the faster that you start to tackle the problem of anxiousness, the easier it will be to cope with the negativity and surround yourself with positivity.

Buying your first home can be one of the best feelings you experience. This is because you become your own landlord and now have a property that you can call your own. However, there is so much that goes into buying and managing a home of your own that goes beyond what the eye meets. Also, owning a home can be expensive because you’re in charge of all of the maintenance costs. With that being said, you’ll find out how you can reduce the amount that you spend on home maintenance.

Learn to DIY

If you truly want to save money when managing a home of your own, a good place to start would be by learning to DIY. This could prove to be a life-saver as you’ll dramatically save when it comes to fixing things around your house. Although you likely won’t be able to DIY everything, here are several things you could try your hand at.

• Plumbing: A common area of your home you could easily DIY is plumbing. There are basic challenges you may face like a clogged drain that can easily be fixed. In order to fix a clogged drain, you could use a baking soda, salt, and vinegar. Other plumbing problems that you could DIY are dripping faucets, a faulty water heater, or a running toilet.
  
• Repairs: Aside from plumbing, you can also repair other issues around the house. That includes broken cabinets or redoing your flooring. Just look for information online or watch a few videos to ensure you have the right tools and know exactly how to do it. 
• Décor: Home décor is something you may want to update every so often. This could include giving your home a new paint job or reviving old furniture. The good thing about DIY is that instead of paying professionals to do it, you can learn to do it on your own. It may also be fun if you’re creative and open to developing new skills.

Get Home Warranty

One of the things that many battle with is having to fix broken appliances. This can end up zapping all of your money and also be a source of frustration. Think about getting a home warranty so that you have coverage when appliances become faulty or break. If you’ve been asking questions such as “what does a home warranty cover”? you should know that it includes things such as kitchen appliances, laundry room appliances, and plumbing systems to mention a few. You should be able to find a warranty within your budget, and it will save you a significant amount of stress.

Don’t Ignore Faults

Another important tip is to avoid ignoring faults that you come across. In doing so, you could end up dealing with a much bigger issue as time progresses. Below are some common faults that should never be ignored.

Leaks: One of the things in your home that you shouldn’t be ignoring is leaks. They may seem innocent but are likely indicators of a bigger issue. If you notice that you have a leaky roof or faucets, be sure to get to the root of the issue quickly. To check for leaks, you can take a look at your water meter or listen for hissing near drain pipes.

Worn roof: You should be checking your roof every couple of months to ensure that it’s in good shape — some things you should be checking for include loose roof tiles and moss growth. Also, check for any apparent leaks as well as moisture build-up and condensation inside of attics.

Foundation Issues: Aside from the mentioned, you should also be on the lookout for foundation issues. These include wall or floor cracks, uneven floors, as well as any other types of fractures that you can spot. For such issues, it may be best to look for a contractor to fix them. You want someone who knows what they’re doing so you don’t end up wasting time and money fixing the same issues repeatedly.

Do Routine Checks

Following on from the last point, carrying out routine checks could go a long way. Get your diary or phone and allocate a specific day in the week or month that will go to checking everything around your house and being sure it’s all working.

Start by creating a home maintenance checklist and listing out all of the things that you need to get done. Some items that you may have on that list include checking your boiler, air conditioners, and electrical wiring. By doing this, you should be able to stay on top of your home and reduce the stress associated with home maintenance.

Look for Cheaper Alternatives

When it comes to reducing the amount you’re spending on home maintenance, budgeting is key. In order to stay within your budget, you’re certainly going to have to get good at bargaining. Learn to look for cheaper alternatives for things that you spend money on regularly. This could include cleaning products, services, or even entertainment.

What you can do is take a look at your recurring expenses and identify ones that are high and could be reduced. You can then contact your service providers and try negotiating a better deal with them. Also, use comparison sites as a way of checking what competitors are offering and whether it may be a better deal for you.

Know When to Renovate

The last home maintenance tip is to know when to renovate your house. Doing renovations at the right time should help you save money and also prevent irreparable damages from taking place. In addition, by doing the right renovations, you can add value to your home as well.

Maintaining a house isn’t the easiest job, but it can definitely be worthwhile. Knowing that you have a property that belongs to you can give you a sense of security and make you feel at home. Hopefully, the above tips will help you reduce expenses and save more money in the long run.

Considering going to couples therapy can be a major step in any relationship. Involving a third person —even if it is a professional— can be intimidating and can make any relationship feel flawed. However, opting for this healthy solution is important for couples who want their relationship to last. Therefore, instead of bickering over small things and turning heads against each other, healthy couples should opt for couple therapy.

Here are the signs that indicate you and your partner need to go for couple therapy as soon as possible so your relationship can prosper.

No Trust

The number one reason why couples opt for therapy is a breach in trust. Whether it is dealing with multiple lies, external affairs, or infidelity, trust in any relationship can be shattered. Regaining this trust, however, can take months, which is why both sides need the chance to vent out their feelings in front of a professional that can guide them through the right way.

Frequent arguments

If you begin to feel a pattern of unwanted conflicts over the smallest things, it should be a wakeup call. These small arguments are what get blown out of proportion and turn into big issues. Constant arguing is a sign that you and your partner need to figure out solutions for underlying problems so this significant issue can be put to a stop.

Poor or No Communication

Sometimes, there are no serious conflicts to deal with in the relationship, but you feel neglected and misunderstood. Sometimes, you do not even know what your partner is going through so he or she begins to feel like a stranger. Some couples stop talking to their partner because of how hard communication begins to feel.

A plus point of couple therapy is that it improves communication and makes sure you and your partner can hear, understand, and bond with each other better.

Events That You Both Have Undergone Are Changing Everything

Trauma is another big reason why relationships begin to fade. Issues like losing a child, unemployment, family issues, or health problems can cause relationships to weaken because of how serious they are. However, with the right kind of help at the right time, couples can fight through all these issues together.

Very Little Emotional Intimacy

If couples begin to feel that their “spark” has gone, it can take a toll on the relationship. The inability to connect with your partner on a daily basis can make a relationship go on a downwards spiral. When there is a lack in emotional intimacy, it is time for couples to leave everything and talk to each other or head to couples therapy.

Lack of Physical Intimacy

Sex can be a solution and problem to fix relationship issues. While some couples have very less of it, others may use it as a tool to fix problems without having to communicate. Either way, it is important to consult to a professional so this issue can be worked upon.

Couple therapy is nothing to feel ashamed of. If you feel that your relationship needs couples therapy, make sure you check out http://couplescounselingnyc.co/couples-therapy-new-york-city/.

If one possesses one or more illegal drugs for personal usage, distributing purposes, sale, or otherwise then it is called drug possession. Drug possession is a crime. In the U.S. the penalty for this crime varies from a small monetary fine to imprisonment. In some states, it is considered to be a minor offense comparable to speeding violation.

Some of the drugs, including but not limited to ecstasy, LSD, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and sometimes marijuana are illegal in most parts of the United States. Each jurisdiction has its own laws that they follow. You can face serious punishment like imprisonment, depending upon the quantity of the drugs you are carrying and the times that you’ve been charged with this crime.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to have a little bit of fun now and then. But when it comes to drugs it’s a risky business. Being charged for drug possession can have a strong, negative impact on your future. Even your freedom can be at stake if the federal government is involved. ‘You are under arrest’ are four dreaded words that can cause your heart to race like never before.

Knowledge is always an advantage and it’s always best to learn more before jumping to any hasty decisions.

Types of Drugs

There is a drug policy in the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, named The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Title II. Under the named drug regulation, the production, smuggling, possession, personal usage, and distribution of some chemicals including but not limited to narcotics, hallucinogens, steroids, depressants, and stimulants is regulated.

The CSA schedule information given below applies to the substances regulated under federal law. The schedules may vary between different states.

Schedule I:

The drugs that come under Schedule I are considered to have no medical use in treatments conducted in the U.S. and they have a high potential for being misused. The drugs in this category are not accepted to be completely safe for use under medical supervision.

Schedule II:

The drugs that come under Schedule II are those that may cause serious psychological or physical damage. They are considered to have some medical use in treatments conducted in the U.S but under severe limitations and restrictions. These drugs are said to have a high potential for being misused.

List of drugs that come under Schedule II

Schedule III:

The substances that come under Schedule III are those that may cause moderate physical damage or high psychological damage. These drugs are considered less likely to be misused than those categorized as Schedule I and Schedule II. They have been currently accepted to be used medically in treatments conducted in the U.S.

List of drugs that come under Schedule III

Schedule IV:

The drugs that come under Schedule IV are considered to have a lesser chance of being misused than the drugs in Schedule III; this makes them subject to lesser potential abuse than the drugs in Schedule I and II. They also have been currently accepted to be used medically in treatments conducted in the U.S.

List of drugs that come under Schedule IV

Schedule V:

The drugs that come under Schedule V are those that have a lower potential for being misused than the drugs in Schedule I, II, III, and IV. They have been currently accepted to be used medically in treatments conducted in the U.S. Schedule V mostly consists of those drugs that contain a small number of narcotics.

The Dos and Don’ts of Drug Possession

Here are some things you need to know about drug possession before you enter a panic mode:

Stay as Calm as You Can Be

First and foremost, you need to stay calm. Panicking might seem like the only option but it won’t result in any solutions. Letting things get out of hand by creating a commotion can only make things worse. Remember, you haven’t been found guilty yet there is still time. Assumptions won’t do you any good. If you enter a panicked state, you can end up saying things that can be and will be used against you in a court of law.

Get a Lawyer

After you’ve gathered yourself, you need to consider getting a lawyer immediately. You need to use their expertise and knowledge for your advantage. Use the one phone call you get very wisely. If you have a lawyer, you can call them directly. If you don’t, call someone who can get you one. Your lawyer can guide you of all the possible consequences. You need to be well prepared before you go to court and have a strong defense ready for your case.

Give Minimum Information

When and if you get arrested, try not to speak too much and maintain your composure. If you start having emotional breakdowns, it might affect negatively on your case. In addition, except for your identification, try to keep the conversation to the minimum. Remember, along with verbal statements, written statements can be used against you as well. Wait for your lawyer before proceeding with any statements or clarifications.

All drug possessions are defined differently and the penalties vary case by case. Certain reports suggest that the use of illegal prescriptions for drugs has escalated to a huge extent over the years. Therefore, the punishments for this crime can vary as they depend on some factors like the quantity of the drug, its type and if the person possessing it is carrying a valid prescription or not.

The production, dealing, or even distribution of Schedule I and II drugs in small quantities is a federal offense. The federal penalty can be from five to forty years of imprisonment and/or a penalty of a maximum of $2 million fine for an individual. Of course, the best way to avoid facing punishments for drug possession is to completely stop using the illegal ones. The addiction or the increasing profits may make it difficult at first, but ask a simple question to yourself; is it worth the risk?

Recliner chairs are one of the comfiest chairs out there and have been specifically designed to provide you with ultra-body support and comfort. If you care for them properly, they can last you years.

What actually is a recliner chair?

As the name suggests, a recliner chair is a chair that quite simply reclines back when you sit in it. They often come fitted with a footrest that, as you recline, rises so you can comfortably rest your feet.

Electronic recliner chairs are also available that are operated with the simple push of a button. They of course need to be near a power source so that they work, but they are button operated as opposed to a normal recliner chair that is operated by a leaver. With electronic recliners you are often able to choose your position far easier than with a normal one.

Last but not least you have a range of British riser recliner chairs, which as well as having the usual operative features of a recliner chair, also rise to allow you to exit the chair far easier than a normal seat. These are particularly useful for those with issues around their joints and gives you that little bit of extra confidence.

Why should you consider a recliner chair?

Research has shown that recliner chairs are ideal for those who suffer from mobility issues, and also the elderly. They have bene designed to help you and make your life easier, more comfortable and provide you with that little bit extra safety.

They can provide you with extra back and neck support. When they are in the reclined position provide you with temporary relief from any of those niggling aches and pains that you may suffer from. When risen they can also provide relief from hip and neck problems. So they are an all-round help for those who usually have to suffer.

How can you make the most out of your recliner chair?

If you make the most out of your recliner chair you can guarantee that you’ll get many good years out of them. If you take care of them, they are going to last you far longer than if they are damaged in any way or unclean.

If you can ensure they are kept clean, then they can last for a long time. You may need to be willing to invest in the best quality, as it’s more likely you are going to get return on your investment with a comfortable and relieving experience.

Although your chair isn’t something you usually associate with needing love and care you would be surprised! They do, and they need looking after if you want them to live a long life. Take care of them, and you can see the true benefit that recliner chairs can offer you.

A conservatory is a room attached at one side of a house with a glass roof and walls. People usually use it to grow delicate foliage or as a sun lounge but that’s not all it can be used for. Carrying out simple adjustments and changes to a conservatory can make them attractive and advantageous.

Most conservatories are too hot to be used in summers or too cold to be used during winter. Condensation, extreme brightness, cheaply executed construction, and non-compliance with building regulations can be a typical problem when you have one in your house.

Here are some things that you can do to make use of your conservatory all year around:

• Replace your glass roof with a polycarbonate roof to keep the cold and dampness out.
• If your conservatory is too cold for the winters, install under floor heaters and radiators.
• If it is too hot for the summers, place blinds to cover your glass roof and walls to block the sunlight.
• You can opt for double glazing i.e. installing double layered glass windows that have a space between the two layers to help secure the heat, and reduce external noise.
• Note: Before you alter the exterior of your conservatory, make sure you check whether you need planning permission or not.

Along with being beneficial during seasonal changes, a conservatory can be used as an additional space for entertainment and relaxation. Here are 7 great ideas to convert your conservatory into something more meaningful:

Vibrant Dining Room

As busy as our lives have become nowadays, we tend to pack up our meals and rush along. Why not convert your conservatory into a beautiful dining room to enjoy a relaxing meal with your loved ones? It doesn’t have to be a conservative setting. Create a white background and compliment it with bold colors and gorgeous accessories. You can enjoy the view of your lush garden while you wine and dine with your family. Start your day by having breakfast in a cheery atmosphere while light pours inside and gives your dining room a fresh, vibrant look. Enjoy a starry dinner with bright moonlight and the view of an enchanting sky.

Relaxing Area

Add comfortable sofas, fluffed pillows, and warm blankets in your conservatory to make it a place to gather with your friends and family. You can use pastel colors to create a relaxing ambience and unwind there. You can also utilize some of the space by creating a small corner to have fun while relaxing. Spread a soft blanket, throw some cushions around and keep a small sized cupboard filled with board games beside it. You can also add a mini fridge to enjoy chilled beverages while you relax. Install some candle holders and light aromatic candles to enhance the experience.

Greenhouse

What better way to make use of a room made of glass than converting it into a greenhouse? Make your space lovelier than ever by adding tall, exotic plants. Plants improve your air quality while giving a tropical look to your home. You can fill your conservatory with refreshing plants without many limitations as you’ll have a non-restricted light source.

Here are a few advantages of turning your conservatory into a greenhouse:

• Grow variety of plants with longer growing season
• Protection from pests and predators
• Grow plants without dangerous pesticides
• Easily customize the greenhouse to your needs
• Enjoy raising your own food
• Relax, save energy, and relieve yourself from stress

Party Place

Turning your conservatory into a party room gives you a separate area to enjoy with your friends and family without disturbing other non-interested members of your home. Depending upon its size, you can host intimate parties in it as well as huge ones. Give it a classy touch by adding neutral colored tiles and a few plants. You can also add a flamboyant masterpiece for the final touch. Adding a kitchen extension to your conservatory for this purpose would be a great idea. It can add up to the convenience factor as you won’t have to go back and forth inside your house to serve your guests the best cuisines.

Tea Room

Make your conservatory a perfect place to enjoy your morning and evening teas, and conduct your intimate gatherings by turning it into a classic tea room. Give it a ‘garden room feel’ by adding stone tile flooring and beautiful, lush foliage. You can leave the windows undressed to enjoy the outside view while you sip on that steaming cup of tea. Select the furniture that suits you the best and fits your needs. Use pastel colored table cloths to cover your tea tables to make it pleasing to the eyes and use bold colored crockery that contrasts with it.

Game Room

You can use the extra space as a game room for your kids to play in! You won’t have to worry about your kids playing outside and facing the harsh weathers or getting infected by pesky insects. In addition, you won’t have to clean after them all the time as they’ll have a dedicated area where they can make all the mess they want for the time being. You can train them to clean up after themselves after they’re done with the fun. Add a huge cupboard to this room to store their board games, roller skates, cards, and anything and everything they enjoy playing with.

Study

What’s more convenient than having a quiet place to study in? If you want to study or just read a book by yourself you can use your conservatory to do so. Add plants to make the space more relaxing for you. You can add comfortable sofas and lights that fit your needs. Make use of the natural sunlight in the day time and use those lights at night to read and study comfortably without disturbing anyone else. You can also add a bookshelf to organize your books and stationery for regular usage.

Don’t let your extra space go to waste and make the most of it with all the wonderful ideas above!

The family home will be the most important location in your entire life because it is the place you get to spend time with and raise your family. As a parent, you have the responsibility to instill certain values in your little ones, and a key thing to teach is an awareness of the environment.

One way that you can begin to do this with your kids is by making some changes around the home that will make them more aware of what they should be doing naturally as they get older, such as not wasting water. This will not only mean that you are leading by an excellent example, but that you are also always actively doing your part for the environment.

Below are four simple ideas of the kind of changes you can make around the family home and in the garden to show your children how it’s done when it comes to the battle against climate change.

Long-lasting products

One of the most important lessons in being able to combat the change in global climate is reducing waste product. The easiest way of doing this is by always choosing things to buy based on how long they are going to last and if they can be reused or recycled once their lifespan has come to an end.

When it comes to your home, gabion stone fences have a twenty-year guarantee and will make your garden secure, look amazing, and last for years. By getting these put in, you will be showing your children the importance of not buying fast products but rather investing in something that is environmentally responsible.

Get creative with energy

Trying to reduce the electricity you use is a good starting point, but changing the source of the electric in your home is an even better idea. Of the top reasons to install solar panels, the most compelling is that you are then able to power your home without causing harmful toxins and gases to be released into the environment from power plants.

Save on water

Water is something which is already in short supply in many places in the world, so getting some of the top products to reduce water usage now is a good step in the right direction. Something as simple as investing in a water barrel to collect rainwater for when you need to water the plants over summer can make all the difference. Another good idea is to get you bathroom kitted out with the latest tech for reducing water during showers and when flushing the toilet, as this will take your overall usage right down.

Think about how you travel

Sometimes, you will need to use your car to get out and about, but one of the best examples you can set for your children is not being overly reliant on your vehicle. Instead, teach them how to ride and bike and try to walk where you can. If you need to go farther out, invest in bus passes and use green public transport to get from A to B.

As you approach retirement, there will be many things that you are probably considering, such as whether or not to move home. The next question would be, where should you move to? If you are looking for Midwestern hospitality, as well as a rich culture, Missouri has it all and more. Here are five fantastic reasons why you may want to retire in Missouri.

Low Cost of Living

Finding somewhere to live for your retirement that is affordable is one of the key factors that you need to consider. With the U.S News and World Report listing St. Louis as one of the top places to retire for those with $400,000 and under, you are sure to get more for your money in Missouri. The cost of living in Missouri is 16.3% below the country’s national average, with Springfield in particular being classed as one of the top 10 places to purchase a retirement property for those with $100,000 and below.

World Class Health Care

As you get older, it’s important to be close by to medical services. If you are looking to retire in Missouri, you will be happy to know that the Barnes-Jewish Hospital located in St. Louis is currently ranked as the 14th in the United States for geriatric health care, meaning you will receive some of the best care available in the country.

Veteran Friendly

If you are a military veteran, there are several unique benefits that you can receive if you choose Missouri for your retirement. With state and federal assistance available for veterans across the state, as well as an office that’s dedicated to assisting retirees who need help claiming earned benefits, you can be sure you’re well taken care of. What’s more, military persons are not taxed in Missouri.

Explore the Shoreline

For those who like the outdoors, you can take advantage of over 1,100 miles of shoreline that Missouri has to offer. Missouri has more shoreline than states like California due to its huge abundance of lakes, meaning there is always something new to see and explore when in Missouri. If you like the idea of a home by the lake, be sure to check out these Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate listings from Lake Front Living, where you can find more information on one of the most premier lake destinations which is filled with over 70,000 homes dotted along the water’s edge.

Close to Big City Amenities

There are two major cities that are located on either side of Missouri, these being Kansas City and St. Louis. So, as a resident in the state, you will have easy access to travel to the big cities. There are also various small towns and rural spots that you may be interested in considering.

If you are looking for a senior living experience that’s not only enjoyable, but affordable, Missouri may be the perfect state for you to retire in. With a low cost of living, world-class health care, not to forget over 1,000 miles of shoreline to see and explore, you are sure to enjoy your senior years in Missouri.

You just moved to a new town and are looking for the right church to join. Or perhaps you didn’t move, but have other reasons to seek out a new place of worship that’s right for you and your family.

Either way, the question of how to find a church is on your mind.

It’s a big decision to make, and one that can keep people up at night. You want a church that matches what you’re looking for in a variety of attributes.

That’s why I put together this post, focusing on things to look for when seeking out a new church in your area. 

So you’ll have a better sense of the kind of questions to ask, and the kind of answers to look for.

Sound interesting? Keep reading to find out more!

Location of the Church

This might seem like an obvious part of your search, but if you plan to attend church regularly, location can be a big factor. 

You’ll likely want to make sure that the church is close enough to your house that you don’t mind making the drive.

This is especially true if you might end up going there multiple times a week, as you get more involved with the church. And if you’ve just moved into a new house, you don’t want too much travel to keep you from enjoying your new setting. 

So make sure the distance from home isn’t far enough that it will be a factor in your decision of whether or not to go. If you live in California, why not consider visiting Calvary Baptist Church? You can find out more on www.calvarybaptistburbank.org, where you will find the service times and any events which may be happening.  

Times for Worship

Everyone’s schedule is different. For a lot of churchgoers, Sunday morning worship works great. 

But that’s not always the case. If you or a family member has previous commitments on Sunday morning that are impossible to move, you’ll want to find a church that has alternative times for worship.

Some churches have Sunday evening services or services on other days of the week. So if your job takes you away on weekends, or are otherwise busy Sunday morning, make sure you find a church with services when you can attend.

Volunteering Opportunities

Different people have different desires as far as volunteering at their church.

But if volunteering is a part of the way you enjoy interacting with your church you’ll want to ask about how it works there.

This is especially true if you are looking for it to be a church you attend for a long time. If you like volunteering regularly, look for a church that offers ministries that appeal to you. Ones that you’ll be likely to want to serve at for years to come.

And ask about the number of opportunities that the church offers. Depending on things like your changing schedule or traveling, you want to make sure there are ample opportunities for volunteering if you so choose.

Family Members

If you have a family, you’ll want to make sure you find a church that works equally well for them.

One example would be if you have a teen, but join a church that doesn’t have many teenagers (or any at all). In that case, obviously, there won’t be a youth group they can join.

But at the same time, your particular teen might be more interested in working with children or volunteering with the church’s ministry. So the lack of a youth group might not be a deal breaker for them.

That’s an example of why it’s also important to speak honestly with members of your family before joining a church. You want to make sure it’s one that they see themselves becoming involved with.

The last thing you want is for your particular church choice to create a wedge between family members.

Church Size

There are positives and negatives to churches of different sizes, so this is more of a personal choice that might vary from person to person.

A small church has the benefits of feeling more like a family, and you will likely get to know a larger percentage of your fellow worshippers. For some people, that’s a huge draw. 

Plus you’ll have more of an opportunity to create a relationship with the pastor if the church is relatively small.

But at the same time, some people prefer the relative anonymity of a large church. If you like to simply go to church and not interact with as many people that you know, a large church size might work well.

Plus, the larger a church is the more ministries and activities that you and your family can enjoy. Those programs would be a lot more limited with a small church.

Type of Music

This might seem like an odd thing to have on your initial list of considerations, but for some people, it’s an important part of going to church.

Since there is usually a fair amount of music in an average church service, you want to join a church that uses the style and type of music that you enjoy. 

There’s no sense in getting frustrated that the worship music you hear every week doesn’t match with your tastes!

Some churches will have more traditional church music, with piano or organ and featuring classic hymns and songs. While others will be more contemporary. They might have a more modern band playing the worship music.

And other churches blend the two, with an attempt to have more modern worship music and some classic one as well. 

Financial Details

We all know that churches need money to stay open. And most people who give money to their church do so with a sense of pride and community.

But at the same time, it’s always good to know if there are certain expectations that a church has in terms of giving.

Be honest and upfront when you speak to the pastor, and ask what kind of financial responsibility is generally expected of the members of the congregation.

How to Find a Church

Hopefully, this guide for how to find a church will be helpful. There are certainly other things that you can take into consideration, but if you start with the elements I listed, you’ll be well on your way.

And if you’re looking for even more ways to make a transition to a new setting easier, check out this blog on ways to bring your family closer together!