Archives for November 2021

Best Dog beds for large breeds

November 30, 2021 by

Getting a bed for your large breed dogs can be a significant problem. Is it true that you are looking for a dog bed that is great for your large breed dog? Then, at that point, look no further. We have gathered the best dog beds for your large breed dog, regardless of whether they are of colossal height or size.

Notwithstanding the size of your dogs, these are the best dog beds for large breeds! They are comfortable and just as reasonable. Your dogs need the best with regards to comfort. Given underneath are the best dog beds for large breeds that you can get for your large doggo:

  • Orthopedic Bully Bed 

These are perhaps the best beds for large dog breeds. These open-to-looking dog beds are produced using the most superior quality material. The Orthopedic Bully beds have been made to guarantee the solace and enjoyment of your dog.

Regardless of whether they are large Bulldogs or other large dog breeds, these beds fit any large dog. These beds ooze extravagance yet are shockingly affordable also!

  • 3 Sided Bolster Dog Bed 

A 3 Sided Bolster Bed is great for large dog breeds because of how unique they are made. These beds are produced using top-notch material to guarantee your dog’s wellbeing just as well as comfort. These beds can fit even extra-large dogs and give them the coziest bed to cuddle in.

  • Calming Faux Fur Round Dog Bed 

Allow your large dog to have his own comfortable space with the Calming Faux Fur Round Dog bed. These enormous beds can without much of a stretch, fit your large dog breeds and furnish them with comfort.

Shockingly, these beds are of extraordinary quality and reasonable cost and can be put away without any problem. These are quite possibly the most helpful beds for large dog breeds accessible online.

  • Bite Resistant Dog Bed 

The best bed for your friend that loves to bite is the bite-resistant dog bed. These beds are built with premium quality material that is amazingly durable against biting. Fit for most large dog breeds, particularly Shepherds and Retrievers that affection to bite.

These beds are ensured to keep you going for quite a while and give your dogs a truly necessary spot to partake in the solace and bite however much they might want. The Chew Resistant beds are good for large dog breeds too and are much more cost-effective.

  • Infrared Dog Bed 

These luxurious-looking dog beds are probably the best out there. It is an FDA clinical gadget affirmed bed that is completely safe for your large breed dog and furnishes them with a comfortable and useful bed.

These are one of the most amazing-looking dog beds, which are good for dogs of all sizes and breeds. Regardless of whether you have a large breed dog or not, the Infrared Dog bed can furnish them with extraordinary solace.

These are exceptionally helpful to store and come at a truly sensible cost that merits each penny.

The above beds are by a long shot probably the best bed for which are ideally suited for your large dog breeds. These are produced using magnificent materials which are ok for your dogs and give them the best comfort on use. In this way, express your adoration for your dogs with these dog beds for large breeds, which are good for them. Try not to spare a moment and get one for your dog now!

 

Filed Under: Pets

Understanding Memory Care Facilities & How They Can Help Your Loved One

November 26, 2021 by

If your close friend, aging family member, or other loved one has recently been diagnosed with dementia or another memory-based illness, or else is instead showing signs of forgetfulness that have not seemed to abated over the past few weeks and months, then memory care facilities may well be the answer.

With that being said, for your information, continue reading for a comprehensive guide to understanding memory care facilities and how they can help your loved one.

What Exactly Are Memory Care Facilities?

Fundamentally, memory care facilities are specialized communities that are specifically designed for older adults with memory-based problems.

Memory care facilities differ significantly from assisted living communities and independent living communities in some major and fundamental ways, which include:

  • The regular checking in on each and every resident from staff members
  • Residents are generally supervised for longer periods of time and more regularly
  • Individual memory care units are locked for the residents’ safety and security
  • There is often a much higher resident to staff member ratio
  • A considerably more structured and regular daily schedule

Pertinent Questions to Ask Potential Memory Care Facilities

Naturally, when considering whether or not to move or to move a loved one into professional and respected memory care facilities, there will be a seemingly endless list of questions and concerns swimming around in your mind.

It is absolutely crucial that having shortlisted a few locations that may seem suitable, you take an extensive and thorough tour of the facility as well as take the time to converse with not only members of staff but one or two residents as well where possible.

Observe for yourself how the staff members react and interact with the residents in their care and try and gauge a feel for the overall atmosphere, both in the more medical locations as well as communal living areas and recreation rooms. Additionally, and perhaps obviously, it is also incredibly important to assess the cleanliness and organizational levels of the facility and ask about food plans, meal schedules, and how the staff cater to specific allergies and other dietary requirements.

Other factors to consider when choosing the right memory care facility for your aging loved one include the cost and whether social excursions are included or cited as an option and therefore incur a further cost, and to ask for referrals on the facility from, ideally, residents and their families.

How Do I Know If My Loved One Would Be Happier in a Memory Care Facility?

Essentially, as every human is entirely different and unique, it can be hard to make a proverbial blanket statement on what to look out for.

However, notable factors may include if your loved one has a tendency to become confused and disorientated, even in their own home, they have developed bruises or cuts that have been clearly caused by falling, if they are showing signs of a general forgetfulness that goes beyond just being busy, or if they seem to have lower standards of personal hygiene.

 

Filed Under: Food & Health

Building a Career as a Family Nurse Practitioner

November 26, 2021 by

If you are looking to build up and on from your nursing career, then you may be looking at what to do. Nursing is a very rewarding job, but it is also very exhausting. Long shifts and sometimes unsociable hours can take their toll on you, your family, and those closest to you. Striking a balance between work and life when you are nursing on the front line can be difficult, and if you love what nursing gives you, but you don’t love the unsociable or long shifts that come hand in hand, then maybe you should start thinking about building a new career. A new career could give you the chance to carry on within an industry that you love and know, but it could also give you new opportunities to reach your full potential.

Transitioning From Nursing

Moving on from frontline nursing is not always the easiest thing to do. It can take time to adjust to a new role or position; however, if the transition is done over a period of time, it can be seamless and relatively easy. To make the transition as easy as possible, you need to prepare yourself physically and mentally. Changing from intense shifts at perhaps unsociable hours is not easy to do, so take things slowly and at your own pace. Looking at a career as a family nurse practitioner gives you time to transition from frontline nursing. You need to study to become an FNP, so you have this time while you are training to wind up your frontline nursing job.

Jumping into Education

To transition from a frontline nurse into an FNP, you will need to return to education. You will need to continue with your studies and advance on the BSN that you already have. Studying to become an FNP and getting the relevant education you need is relatively easy because it can all be done online. You don’t have to worry about finding the time to fit in traveling to a campus, or attending classes, as your study program can be tailored to suit you and your requirements. Returning to education may feel a little daunting at first, but at Wilkes University you can study exclusively online, and once you realize how enjoyable it is studying from home and taking back control of your career, you will then realize it is not as daunting as you first thought.

Seeking a Mentor

When you are starting out as an FNP, and you are building your experience, you may find it beneficial to have a mentor on board. A doctor, FNP, or other medical professional may just help you to find your feet in your new role, and they may just help you get settled a little bit quicker. The new changes can be difficult to process when you transition to becoming a family nurse practitioner from a frontline nursing position. A new mentor can help by providing guidance, support, advice, and even a listening ear when you need it the most.

Landing a Role

Now that you know what it takes to become a successful FNP in terms of qualities and attributes, and you are (hopefully) underway with your studies, it is time to look forward and begin finding a role that is right for you. Finding a role that is within your chosen location may initially prove difficult. More FNP roles are becoming available all across the country, but the rollout is relatively slow, which means your perfect spot might be available in a year, but just not right now. Building your experience is valuable and can put you in good stead for future roles.

 

Filed Under: Lifestyle

The Top 3 Methods for Effective Basement Waterproofing

November 26, 2021 by

Are you looking for an efficient way to waterproof your basement? Do you have leaks that show up occasionally? Standing water in your basement can be a really frustrating problem to deal with. If you’re looking for a home improvement project you can mostly handle on your own, waterproofing your basement is a great option.

Basement waterproofing in Indianapolis doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many options out there and you will still keep your wallet in one piece with most of them. A lot of these solutions are also very friendly to those who love DIY projects. These solutions will also help improve the overall value of your home.

1. Waterproofing The Outside Of The Basement

Waterproofing the outside of your basement can be done in a variety of ways. The way you choose depends on any particularly problematic spots surrounding the area around your basement. These options will vary in cost but are financially better than trying to drain an already flooded basement. It will also help with protecting the structural integrity of the walls.

The most popular method of exterior waterproofing is a waterproof epoxy that covers the outside of the wall. This epoxy will prevent any water or moisture from seeping through into the walls of your basement. Most epoxies are designed to be flexible, in order to prevent cracking when your basement walls expand and contract.

This method will likely need to be done during construction, as it would require excavation in order to apply it later down the line. The epoxy also cannot be applied to already painted walls or walls with white mineral deposits on them. Unless you have a lot of time on your hands, this method may not be best for a DIY project.

Another method you can use is to slope the ground around the basement. This will allow better flow away from the walls and help prevent leaks from building up. You should also keep shrubs and other plants away from the walls so that the water they collect will not seep into the walls. Digging little trenches down the slopes will also help in this regard.

2. Waterproofing The Inside Of Your Basement

Waterproofing the inside of your basement is a more available solution to the average DIYer. Some of these methods will be similar to a few of the exterior waterproofing methods. Overall waterproofing the inside of your basement will be more affordable than trying to waterproof the outside.

According to the Bob Vila website, interior sealants can cost between $3 to $9 per square foot. You can find these types of sealants at your local hardware stores or supercenters. You can also find many great options from your favorite online retailers.

One great type of sealant option is a waterproof concrete sealant. This type of sealant is very similar to cement and is extremely thick. It will become permanent when dry, so be careful where you apply it. This sealant can not be applied over paint so you may have to strip your walls first.

Another indoor sealant option is a silicate sealant. These are designed to penetrate the walls and mix with the chemicals in concrete to create a permanent seal. These also cannot be applied to walls that are already painted. However, some sealants of this kind can be painted over once dried, so make sure you pay attention to which type you buy before you begin your project.

Waterproof paint is also an easy DIY application. These acrylic formulas are very similar to normal paint and can also be applied over existing paint on your walls. Just be aware that this type of paint will need to be applied with a thicker coat than you might be used to. This method also covers fewer square feet than other options like silicate sealants.

Although these methods are cheaper for DIY, they shouldn’t be heavily relied on. They will assist in protecting the structure, but over time they will degrade. You may have to repeat this step several times over the course of owning your home. It’s more of a preventative step than a final solution to your waterproofing efforts.

3. Sump Pumps And Other Drain Options

A very reliable way of keeping water out is a sump pump. Sump pump systems pump the water out from low points in your basement and move the water outside. Effective setups can also use trenches around the interior walls to help keep water out.

One way you can aid a sump pump in doing a proper job is by putting plastic sheeting on the walls. The plastic sheeting will help keep any water leakage closer to the wall, causing it to trickle down to the trenches you’ve already built. From there, the water will be gradually pumped out.

It’s recommended that you have a drain installed as well. This way, the water has a place to go while the sump pump does its job. The drains will also help in keeping water off the floor, protecting any furniture or other valuables you might have in your basement.

The best time to get the drains installed is during the installation of the sump pump both for ease and cost purposes. It’s cheaper to get it all done at once instead of trying to do this step later on down the line.

Just be aware that sump pumps, while extremely effective, are also the most expensive waterproofing method. They can run between $5,000 to $20,000 depending on your contractor and the materials used. To keep overall costs as low as possible, it’s best to apply any indoor sealant at the same time you’re having your sump pump installed.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are various ways you can go about waterproofing a basement. For those who DIY, you easily have plenty of options. From sealants to yard modifications, there are plenty of options you’ll be able to handle all on your own. If a project becomes too overwhelming there are also a wide variety of professionals ready to step in and take over where you left off.

From something as simple as painting to something more complicated like sump pumps, there’s plenty you can do for your basement. With any of these methods, you’ll still be able to keep your furniture dry and your basement free of water damage. Using some of these options in tandem offers even more protection, ensuring you’re one happy homeowner after it’s all finished.

Filed Under: Home & Renovations

How to Hire the Best Shreveport Foundation Repair Specialists | Homeowner’s Guide

November 26, 2021 by

Your home’s foundation is literally holding your house up. So it’s important that any problems with the foundation are taken care of right away by a professional contractor who specializes in this type of work. Neglecting your home’s foundation can lead to an increasing number of problems, including severe structural damage, plumbing issues, and even pest infestation. The longer foundation problems linger, the worse they become, and the more expensive repairs will cost.

This all means that you don’t want to trust your home’s foundation repair to just anyone. There are a lot of shady contractors out there who are happy to take your money and don’t care about your house. The following is a list of questions put together by the authorities in foundation repair from Shreveport Foundation Repair Specialists to ask when hiring a foundation repair specialist.

What Kind Of Guarantee/Warranty Do They Offer?

Any foundation repair work should come with a guarantee and warranty. If your home’s foundation crumbles two months after it was repaired, you shouldn’t be on the hook for paying for more repair work. Ask the contractor what kind of guarantee they offer. A good warranty will cover both materials and labor. Make sure you know the specifics of the guarantee/warranty before signing a repair contract.

Are They Licensed and Insured?

The state of Louisiana does not have a specific license for foundation repair. However, anyone working on your home’s foundation should be licensed with the Louisiana State Board of Contractors. And while not required, the company you hire to do your foundation work should also have a structural engineer on staff or one they contract with. Depending on how damaged your foundation is, a structural engineer may be needed to ensure repairs are done correctly.

Your contractor must also have general liability insurance. This will protect you from many claims that can arise from having work done on your house. They must have builder’s risk insurance (also known as course of construction insurance). It will protect the property under construction, in addition to materials, supplies, and equipment.

Finally, the state of Louisiana requires a license bond. Basically, the bond ensures contractors comply with local and state laws and building codes. A license bond is required in most municipalities to obtain a building permit.

What’s In Your Repair Contract?

Read over the repair contract carefully before signing it or handing over any money. One of the most essential parts of the agreement is securing the required permits. Most jurisdictions require by law a structural permit for any work on a house’s foundation because the engineering is critical to the home’s safety.

A big reason why some contractors are reluctant to get permits is that they’re unable to repair your foundation using sound engineering standards. If the contract doesn’t say anything about permits, or that permits are optional, it’s probably a good idea to look for a new contractor.

There are a lot of risks associated with not filing for a structural permit for foundation repair work. These risks include everything from the safety and integrity of the foundation to having to disclose unpermitted work to potential buyers.

Also, the contract should lay out the payment schedule. Depending on the estimated cost of the repair, it’s not unusual to make a deposit before work begins, with the balance due once repairs are completed. Be wary of any contractor requiring full payment upfront.

The contract must also include a lien waiver. This means if the person doing your foundation repair work doesn’t pay their suppliers and any subcontractors, those suppliers and subcontractors cannot file a lien against your property to force payment. Lien waivers are often overlooked, but having one will ensure you’re not on the hook for your contractor’s financial mismanagement.

Finally, who is going to pay for any repairs to the house’s siding or other structures if damaged during the course of the foundation repair? If it’s not in the contract that the contractor is responsible for those costs, then that’s a red flag. Legitimate foundation repair contractors who care about their professional reputation will cover those costs should an accident happen.

Check Customer Reviews And Ask For References

Anyone can put up a website and use slick marketing materials for advertising their business. But this doesn’t guarantee the contractor will do quality work. This means you want to read as many customer reviews as you can about the contractor. You can find reviews on their Facebook business page, Yelp, Google My Business Results, and so forth. Don’t always rely on reviews the contractor publishes on their website since these can be easily faked.

Further, it’s important to ask for references. These will be former customers that can give you their experience working with the contractor. It’s a good idea to ask your references the following questions:

  • Did the contractor complete the foundation repair job on time?
  • Was the project completed on budget?
  • Would you recommend this contractor to friends/family? Why or why not?
  • Were there any surprises?
  • Did you have any problems while working with this contractor?

This is your chance to find out what it’s like working with the foundation repair contractor before signing a contract or handing over any money.

Take Your Time Finding The Right Contractor

Finally, it’s okay to get price quotes from several foundation repair contractors. Just don’t forget that cheaper isn’t always better, especially when it comes to the structural integrity of your house. And don’t let a contractor try to rush you into hiring them to repair your foundation. Trust your instincts. If something seems off about a contractor, they’re probably not someone you want to hire.

Filed Under: Home & Renovations

A Comprehensive Guide To Reducing Your Family’s Carbon Footprint

November 24, 2021 by

The phrase “carbon footprint” is one that, thankfully, has recently entered the nation’s psyche and vernacular and, as a result, more and more families across the United States and beyond are committing themselves to reducing their carbon footprint for the good of nature, the environment, and the preservation of the planet for future generations. Here is an overview of the concept of the carbon footprint and what you can do to reduce yours.

What Exactly Is A Carbon Footprint?

Essentially, your carbon footprint is basically the amount of carbon dioxide that is automatically released into the atmosphere and environment as a direct result of your actions—be those actions at home, in the office, or when running errands or traveling from one destination to another.

What Will Happen If Action Is Not Taken?

Not to sound like the proverbial prophet of doom, but if every individual across the country—and indeed the planet—does not make an effort to significantly reduce their carbon footprint, climate change will speed up at an astronomical rate and the world as we know it will, sooner rather than later, be in serious jeopardy.

If action is not taken to reduce individuals’, companies’, communities’, and countries’ output of carbon emissions, starting as soon as possible, then the following events are likely to occur:

  • The sea levels will rise
  • The coral reefs will degrade exponentially
  • Arctic Sea ice is at risk of melting entirely
  • Human beings will be exposed to extreme and very regular, intolerable heatwaves
  • There will be a substantial increase in worldwide flood risks
  • Both animals and plants will be at risk of losing over half of their natural habitat

Large Changes That Governments And Global Companies Are Making

There are many ways in which local and national governments—as well as global and smaller businesses—are making changes to ensure their carbon footprint is continuously reviewed and lowered.

These changes include accurately and consistently measuring their overall emissions, switching to an eco-friendly energy supplier, changing the habits of the entire workforce in terms of commuting, using greener and ethically sourced software, and even adapting and changing their pension scheme to a company that dedicates a portion of their profits to a reputable climate fund.

Small Changes To Lower Your Family’s Carbon Footprint

One of the oft-quoted and unequivocally effective changes you could make is to change your own and your family’s eating habits and switching to a vegan lifestyle.

Whether you often cook at home, or are regulars at local pubs and restaurants in your area, there are a multitude of extensively informative and easy-to-digest online websites and physical stores that specialize in educating people about veganism. Search for vegan food near me now and make the change today.

Other effective and affordable changes you and your family can make are to use public transport more often, use snuggly blankets and throws instead of switching on the central heating in your home, using only energy-efficient lightbulbs, using a smart meter, regulating your water consumption, and avoiding the purchase of plastic bags and packaging.

 

Filed Under: Lifestyle

5 Tips for Caring for An Elderly Parent

November 19, 2021 by

While we would love our parents to stay forever young, the aging process happens to us all. This means that, as you get older, so will your loved ones, which may result in their mobility and health declining rapidly. If your elderly parent requires round-the-clock assistance, you may decide that you want to be their caregiver.

Before stepping into this role, you need to be aware that, without the proper experience and knowledge, you could burn out. To ensure your loved one is in safe hands, here are five tips that can help you deliver the best support.

Break Everything Down

Once you’ve decided to care for your elderly parent, your first step should be to examine how much care they need. Be careful not to take on too much responsibility in the beginning, as you can become overwhelmed easily. Write down everything your loved one needs help with now, as well as things they may need assistance with in the future. Whether it’s running errands, doing housework, or personal care, knowing what to expect is key.

Be Realistic

When it comes to looking after a parent, it’s natural you’ll want to do everything you can for them. However, with your own life to lead and the responsibilities that come with it, you must be realistic with what you can handle. Your parent won’t want you to put your life on hold to care for them, so you must have open and honest conversations with them before making your next move.

Ask for Help

If you look for help, you may feel like you are neglecting your loved one, but you’re not. You should never feel guilty about asking for additional help. There is only so much you can do on your own, and if you haven’t got the relevant experience, you could be putting your loved one’s health at risk. Whether you hire a carer to come in and prep meals or deal with personal care, knowing you have support and help from others can be a big help.

Modify Their Home

As your parent gets older, the risk of slips and falls increases. Therefore, making your loved one’s home safer is vital. You can purchase anti-slip mats from a medical supply company which will protect your elderly parent. Make sure you go around their home and look for any hazards or causes for concern. You can install grip bars in their bathroom, which allow your loved one to get around with ease.

Don’t Neglect Yourself

With so much of your time being dedicated to your elderly parent, you must think about your own health and wellbeing too. Make sure you have some time for yourself. This can involve taking up a hobby, practicing relaxation techniques to destress, or getting more sleep. If you’re not in the right headspace, you may not deliver appropriate care for your elderly loved one.

When caring for an elderly parent, while it can be incredibly rewarding, there will be daily challenges you’ll face. Make sure to use the tips above as it will benefit both you and your loved one.

 

Filed Under: Lifestyle

Fun Ways to Enjoy the Holidays With Your Children

November 17, 2021 by

There are many reasons why you might be looking forward to the approach of the holiday season. All of the parties, gifts, and Christmas treats ahead are likely enough to put anyone into the holiday spirit.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Christmas, however, has to be the fact that you get to share this special time of year with your children. Passing on the love of the magic of Christmas to your kids is certainly one of the best things about this time of the year.

However, depending on the age of your children, you might be struggling to find the best ways to enjoy the holidays together. Moreover, the fact that your schedule can get quite crowded around the holidays can make it difficult for you to coordinate time together as a family.

Thankfully, there are a number of holiday activities that you can enjoy together as a family that can help you to make some memories that you will cherish for years to come. You might even wish to make some of these activities holiday traditions that you and your family enjoy every year together during the holidays.

With that in mind, here are some fun ways in which you can enjoy the holidays with your children this year.

See the Lights

One of the most magical aspects of the holidays is seeing ordinary houses in your neighborhood transform under the glow of beautiful, colorful Christmas lights. As the holidays draw closer, you will find neighborhood Christmas lights being put up all throughout your town.

In order to fully appreciate these displays, plan an evening when you and your family can either walk the streets to view the lights or take a drive together listening to Christmas music and seeing the displays throughout your town. To make this activity extra special, listen to some Christmas music along the way and make sure that everyone has a mug filled with warm hot chocolate to enjoy.

Bake Some Treats

Another aspect of Christmas that the entire family can get on board with is that of enjoying the delicious treats that make their appearance this time of year. Christmas cookies, seasonal loaves of bread, and homemade candies are all fair game when it comes to some of the more classic Christmas treats.

You can enjoy this aspect of the holidays even more together as a family by planning a day to bake up some Christmas goodies together as a family. Take some time to choose the recipes together that you will all want to enjoy the most and get all of your ingredients together.

If your children are a bit on the younger side, you might consider doing the actual baking yourself and then inviting them to come and help you decorate cookies and treats with you. Such treats can even double as nice gifts to give to friends and family this holiday season. On the other hand, you might wish to keep all of those delectable delights at home to enjoy with your family throughout the holidays.

Filed Under: Mommy Blog

5 Innovative Ideas For Your Spare Room

November 17, 2021 by

Whether you live in a house or an apartment, space is a valuable asset. So if you have a spare room in your home, make sure you make the most of it. Allowing an unused bedroom to gather dust is wasteful, especially when you can easily transform it into a practical space to enjoy. Here are a few innovative ideas to help you revamp your spare bedroom.

Do it Up and Rent it Out

A lot of people deck their spare bedroom out in basic furniture and use it to host visiting friends and family, which is a great use of a room if you actually host visitors on the regular. If you don’t, then this is an incredible waste of space. Luckily, with simply a bed in the room, you can earn an extra income and rent it out. This is ideal for people living in a populated area where a room is hot property. If you decide to go down this route of offering a room for rent, it is a good idea to refresh the décor and furnish the room with a wardrobe and a desk. These small touches can help increase the value of your room. However, you would also benefit from reaching out to services that can help get your room noticed by potential tenants.

Turn it Into a Pet Palace

A faithful pet offers unconditional love, and they are there for you through thick and thin. There is a special connection between a pet and its owner. In fact, studies suggest that over 90 percent of pet owners regard their dogs and cats as part of the family. If you share this sentiment, then it is only right to dedicate your spare room to your fur-baby. Create a pet palace by filling the room with plump cushions, cozy blankets, and their favorite toys. Give it a cute, personal twist by adding a fun dog house or an elaborate scratching post. Don’t forget to add a water bowl so that they can stay hydrated while you sleep in the next room.

Use it to Zen Out

Everyone needs a little R and R sometimes, and a dedicated chill-out area can help you zen out. Create a relaxation retreat by emptying the room of clutter, painting the walls a mellow tone, and adding comfortable furniture. Scented candles, or an essential oil diffuser, can help make the room feel extra chill. This space can be used for any activity that calms you, such as reading, meditation, or yoga practice.

Convert it Into a Home Workout Studio

If you prefer hitting the gym to practicing yoga poses, then transform your spare space into a home workout studio instead. Portable fitness equipment, such as kettlebells, dumbbells, and exercise balls, are a great addition, while a suspension training system will enable you to work out your entire body. Suspension trainers take up very little room and can help you achieve an effective workout. Make sure you have padding to protect your floor if you decide to install heavy-duty equipment.

Walk-In Closet

A walk-in closet is the best use of a spare room if you are an avid fashionista. The use of a walk-in can stop your closet from overflowing, which can help keep your bedroom tidy and clothes off the floor. This leaves your bedroom just for sleeping, which for some people is the ultimate idea of relaxation.

Filed Under: Home & Renovations

5 Types of Toxic Relationships and the Warning Sign You are In One

November 12, 2021 by

A toxic relationship is a relationship that has turned itself into a relationship that can be extremely harmful and dangerous to your well-being, due to your partner’s toxic behavior. Toxic relationships are not totally hopeless but they will require substantial effort and difficult work if they are to be turned into a healthy and less harmful relationship.

The Controller: Although you may confuse their jealousy and possessiveness for lust and love initially, realize that these are not signs of someone who cares. The toxic person seems to know all aspects of your life and always has an opinion on it. He or she may want to know exactly where you are going and why. Again, at first it feels like they are interested in your life and truly care. That caring feeling will soon slip away to reveal that you are in a controlling relationship. They will have something to say about what you wear out with your girls. No one needs to be told what to do and when to do it, and the right person would never put you on a leash.

The Debbie Downer: This person is always looking on the negative side of things. This person sucks the fun out of life. Being around someone who is super negative and always complaining makes life less enjoyable. In order to balance this person, you have to be the kind of person who finds the silver lining on the worst of days.

The Liar: Never trust a liar. It is important in any relationship that honesty is on the forefront for all things, both big and small. It is not healthy to be the type of person who feels like they need to sneak through someone’s phone messages or social media while he or she is asleep.

The Manipulator: This person will only work on things on his or her terms, not your terms. This person will never take responsibility for their actions, and either you or someone else is always to blame. In this case, it’s important that you be on the lookout and listen to what they have to say about past relationships. The toxic person uses his or her sad story like candy to a toddler to get you to take it. There is never just one story.

The Perfectionist: No matter how good you are, a perfectionist will always find something wrong with you. You shouldn’t want to spend your time with someone who is constantly making you change to best fit his or her needs. When you hire a local Decatur divorce lawyer then they can help you go to court and win your case.

Some signs of a toxic relationship include:

  1. All take, no give. Any relationship in which you experience withdrawals of energy without deposits will leave you in the negative.
  2. Feeling drained. If, instead of feeling happy and productive, you’re always mentally, emotionally, and even physically drained, it’s time to re-evaluate.
  3. Lack of trust. A relationship without trust is like a car without gas: You can stay in it all you want, but it won’t go anywhere.
  4. Hostile Atmosphere. Constant anger is a sure sign of an unhealthy relationship.
  5. Occupied with imbalance. A one-sided relationship can never run smoothly.
  6. Persistent unreliability. Mutual reliability is important to building trust and is at the core of any good relationship..
  7. Loaded with negative energy. It’s almost impossible for anything positive to come out of a relationship filled with negativity.
  8. Lack of communication. Without communication, there is no relationship.
  9. Continuous disrespect. Mutual respect is the first requirement of a good partnership.
  10. Ceaseless control issues.  If one person is in control, or a constant tug-of-war is going on, you’re probably spending too much energy navigating the relationship.
  11. Never-ending drama. Good relationships improve your life; they don’t make it messier.
  12. Persistent self-betrayal. If you find yourself changing your opinions to please someone else, you’re in a damaging relationship.
  13. Constant challenges. All relationships go through challenges, but good relationships work through them.
  14. Always undermining. If a relationship can’t be reassuring, it’s failing a crucial test.
  15. Shortage of autonomy. Anyone in any relationship should have the right to say no.
  16. Diminishes your self-worth. When you’re in a relationship with someone who doesn’t acknowledge your value, it can be hard to see it yourself.
  17. Laced with dishonesty. Every lie between partners undercuts a little bit of the relationship.
  18. Makes you unhappy. If someone is constantly making you unhappy, you owe it to yourself to let that person go.
  19. Lowers your high standards. Toxic relationships can cause us to slowly begin accepting what was once not acceptable.
  20. Filled with criticism. A non-stop barrage of criticism never helped anyone improve; it’s not about making things better but boosting the critic’s ego.
  21. Brings out the worst. If you are constantly being your worst, you cannot be your best self.

 

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