Dogs That Make The Best Roadtrip Companions

dog on roadtrip

There is nothing better than packing up your car or truck and heading out on a Road Trip for a couple of days on the open road. And there is no better way to spend that time than with your best furry friend. 

Dogs are amazing companions and are man’s best friend, and they will provide you with constant friendship as well as entertainment during your trip. 

But which breeds of dog make the best road trip buddies? There are so many dog breeds out there to choose from, but we have rounded up which ones we think are the best to bring along with you on the open road this year. 

Labrador Retrievers 

The top choice and absolutely the best companion to bring with you on a road trip has to be a Labrador. Labrador retrievers are the most stunning and friendly dog breed around, and they are the ideal companion on the road. Their patience as well as their goofiness makes them ideal for long car rides because they will likely either fall asleep or pop their head out of the window and enjoy the breeze! If you have a Labrador, now is the time to find a Sierra for sale and head out on the open road for a good time. 

Springer Spaniels 

English springer spaniels are one of the most entertaining dog breeds of all. Their incessant tail wagging and hopping through long grass is enough to make anyone laugh, and they are also full of energy that will carry on long after you have given up for the day. As a Road Trip buddy, springer spaniels will keep you motivated and when you do go for walks and hikes, they will pull you along even when your legs get tired. These friendly and sociable dogs will keep you feeling motivated and alert even when all of your energy has drained. 

Huskies 

It is no surprise that huskies are on this list, since they are built to be sled dogs and made for the great outdoors. A husky can be your motivation as well as your best friend on an adventure, and as well as this they will provide some unique music for you in the car journey! 

French Bulldogs 

If you want a dog who will be the ideal companion for a laid back road trip, a french bulldog is a great choice. This tiny little sacks of dynamite are always happy and peppy, and they will provide you with the perfect cuddly companion on the road. Frenchies love to stick their head out of the car window and they are also patient meaning the long car journeys won’t bother them at all. 

Collies 

Collies, particularly Border Collies, are one of the smartest dog breeds of all and this makes them ideal for joining you on an adventure. Collies love to work and love to be in new situations, and this means every new place you visit will be like a new playground for your collie. Plus, they are incredibly obedient meaning letting them off the lead will not be a problem no matter how far from home you travel. 

 

7 Ways To Naturally Improve Your Libido

cute couple

Several factors could affect your libidos (or sex drive), such as relationship issues, health challenges, and aging. While low libido isn’t a problem, it can harm a person’s relationships and self-esteem. Fortunately, there are safe and easy ways of improving your sexual hormonal imbalances to create healthy libido levels. This article looks into some of the most effective natural approaches for men and women to enhance their libido.

 

  • Regulate anxiety 

 

When you’re stressed, it’s challenging to feel and reciprocate sexual desire. Anxiety has been shown to exacerbate sexual dysfunction. Anxiety disorders come in a variety of forms, and each person responds to them in different ways. If you suffer from anxiety and are also concerned about your sexuality, it might feel like a double-edged blade, affecting your libido even more. You can deal with anxiety by choosing from an array of treatments such as anti-anxiety medication or natural techniques such as meditation and yoga. You can also listen to music, get a massage, or do an activity that keeps you relaxed and in a good mood.

 

  • Use herbal remedies 

 

Although some natural therapies may boost your libido levels, many are not as effective. The risks outweigh the benefits for some of these therapies, while others may be successful and have adverse side effects. Therefore, it is advisable to use herbal remedies. Several natural herbs and adaptogens (substances that have been found to relieve depression and fatigue) have been shown to increase the production of various hormones, from those responsible for libido to virility and fertility. A commonly known and effective herb is Maca, which is exclusive to Peru. This adaptogenic herb is known to increase endurance, vitality, increased fertility, and increased libido. You can read more about it here- Maca: top benefits of this amazing adaptogenic herb. Ginseng and Ginkgo Biloba are two other herbs that can help you. However, if you want to explore other herb remedies, it is important to research to get the results you hope to achieve. 

 

  • Get good sleep

 

Poor sleep can cause low libido and sexual dysfunction. This is because the body’s internal clock regulates hormone secretion, and sleep patterns are thought to aid the body’s determination of when to produce sex-related hormones. Feeling weary when you get into bed saps your libido. As a result, obtaining enough sleep can help mood, energy levels, and libido. If you have a sleep disorder, talk to your doctor about treatment options. You might try strategies to enhance your sleep habits if you have a smaller problem, such as insomnia from time to time or racing thoughts while you try to sleep.

 

  • Eat balanced and nutritious diets

 

Your sex drive can be boosted by eating a balanced diet that promotes good circulation and heart health while avoiding foods that can lower libido. Physical, sexual function might be affected by metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. The polycystic ovarian syndrome can also impact hormone levels, which can cause libido problems. Eating a diet rich in veggies, low in sugar, and high in lean meats will help you prevent libido issues.

 

  • Regular exercising 

 

Physical activity has many benefits for our bodies, but you can also add a higher sex drive to the list. Increasing libido through exercise has been shown. Positive body self-image, improved cardiovascular health, mood, higher sympathetic nervous system activity, and improved endocrine system activity are just a few ways physical activity might help raise sexual desire. There are no rules regarding what fitness-increasing activities one should undertake if they are exercising to improve their sex drive, just as there are no laws about which forms of exercise are better than none.

 

  • Improving the quality of your relationship

 

The longer you’ve been in a relationship, the more likely it is that you and your spouse or partners’ sexual chemistry has waned. It may be tough to get into the mood to be intimate with your spouse if you don’t feel sexual or thrilled about them. Working on your relationship as a couple can help you resolve this. You can attempt sex therapy, couples counseling, date nights, vacations, or more intentional touching as a pair. You’re more likely to desire to be sexual with your partner if your relationship is emotionally satisfying to you.

 

  • Manage your stresses proficiently 

 

There is nothing more unattractive than a stressed-out body. It’s critical to have a grasp on your stress levels when dealing with low libido. It’s easier to enjoy a sexual experience when we’re relaxed and easygoing. Making lifestyle modifications that lessen stress in your life may be beneficial. You can also try adopting some stress-relieving hobbies, such as regular massages, adequate exercise, and meditation.

5 Ways That Motherhood Takes Its Toll On You

When you start having kids, people try to warn you how tough it can be but we don’t think anyone really warns enough. Yes, we love our kids unconditionally but there is a real toll that it takes on us mothers. Here are some ways that it can take its toll that you might not realize.

motherhood

Your back

During your pregnancy, your back is one of the places that gets it the most, especially at the end. Your back is one of the most important areas of your body and it gets a lot of issues as your pregnancy goes along. In the years that follow, you might need to see a Chiropractor to ensure there is no lasting damage. Plus, lifting your babies is one of the toughest workouts that your back can get and sometimes they can wriggle and hurt your back. 

It can age you

We sometimes wonder if having kids ages us because we feel so tired but it turns out, having kids actually ages you. And we mean this literally. Researchers have discovered that each pregnancy ages a woman’s cells by two years. So, when you are feeling drained after a long day, it’s not in your head, you have actually aged with every pregnancy. With this in mind, you need to get those super fruits into your diet.

Childbirth is painful

This is one of those things that people do try and warn you about but they don’t do a good job of explaining how painful it is. Yes, it is painful but manageable. However, in the days and weeks that follow, you will still feel sore. It is rare that you will be able to skip about like a spring lamb after giving birth. I some cases, you can still feel the pain from stitches years later. It is a good idea to keep an eye on these pains and niggles in case they develop into something else.

It can be lonely

Getting out of the house to see anyone can be tough. And if you are the first of your friends to have a baby, they will not understand what you are dealing with. Over time, you might discover that your friends drift away as you are busy with parenting stuff. We would like to point out, this can be lonely at first but over time, you will make new mom friends. Or your friends will start to join the parenting club too. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other moms if you a feeling the strain of motherhood.

It is expensive

If there is one place that gets hit hard, it is your wallet. Having kids is expensive and at some point, the cost might stop you from having any more. From the medical bills to the stuff that you need for them as a baby, to the items they need for school and their clubs. Having kids is one way to ensure that your savings get a pounding. There are some places that estimate the cost of a child can be as much as $10,000 per year, every year until they are 18 years old. 

8 Things To Teach Your Toddler Before Kindergarden

Preschoolers can be pretty savvy, and their ingenuity can be surprising to some. However, when they are preparing to go to kindergarten for the first time, many parents will inevitably worry about coping with being outside the home for the day.

children's books

Children are more amenable than they are often given credit for; however, it can be helpful to teach your child a few skills before they head off to school for the first time, not only to put your mind at ease but to give them the skills to cope in a world where they are away from their parents for long periods.

Their Name and Address

Most children will be familiar with their local area and can find their way home using regular routes if they are close by. If they become lost, they need to know essential details such as their name, parents’ names, and where they live. The chances of being reunited in an emergency can be increased if they know some minor details about their home life.

Emergency Services

Toddlers these days are super tech-savvy. Teach your child how to call for emergency services if you have an accident at any time but especially when you are alone. Discuss with them about not talking or going with strangers and that the police and emergency services are there to help them if they need it. This way, if there is an issue, they will be comfortable going with police or paramedics should they need to.

Basic Math

Simple math problems and number recognition can boost them when they go to school and help them become accustomed to learning in an educational environment. Remember, young children learn better through play, so making it fun will help them retain what you are teaching them.

Check out these 8 Preschool Math Activities And Ideas For Emerging Learners to help you encourage a love for learning and support their ongoing development.

Vocabulary

Your child will likely be able to form whole sentences or at least four to five-word phrases by the time they’re three years old. Three-year-olds should be able to articulate a vocabulary of at least 250-500 words.

There are far too many words to compile a complete list, but you should expect your toddler to be able to express and understand the following popular terms, phrases, and concepts:

  • Body parts
  • Animal names
  • Relatives names
  • Colors
  • Shapes
  • Directions
  • Weather
  • Feelings

Reading

By the age of three, your child should have a solid understanding of the notion of “reading” a book. The goal is not to have them read the words but to navigate a book using the skills they already have.

It should be possible for them to comprehend what is going on in the book by examining the images. They should realize that letters and words on the page have specific meanings, but they won’t comprehend them.

Independence

Allow your three-year-old to attempt several activities on their own so that they learn, understand, and have the opportunity to make mistakes (within limits, of course).

The only way that a child will learn something is by doing it themselves. While they’re working on the task, lend them a hand. Chances are, your child will already be showing solid signs of independence, and gently guiding them and encouraging this can help them to feel more confident.

At a minimum, your child should be attempting to do the following themselves;

  • Dressing
  • Eating
  • Going to the toilet
  • Wiping small messes
  • Tidying toys away
  • Washing their hands

Art

At age three, children will still love to get stuck in and be creative when drawing with different mediums. Art, whether coloring or painting, is a great visual aid for your child to express themselves. Encourage this as much as possible as the control from using different techniques and products can help them master their fine motor skills, which will help them learn to write.

Exercise

Toddlers love getting out and about and being pretty active. There is no denying they won’t need any encouragement to let off steam at any time of the day or night even!

Helping them to develop their gross motor skills can be hugely beneficial. Try things such as;

  • Throwing and catching a ball
  • Climbing up and down on a jungle gym or climbing frame
  • Hopping/jumping/skipping
  • Balancing

While it is essential to support your child, it is important to remember that all children develop at different rates, and what might be ideal for one child will be wholly unsuitable for someone else. Avoid forcing them to do what you think they should be doing and gently encourage their skills at their pace.

Creating & Maintaining Beautiful Home Exteriors

old house

In the eternal quest to create beautiful and serene lived-in spaces, one could be forgiven for wanting to spend most of our time and financial resources on smartening up the inside of our homes, but we’re all about the holistic nature of things, and that means making sure that the face of our homes is taken care of but also, our gardens.  Now, if you have a million-Pound budget that’s great, we love celebrating with you but even if you don’t there are still a few relatively easily done things that you can do to create that superstar look.

GARDENS AND OUTDOOR SPACES

The secret to a beautiful garden is consistency…and time.  You won’t get your hanging gardens of Babylon overnight but you will get them if you’re prepared to invest a bit of time and money and the great thing about gardens is that you can spend as much or as little as you’d like.  The only difference it’s going to make is how much of the work you have to do yourself (or rope in a willing friend or family member).  You could also turn it into a family-based activity by designating tasks and spaces to different members of your tribe, they’ll be more invested in it and feel like they have a special place to go to, too. A gorgeous garden can also make your home more appealing to future buyers.

LAWNS

Just like an artist stretches, wets and prepares a canvas before painting, so to should you give that same attention to your lawn.  You’ll want to feed your lawn 4 times a year (not just in the spring), keep the height in mind when mowing, it’s as important as the height, water your lawn properly taking care not to overwater some areas, and under service others and make sure that you use premium grass seed.  This is an area that requires some patience and dedication but the rewards, oh so gorgeous!

“What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have never been discovered” – Ralph Waldo Emmerson

Those might sound like encouraging words for when one of your brood is the diamond in the rough type, but you don’t necessarily want wees in your garden.  There is a move in more water-scarce and desert areas to embrace these plants but check with a gardener first if it makes sense for you in your location.

WASH THOSE WALLS

This is a super-easy way to instantly spruce up the exterior of your home and it requires very little effort.  Washing down your outside walls and outside spaces including walkways, paved areas, sheds, and garages will give your home a virtual instant facelift.  It’s also going to tell you in pretty much real-time when it’s time for a new coat of paint.

USE WHAT YOU HAVE, CORRECTLY

So this speaks more to equipment usage than it does to actual decorating or landscaping, but it gets an “honourable mention” anyway and the reason for this is simple: far too many outdoor projects get left behind or not handled correctly because our outdoor equipment isn’t maintained properly.  We’re also mentioning this here because there are even far greater implications – if necessary maintenance work is not conducted in time and in good order, this could have terrible consequences for your home.  So ensure that your equipment is well maintained and you have the necessary parts to fix your outdoor power equipment.

Home Repairs You Can Quickly DIY with No Experience

DIY home repairs

It’s not always easy to know which home repairs you can quickly do on your own with no experience. However, do-it-yourself projects can be a great way to save money, and they also allow you to learn more about how things work in your home. 

So, here is a list of common DIY home repair projects that are surprisingly simple for anyone who wants to take the time and effort.

Repaint Job

Before starting any home repair job, it is essential to identify if you need additional help from a professional to do the project correctly. But you can paint your house yourself. And you should know that some jobs like sanding down the walls before painting and using a roller or paintbrush.

A crucial part of repainting a house is to sand down the walls before applying paint correctly. It will help if you start by removing any baseboard or casing around doors and windows, which will expose more of your wall for proper sanding.

Fix Your AC

You can quickly fix your air conditioning unit by replacing the motor. The first step is to remove the front grill of the AC and inspect it for damage, like dents or cracks in any part of it. If there are damages that you cannot live with, then replace all components, including fan blades, coil fins, and compressor oil caps.

Once you have everything replaced, check to see if it still does not work. If that is the case, make sure all wires are correctly connected and tighten them down with electrical wire nuts. Depending on what’s broken in your AC unit, you can also purchase a new compressor or thermal cut-off switch. It should be easy for most people to complete this repair in less than two hours.

You can also clean the air filter by vacuuming it with a hose or using compressed air to get all the dust and debris out. If you have pets, then be sure to change your filters every three months as they will clog up quickly if not changed regularly due to pet hair. Then, fix your AC in less than two hours with no experience. But if all these seems like a hassle, consider hiring a 24 Hour AC Repair company. 

Leaking Pipes

Leaks can cause a lot of damage to your home;therefore, they must be repaired immediately. However, if you have the right tools and know-how, it is possible to fix leaks in pipes without hiring a plumber (which could cost hundreds or thousands).

The first step when repairing any pipe leak is turning off all water flow to the pipe. This is done by turning off all water to your home at the main shut-off valve. At this point, you should then go outside and turn on a faucet so that any remaining pressure in the pipes will drain out of them. This will allow you to begin working on the pipe.

Once you have removed the cap from your leaking pipe, some debris may be at the bottom, which could cause further problems later on if not taken care of now. Using a wire brush or sandpaper, clean out the inside of your pipe so that it is smooth. 

You can DIY home repairs with no experience by following the steps in this article. However, some projects require more attention than others, and you may want to consider hiring a professional instead. You might also want to avoid some DIY disasters that you may encounter for a smooth sail.

Tips for Sprucing Up Your Home Office

work from home

If you’re not a fan of your home office, chances are it’s time to spruce the place up. A cluttered desk and a messy floor can make any room feel cramped and uninviting. 

With these tips, you’ll be able to transform your space into a clean, fresh environment that will inspire creativity and productivity.

Declutter Your Desk

If you are currently, dealing with a desk that is overly cluttered, there are some things you can do to avoid an organizational nightmare. 

Start by removing knickknacks, papers, and anything else that’s not necessary for your workspace. After that, make sure you have enough room on your desk for everything you need for the day. 

Find an ergonomic desk chair. You want to find one with good back support and armrests for comfort. This will allow you to sit up straight and avoid slouching which can lead to neck pain and other problems down the line. You can also try using an ergonomic laptop riser to make things easier on your eyes, neck, and back.

Make Sure Everything Is In Its Place

Use file folders for loose documents such as notes, drafts of blog posts, and other reference materials to keep papers off the surface of your desk.

Use a filing cabinet to store important tax records or urgent documents that you need on hand at all times, but don’t necessarily need within arms reach each day. 

Add Artwork to Your Walls

If you’re feeling tired of looking at your old work posters, consider hanging up some art on the wall that makes you happy. Make sure you really enjoy looking at it though. 

Try hanging up a screen-printed poster of your favorite song lyrics. There are some great websites that sell affordable art prints of photos and song lyrics from indie artists who hand-make them! 

Let Light In

Clean any windows in the room, which will help bring in natural light and eliminate glare from computer screens.

A lot of people find that their home office is not conducive to productivity because it’s too dark or they can’t concentrate due to distracting noises. It’s important to make sure you’ve done everything you can to create an environment where you’ll be more productive.

Add Some Color

Color is proven to affect mood and productivity levels. Changing the color scheme of your office décor might help relieve stress and increase productivity levels. 

Use a neutral or soothing color that won’t clash with any existing furniture or decorations, to avoid creating a cluttered look.

Add Plants that Naturally Filter Out Toxins

Adding plants to your home office can increase air quality and provide a soothing mood boost. Plants like rhododendrons, spider plants, and peace lilies are scientifically proven to purify the air while you work.

Even if you don’t add these purifying plants, add some beauty to the decor with some of your favorite plants.

Get Your Office Looking It’s Best

By applying all the tips and tricks given here you can get your office looking its best in no time. All you have to do is decide where you want to start. Once you decide how to start making changes, do a little at a time until you get the desired look.

Too Lazy to Workout? Time To Change Your Fitness Game With These Amazing Tips

It’s easy to be lazy. It’s even easier when you’re tired, sore, or just not feeling it. But if you want that beach body before summer arrives, then now is the time to start taking action! There are many ways to get motivated and stay on track; here’s a list of tips for those who need help getting started.

weight lifting

Master the Basics of Exercising

The first step is to master the basics of exercising. The more you know about how your body works, where it’s coming from, and what happens when you work out harder or longer, the better equipped you will be to take on a new fitness journey! 

Working out for many people means going for long runs at night because that’s what they have always done. However, if this does not give them pleasure, they are less likely to continue with their workout regimen over time, resulting in them becoming unfit quickly.

When starting a routine, do some research online. For example, you can check out this site https://steelsupplements.com/blogs/steel-blog/7-best-lower-chest-workouts-for-pec-definition-1 for some fantastic lower body exercises.

Also, you can watch some YouTube videos or read online tutorials to understand each exercise and how it works for your body.

The more knowledge about different exercises you have – the better! 

Consider Exercises You Enjoy

Considering the exercises that you enjoy is going to be a considerable part of the whole process. 

It is going to help you enjoy your workout and get more out of it. If there are things that you hate doing at the gym, do not feel like you have to force yourself through them- instead, find exercises that work for you! 

There are so many options here; take a look around at different types of workouts online until something catches your eye! Today, there are so many kinds of exercises. For example, you can choose to work out by running outside or lifting weights in a gym. If you don’t like the idea of either option, then consider other forms of exercise such as biking or swimming, which might be something that interests you more.

Play Music While Working Out

Music is a great way to pass the time and stay motivated. For example, a study in Psychology of Music found that listening to upbeat music before working out can help people work harder during exercise, while slower tunes have the opposite effect; slowing down your workout routine. But, of course, if you’re short on cash or don’t want anyone else involved with picking your jams, there are plenty of apps available for download which let you create playlists from songs stored on your phone!

Consider choosing a playlist that matches your energy level.

Read Inspiration Fitness Journeys To Stay Motivated

Reading inspirational fitness journeys can help keep you motivated and inspired to work out. This can be very important if you are trying to find some fun new ways of exercising to keep your workouts interesting and exciting for many years to come.

For instance, if you are a runner or enjoy running in the park, reading about other people’s inspirational fitness journeys may inspire you to find new trails and routes that can help keep your workouts fun. This is also perfect for staying motivated by seeing excellent results from following these exercises over time.

You could even read some inspirational fitness journeys before starting with any strenuous workout routine so that it keeps things interesting while helping you avoid getting bored.

Have a Workout Partner

This is an excellent tip for anyone who needs support to stay motivated. 

You can work out with your family or partner and even bribe them with some reward if they help keep you on track! Plus, it’s nice being able to share the experience. You can work out together or even split up different exercises, so no one gets bored! 

Having friends at the gym could help make workouts more enjoyable too. Plus, it makes working out just like hanging with friends, which is always good.

Consider Hiring a Fitness Coach 

A fitness coach is one solution for your fitness journey – this is an individual who makes exercise plans, gives you feedback on your workouts, and provides nutritional guidance. Not only will you be more accountable for showing up to the gym, but a trainer can also keep you motivated throughout your journey by pushing harder than what would have been possible with just yourself! 

If hiring one seems too expensive or time-consuming, there are many other options available such as joining a group class at a gym that offers free sessions, asking friends to work out together, or even checking out YouTube channels.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several tips and tricks to help you get started or reinvigorate your workout routine. Working out doesn’t have to be a chore! Consider these options before resorting back to the couch.