This Spring, Give Your Dog The Freedom To Roam About The Yard

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As the weather gets nicer by the day we’ll take every excuse to get outside any chance we get. Even if we’re cooped up in the office, even a fifteen minute walk in the sunshine is enough to brighten your mood and get you through the rest of the business hours. If we love to embrace the outdoors so much, don’t you think our dogs would too?

Of course we do, that’s why we make the time to take them out for walks as much as we can. They’ve been inside all winter long and you can bet they’re anxious to get outside to run around the yard, play a game of fetch, and chase the nearest unsuspecting bird or squirrel.

If you’re looking to give your beloved pet more time outdoors this year there are quite a few ways to do it. You could hire a dog walker if you’re a busy person like most of use Americans. You could build a fence. You could also take more of your time and block it off for getting your dog some much needed exercise. All of these options have their drawbacks of course, and mostly they come down to a balance of time and money – two things that are seemingly scarce in the world we live in.

Invisible Dog Fences – Do They Live Up To The Hype?

A very attractive solution to this predicament is to install an invisible dog fence. They completely free up the time constraint, as all you have to do is turn the system on and make sure your dog is wearing the collar. Then you can let them roam free while you are taking care of yard work, house chores, and the like.

Let’s take a step back though, as not everyone will know what an invisible dog fence is right off the bat. The idea is that you set a barrier either using a buried wire or a wireless signal, and your dog wears a collar that alerts them when they are approaching it. Should the dog cross the barrier the collar will emit a gentle but stern electrical shock until the pet corrects it’s movement. It sounds a little strange, but it’s not as bad as it seems. Dogs train quite quickly, and it’s not something that is going to cause them lasting damage if used properly. There are benefits to both types of barriers, and the Pampered Pup explains the differences well if you’re interested in reading more about them.

Basically with an invisible dog fence your dog gets the freedom to run around the yard as they would if you had a real fence, but at a fraction of the cost. Most of these systems run in the hundreds of dollars, while actual fences can easily run in the thousands if not more. There is another benefit though, and that is that you won’t actually have to install a fence on your property. Sometimes the privacy is warranted, but other times it can just be an obstruction of view. With an invisible dog fence you get the best of both world for you and your dog – they stay safe and have plenty of space to run around outside and you don’t have to pay a fortune.

Get Your Garage in Top Shape

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The garage gets plenty of use throughout the days. It normally stores the garbage, it has people walking in and out of it dragging in all sorts of dirt from outside, and your car makes a pretty big mess every time you drive in and out. It is easy to forget that it needs just as much care and attention as every other part of your house. It can be easy to think that it will keep working without you thinking about it, but if something went wrong you would realize how much you rely on it every day.

There a handful of things you do to make sure that the garage both looks great and functions properly. Sometimes it is just as easy as tidying up. That means cleaning the floors, putting everything away, clearing the doorways, or even splashing on a new coat of paint. This can be done pretty cheaply, and the only thing tidying up will cost you is some effort. Don’t forget the corners and around where the sensors are. Having a clear path between your garage door sensors is key to it working properly. There is nothing more frustrating than a door that keeps going up because it thinks there is something in the way. You may need a degreaser for the floors if normal soap and water do not get rid of some of the tougher marks.

Along with some cosmetic fixes, you will also need to make sure everything is working properly. Even if you think everything looks fine, making sure the door opens and closes properly is something you need to be proactive about. It is better to upgrade all the parts of the door before something goes wrong rather than being stuck afterwards. Your door opens about 2,000 times a year, so making sure you have the best parts is key. The door itself needs to be in good shape, but there is no need to replace the door unless there has been some real damage. The easiest thing to do to make sure everything will work is to check the garage door opener.

It is easy to forget about sitting up there over your head, and most people do not watch it crank up the door, but it is the work horse of the whole operation. There are a few different types, but they all basically do the same thing. They all consist of a motor that operates inside of a unit that pulls the door up and down. The section that moves up and down can be made of a few different things. Some openers use chains, while some have belts. The chain versions are the most common, but they tend to make a lot of noise and they are not necessarily built for the long haul. They shake the door a little as they move it. There is a second option which is a belt drive. They tend to last longer and move up and down with less friction and noise, but the drawback is they are little more expensive.

Some of us know about the horsepower of the thing that sits in the garage, but it is also a good idea to know the horsepower of the unit moving the door. Garage door openers come in a variety of hp, so it is a good idea to know what is best for your door. Some are heavier or are used far more frequently than would be expected. Trusted brands are the way to go, if you’re in need of a new opener take a look through some liftmaster reviews.

You should also think about some of the extras you want with the door opener. Along with the remote switch, you might also like one that has a flashlight on it, or one that has wi-fi capabilities to be integrated with other features your house may have.

So while you think about dusting down the floors, don’t forget that the garage door opening unit is the one thing that you will be glad you spent some time thinking about.

Choosing the Best Snow Blower for Denver Winters

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Anyone who is considering making an investment in a snow blower should take a few things into consideration. A snow blower has the potential to save a significant amount of time and effort when it comes to snow removal. It will eliminate the need to shovel snow and could eliminate the physical challenges associated it. Anyone who wants to buy a snow blower should evaluate their specific needs.

Models

The cost of a snow blower can vary significantly. Some can cost around $100 and ones that are more heavy duty can cost thousands. Everybody will have different needs. When looking for the right snow blower, it is important to know the performance of a particular machine and its design. The size of an engine does not determine the amount of snow it can remove. People should focus on performance and not be fooled by engine size or a name brand.

Electric or Gas

There are advantages to having a snow blower with an electric powered engine as well as disadvantage. It is the same with gas powered engines. A snow blower with an electric engine will not have the maintenance requirements as a gas powered snow blower. They will also weigh less but may need to be attached to an extension cord to work. A gas powered snow blower has more power and can clear larger amounts of snow. Small areas with lots of snow could be easily handled by a snow blower with an electric engine. Larger areas with deep snow may require a gas powered snow blower.

Stages

A snow blower can come in three different stages. There is a single, two and three stage snow blowers. Single stage snow blowers are made to handle small areas of light snow. They are not very strong. They are a one-step snow blower involving a one-step process. Its auger loosens the snow that is then sent out of a discharge tube. Two-stage snow blowers are often referred to as dual-stage snow blowers. These are designed with an impeller that acts as a fan. It is located above the auger. When the auger lifts snow, the impeller will then throw the snow out of the machine’s chute. Three stage snow blowers are similar to two stage, but they can remove more snow is less time. Three stage snow blowers have an accelerator designed to move ten times faster than an auger. This makes it able to move heavy snow quickly.

Width

When purchasing a snow blower, it is important to know how it will be used. Some snow blowers have a clearance of two feet and under. There are also snow blowers that can clear a path of over 40 inches.

Chute

This is the part of the snow blower that controls where snow is blown. Most snow blowers have a chute designed to pivot and change direction. Many of them come with a simple crank to change the chute’s direction. Others have controls that are a bit more sophisticated like a joystick and more.

Heated Handles

It is possible to purchase a snow blower with heated handles as one of its features. This provides a way for a person to have their hands remain warm when working for extended periods of time in cold weather.

Maneuverability

A single-stage snow blower is not self-propelled but easily moves forward from the pull of its rubber paddles. The majority of two and three stage snow blowers are self-propelled. This makes it possible to easily operate a large snow blower and decrease the physical exertion involved with snow removal.

The snow blower is a purchase that should be based on the area where it will be used. Terrain, path size as well as location are major factors when deciding what type of snow blower to buy. A snow blower purchase based on what is needed is better than only focusing on features. Buying a snow blower for the wrong reasons can do more harm than good when it comes to successful snow removal.

Top Summertime Activities for the Children

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Summer is the season of warm weather, long days, and lazy days sleeping in. The best part about summer is children are free from the structure of the classroom. While most parents are happy that their children have the opportunity to be spontaneous and less stressed, two and a half months of unstructured time can make parents want to pull their hair out at times. After about three weeks, children start to get bored and may even wish to be back in school to have something to do. Planning fun summertime activities for children is key for both parents and children to embrace summer while it still lasts.

Eight Awesome Summertime Activities for Children

1. Camping

Camping offers a variety of fun activities for the price of one. Children get to experience sleeping in a tent, making a campfire, roasting marshmallows, fishing, and even playing with bugs. While many people spend money to go to a campground, camping can also be done right in the backyard. Sometimes, vacation is not too far from home.

2. Gardening

Many schools and organizations are crazy about making children eco-friendly these days. Gardening allows children to contribute to the environment, learn responsibility, and have fun. After all, summer vacation was started on children needing to work on farms to ensure an abundant harvest for the fall. Children can plant flowers to beautify a garden or fruits and vegetables to eat when they are ready to be harvested.

3. Time by the Water

Water adds refreshing fun to scorching summer days. People who live on the coast or vacation at the coast have the advantage of digging their toes into a soft blanket of sand, listen to the sound of seagulls, and be knocked down by crashing waves. However, people who live all over the country most likely have a swimming pool or waterpark nearby or a sprinkler in their garage.

4. Sports

Miniature golf, bowling, basketball, volleyball, etc. can all be done at local miniature golf courses, bowling alleys, parks, or backyards. Sports provide exercise for children and promote teamwork and good sportsmanship. The emphasis should be on fun and making memories, not winning or losing.

5. Crafts

Art provides many health benefits, including shifting focus to the present moment, use of the right hemisphere of the brain, and relaxation. Children do not have to be future Pablo Picasso or Mary Cassets to enjoy art. Drawing, coloring , and painting are the most simplest crafts, but a variety of crafts can be purchased at the local craft store, supermarket, or dollar store. Pinterest offers a plethora of ideas that can be made from household items. Emphasis should be on fun and relaxation, not being the next greatest artist.

6. Educational Games

Many children are appalled by the idea of any educational activity to be done in the summer because they have associated education with sitting in a classroom and being censured by a teacher if they fall out of line. Children can realize that learning can be fun by playing games that teach them academic-related skills. Monopoly is an example of one educational game because it teaches about buying, selling, and handling money. Instead of investing in Super Mario Brothers, parents can invest in educational video games.

7. Trip to the Library

The library is a great place to spend hot summer days because most of them have strong air conditioner, offer silence that parents with multiple children often do not get while at home, and allow children to learn and play quietly on the computers and children’s area. Children can pick up several good reads that will not cost parent’s a dime if the books are returned on time. Young children will take great pride in receiving their own library card with their signature on it.

Squeeze the Most out of Summer

Summer is often wasted by children who are bored and parents who want to pull their hair out. Children grow up fast, and summers sail by. Engaging in fun activities that promote learning and health will make summer more fulfilling for children and parents.

Looking to Liven up Your Home with Potted Plants? Here’s What You Need to Know

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Whether potted plants are inside or outside, they can make a home more cheerful. Green foliage can liven up a dull patio, balcony or interior space. With proper care, most plants will last for years in their original plastic pots. Just add a saucer and place inside a beautiful sleeve (pot without holes).

Interior plants usually thrive well in higher moisture locations within the home, like the bathroom or laundry. Of course, an array of different plants thrives in less moisture and with less light. Consider placing plants in locations that are beneficial to the plant, not necessarily where they look best. To ensure that plants flourish, the relative humidity of a space makes the biggest difference. Plants, such as orchids and ferns, thrive under these conditions. Other types of plants can do well in less humid conditions.

For areas that do not have as much light, try lilies, which grow profusely, but they do require regular watering. Another low-maintenance plant is aloe vera. It is not only pleasant in appearance, but it has medicinal qualities, as well. Be careful with succulents indoors and water them sparingly. Not all will survive the lack of outside air. Usually, they are happy in full, direct sunlight if the temperature in the house does not drop too low.

If you have a covered patio, you can create a soothing tropical oasis. The endless variety of available plants allows you to decide between low-maintenance plants or those that require much more upkeep.

Indoor plants can enhance your mood by perking up dull spaces. Colorful, eclectic pots in different sizes and shapes create charming decor in a room as much as art and furniture. Large plants or a series of grouped plants make a visual statement that are not only attractive, but can help improve air quality.

Living plants provide energy in a room. Tall plants, or those heightened with the use of stands or tables, have great visual appeal. Cordon off a reading area with green plants, and, not only have a private space to indulge in a favorite pastime, but also benefit from the energy and naturalness of the plants. Filling the area with color and texture brightens the room. Even more special is the addition of one or more tall trees.

Place an herb garden on the windowsill or a nearby patio or balcony. Its concurrent beauty and practicality add zing and flavor to your dishes.

One idea for those who have a “brown” thumb is to root a plant from a cutting in water using a clear vase. This is simpler than you might imagine. The taller the cutting, the more impressive it is. Maybe use a branch or a frond. That is one way to get a taller version of a plant without having to wait for a smaller one to grow.

Plants make a room feel bright and cheerful. If you have the space, add as many plants as you can to create a collage with different sizes, colors and shapes. Do not underestimate the appeal of glass or other reflective containers. Another appealing vignette is a grouping of all white containers in varying shapes and sizes. Top them off with white pebbles or clear marbles for a more sophisticated look.

Use your imagination to create whimsical pots using paint or decoupage. Try this in an unfilled space, corner, nook or cranny, and watch how your mood is enhanced.

Small, colorful plants add life to dull walls or corners. Choose from myriad plants that are available at local garden centers and nurseries. There are many plants that require little sunlight if that is a particular concern of yours. Plants, such as philodendron, dracaena, bromeliads, and snake plant are all good choices that you can grow and enjoy indoors year round.

Plants will require water and fertilizer depending on their individual needs. Pay close attention to the instructions and how to care for plants that will be included with those from home centers. Plants in nurseries may or may not have instructions. Ask the nurseryman or check online for care of any plant with which you are not familiar. If you have one that has no instructions, and you have no idea how to care for it, snap a picture and take it to the nearest home center or nursery for professional advice.

To really make a statement, combine an unusual plant in an unusual container, and it is sure to be an attention-getter. Go for a dramatic focal point with a grouping of large plants. When you have no floor space, go vertical. It will draw the eyes upward and make the area appear larger. Keep all containers clean and free of stains and grime. Prune plants as needed. Nothing is more unsightly than dry or dead leaves, spindly legs or vines with no foliage.

Tall pots can be expensive, but keep in mind that you can use many different items that you probably already have around the house. The basket that you use for a close hamper, for example, can be used as a sleeve. That broken pottery on the side of the house can be repurposed into a planter. Purchase one dollar plastic pots from a nursery and stack them 10 or 20 high, depending on the height you want. Paint them. Cut the bottom out of the first one or two pots. Fill with potting soil and voila! You have an interesting planter for very little money.

One of the most important things to remember is that plants need to be able to drain freely. Different plants have different drainage needs, but the majority will not survive sitting in water. All plastic pots from the nursery have drainage holes. Most of the time, you can leave the plant in the nursery pot and place it in an attractive sleeve. As plants become root bound, you may want to transplant them into a larger plastic pot with drainage holes. This makes it easy to replace any plants that you may lose.