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Love animals? There are a few obvious ideas when it comes to days out involving animals. Going to the zoo or visiting an aquarium is always a fun day out. Alternatively, you could try looking into farms in your area that are available to visit. 

But what about something a little different? There are a few quirkier options for when you fancy something more unique. Below are just a few great ideas to consider.

Dog show

Dog shows are held throughout the year across the country. It could be worth checking if there’s one local to you coming up in the near future. A canine entertainment show could be a great event for all the family (especially if you love dogs) – this is a great opportunity to watch dogs performing stunts and routines. There are also competitive events that you can attend (you could even consider entering your dog). Throughout summer, you can even find dog-themed festivals. Make sure to book tickets for these events well in advance as they can sell out. 

Horse riding

Another option could be to try some horse riding. This could be a horse riding tour in which you explore a scenic route. Alternatively, it could be a horse riding lesson in which you learn the basics of commanding a horse. Such an activity is great for all the family – many stables will have smaller horses or donkeys for kids to ride. If you’ve never rode a horse, it’s definitely something worth trying. Book in advance in order to secure a slot as such activities can be quite popular.

Cat cafe

Looking for somewhere unique to grab some lunch? A cat cafe could be an option. Cat cafes have become a lot more popular in recent years and can be found in many cities. As the name suggests, they are cafes that are full of free-roaming cats that you can pet and play with. This is obviously a great experience for cat lovers. You usually have to book quite far in advance for these cafes, so bear this in mind. 

Owl walk

This is less of a ‘day’ out and more of a night activity. Owl walks are guided tours in which you can grab the opportunity to spot owls in the wild. They’re regularly held all across the country – usually in rural areas like forests where this is known to be a significant population. Owl walks may be combined with evening birds-of-prey display events in some cases. Look online for owl walks in your area. 

Bug hunt

If you don’t mind bugs and you’ve got young kids, a fun and free idea could be to go on a bug hunt. The aim of a bug hunt is to try and spot as many different bugs as you can. Forests are great places for going on a bug hunt as you can find all kinds of unique bugs here. You could make it a group challenge or a competitive event.

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If you’re going to be doing lots of driving this winter, it could be a good idea to carry out a few winter checks on your car first. These checks could be important for your comfort and safety. Below are just some of the ways to make sure your car is ready.

Consider switching to winter tires

Winter tires are built to have more grip. This means less risk of skidding when it comes to slippery and icy roads. You could also find it a lot easier to drive in the snow. 

If you live somewhere that gets very cold winters and there’s a high chance of ice or snow, it could be a good idea to invest in some winter tires. Spend some time shopping around to find the best deals (don’t wait until December when the prices are likely to increase). 

Make sure that you’re not driving on very worn tires. If the tread depth on your current tires is very low, it could be a good idea to buy some new tires. You don’t necessarily have to buy winter tires, but you should certainly buy fresh tires if your current ones are very worn to prevent the risk of an accident.

Make sure the heating is working

Now that the cold weather is setting in, many of us will be using our car heating more regularly. Make sure your heating is working properly – you shouldn’t have to grin and bear the cold.

Look for an automotive repair company that specializes in car heating. Check that features such as your car’s demister controls are also working. 

Check the battery

Car battery failure is a lot more common in winter. The cold weather affects your car’s liquid electrolyte solution causing it to work slower. Combined with the more taxing battery usage in the colder months, this can cause batteries to wear out.

Your battery is more likely to die if there are already battery issues. It could be worth testing your car battery to check that it is healthy. Try to regularly drive your car throughout the winter as this will also help to keep the battery charged.

Know when to replace headlights

Shorter daylight hours and harsher weather could result in you using your headlights more frequently. You should check that your headlights are not on their way out before winter sets in. 

If you’ve noticed your headlights starting to flicker or if they seem quite dim, it could be a sign that the bulbs need to be replaced. 

Grab some de-icer spray

For those mornings when you need to quickly de-ice your windows, it’s useful to have some de-icer spray handy. This will make removing all that ice a lot easier than simply having to scrape away.

You should check that you’ve also got a scraper in your car. This will save you having to improvise with a bank card or another object. 

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Countertops are a major feature in a kitchen. If you’re planning to replace your current countertops, there are a few factors you may want to consider before choosing a new one. Below are just some of the main factors to consider when choosing a kitchen countertop. 

Appearance

A big factor for people is often appearance. Different countertop materials can provide different looks and textures. Wood tends to be a great rustic option for giving your kitchen a natural touch. Metals like steel and copper can provide a shiny industrial look. Stone materials such as granite, marble and quartz can provide an earthy luxury look. Then there are synthetic options, which are available in an endless selection of colors and textures. Make sure that the look of the material matches the general style of your kitchen – if the rest of your kitchen decor is very rustic, you may want to stick to a rustic countertop option rather than choosing something synthetic.

Cost

Some countertop materials are a lot more expensive than others. It’s important to consider your budget when choosing a countertop. Luxury stone materials like marble and granite tend to be the most top-end options. The most affordable options tend to be synthetic options. It’s worth noting that you can buy partially synthetic countertops that mimic the appearance of granite and marble for a fraction of the price – these could be a good option if you’ve got your heart set on granite or marble, but you can’t afford either.

Size/shape

If you’re undertaking some major kitchen remodeling, you may want to think beyond simply replacing your current countertop. This could be a chance to completely change the layout of your kitchen. If your countertop space is currently quite limited, consider whether there could be ways of increasing countertop space. By extending or rearranging the room, you may be able to consider adding a longer countertop with a breakfast bar or possibly an island. Carefully consider the depth of your countertops – most countertops are between 24 and 26 ½ inches. 

Durability

Certain countertop materials are more durable than others. If you’re going to be using your countertop regularly and you want it to last for years, you may want to factor in durability. Quartz is known to be one of the toughest materials – it’s scratch-resistant and stain-resistant. Metal materials won’t stain but can scratch easily. Wood will scratch and stain unless laminated. Synthetic options like Corian are much more likely to get damaged over time and tend to have a shorter life than other countertop options. 

Maintenance

You can preserve certain countertop materials by regularly refinishing them. A ‘butcher’s block’ wooden worktop can be kept in good condition by oiling it and sanding it. Stone materials like granite should ideally be sealed regularly to keep them from getting stained and discolored. Materials like quartz are known to require very little maintenance. You should consider how low-maintenance you’d like your countertop to be – neglecting maintenance could negatively affect the appearance of your countertop over time. 

There are plenty of things that can go wrong in your home. But there are some that are worse than others. Take mold, for example. That’s in a league of its own when it comes to homeowner problems. It can have a truly detrimental impact on the quality of a property, to the degree that it can even cause the value of the home to dip. Plus, it can be inconvenient to get rid of. Of course, you can get rid of it, but the best method is to stop it from developing in the first place. In this blog, we’ll look at some of the best methods for keeping it out of your home. Follow these tips, and you’ll be much more likely to have a mold-free property! 

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Handle Water Leaks

The key to keeping mold away is to keep water out of your home. If it’s in your house, then you’ll run the risk of mold — that’s just a fact. The most common source of mold in the house is a water leak. So it’s important that you handle any pipe issues as soon as you’re aware of them. The faster you act, the less volume of water you’ll need to clean up. Some people can overlook a very minor leak since it’s not pooling into a sea of water, but that’s a mistake. 

Watertight Problem Areas

You can get mold anywhere on your property, but there are some areas that are more problematic than others. These are the ones where mold is more likely to develop. The most common places for water to accumulate are the basement, attic, and crawl space. It’s important to waterproof these areas as best you can and to handle any issues as soon as possible. Working with someone who specializes in basement and crawl space repair might just save you a big mold problem later on down the line. We can’t say that you’ll avoid all mold problems if these places are fine, but you’ll be much less likely to encounter an issue. 

Home Infrastructure

If you’re in a position where you get to choose the materials for your home’s infrastructure, then you’ll be able to choose mold-resistant products. There’s never just one material you can use in a home; there are plenty! And some attract mold, while others keep it at bay. There’s even paint that resists mold. 

Ventilate Your Home

You may be attracting mold to your home without even realizing it. Everyday activities such as washing laundry, taking a shower, and cooking can produce a lot of moisture. And if that moisture has nowhere to go, then it’ll just sit in your home — and, over time, may develop into mold. The solution is simple: ventilate your property! If you can do that, then the moisture will have somewhere to go. It’s especially important to have ventilation in areas that are prone to mold, such as the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry area, plus any other rooms where you have a lot of moisture. 

Avoid materials that attract mold

Look at the surfaces where mold tends to grow, as well. For instance, if you find the mold is growing on your ceiling, this is common due to the fact that heat rises and the warm, moist air from a shower will get caught by it. However, you can use anti-mold paint to paint over the ceiling, which can prevent growth there. Similarly, bathroom wall panels are much less likely to attract mold as tiles are, so if you are looking for plastic bathroom wall cladding, Floors to Walls is a good site. Unlike tiles, there’s no grout of space between panels for mold to gather, and it’s not going to stick the moisture-resistant panels, themselves.

Moving into a new home is a thrilling experience, especially if it is your first home. But, it also throws up some new things to think about. What furniture and home accessories do you need? Who do you need to contact about your new address and so on? But the aspects of safety and security should always be at the top of the priority list.

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With a new home, you can enjoy a completely new life safe in the knowledge that your home is safe and secure providing you with peace of mind. 

These tips can help to make sure your new home is safe and secure when you move in.

Call Professionals

The majority of first-time buyers are clueless about how to keep their new home safe and secure. If this is the case, you should seek guidance from professionals who can guide you through the process of making the necessary modifications to your new house.

You should be aware that if you purchase an older house or apartment, there may be materials in the structure that are hazardous to the health and well-being of everyone who lives in the home or apartment. A construction specialist should be hired to inspect dangerous materials such as lead paint, combustible items, and asbestos if you do not have the necessary skills and experience in the building trades yourself.

Ask an electrician to check your entire home’s electrical system too. Electricians will advise and execute adjustments for you. Don’t forget to include the plumbing too as leaks can cause massive problems within the home.

Change The Locks

You might feel better calling a professional to change the locks for you. A-1 Locksmith can have a new set of keys so you can increase security and remove the risk of any old keyholders accessing your new home.

The same goes for any internal locks and locks for garages etc. too. If your home has been lived in before, you do not know the entire history, and therefore you are well within your rights to change the locks when you buy a new home to prevent unwanted access.

Security Lighting

Criminals often identify a new home or one standing empty for a while as a prime target. These crooks desire to remain hidden. Installing suitable indoor and outdoor lighting systems is another safety recommendation when moving. Eighty-eight percent of burglars will avoid breaking into a well-lit dwelling.

Outdoor lighting can be left on all night. Sensor-activated lighting systems are available to prevent undesirable intruders. Automated indoor smart lighting cna offer extra security too especially when you aren’t physically there. This makes it appear occupied even when it isn’t.

Your front door should also be brightly lit too. When the doorbell rings, you want to know who is at your door.

Secure Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are significant parts of any home, and they are also the most vulnerable components of a house too. Burglars typically gain access to a property through windows and doors. Remember to reinforce windows and doors when you move into a new apartment or place to make break-ins less likely to get entry to your home or business.

Check Your Heating

A well-functioning heating system makes a house a more comfortable and enjoyable place to live in overall. Make sure, however, that the current heating system in your new home is safe and that it is powered by fuel that will not cause health problems for you and your family members. For example, check that the energy being used does not emit hazardous odors and that there are no leaks of gas or oil present. If there is a problem with the heating system, it may be prudent to replace it with a safer and more energy-efficient one.

Meet The Neighbours

When you first move into a new home, take a stroll around the neighborhood. Say hi to people who live in your immediate vicinity. And, if at all feasible, become friends with your next-door neighbors. They will assist you with protecting your home while you are gone on business and will look after your plants and pets while you are away. Making new friends and getting to know your neighbors can also assist in developing ties and building trust, which can result in a more pleasant and peaceful neighborhood.

Moving into a new home can present its challenges, but knowing what to expect and what to focus on can help you turn into your dream home that is safe and secure for you to live in happily.

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Everyone should know the best ways to keep your home in good condition and ensure it looks perfect, ready for surprise drop-ins from friends and family. But this isn’t enough for some homeowners. After a while, they realize that there are parts of their house that need an upgrade. They notice a mark here or a stain there and feel compelled to change it. These changes needn’t be large-scale renovations, and there are plenty of ways you can upgrade your home. 

Touch Up The Paint and Varnish 

As the years go by, the paint around your doors and banisters chips away. This is through no fault of your own, it’s always an accident. But, just because it’s an accident shouldn’t mean you don’t do something about it/. A fresh coat of paint around these areas will refresh the home, while a coat of varnish can add a sleek sheen that will also protect the paint in the future. Besides these areas, wooden tables and even the doors themselves could also benefit from some varnish to bring your home’s style back.

Replace The Fixtures and Hardware 

If you haven’t replaced the hardware in your home since you moved in, now is the time. Suppose you want to upgrade their style or even change it entirely, there are plenty of fixtures and hardware you can find that adds something different to your home. Brushed metals such as brass are popular right now, whereas chrome is something you might want to install if you are looking for a contemporary design. Replacing everything will only take a few hours at most, so think about how it could benefit your home. 

Reseal and Secure the Windows 

Once the temperature plummets, you’ll notice a chill around your house. Sometimes, this chill comes from old sealant that has peeled away, making the area around your windows ineffective. This can affect energy efficiency and even demand later mosquito control in the summer if you don’t have screens on your windows. You may not need to do this to all windows, but it’s worth checking each one so you know where the sealant has degraded the most. 

Get Rid Of Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew are unavoidable in some cases. No matter how well you keep your home ventilated, there may still be a few black spots sprouting. Typically, these are nothing to worry about, and you can even test for mold to make sure it’s what you think it is. However, you mustn’t let this get out of hand, so cleaning up this mold and mildew as quickly as possible will prevent a wide range of problems. You can also consider why the mold has grown and learn how to avoid it occurring again. If you dry clothes next to the window, open it so the moisture can escape rather than rise. 

The Little Things 

Sometimes, the little things make a considerable difference to your home. If you believe your home looks and feels a little tired and worn out, think about how these changes could improve the style and atmosphere. They are cheap and easy, meaning you can make your home feel better without busting your budget.