Haru is the first to check all our parcels when we bring them in from the lobby after delivery. She sniffs them and then gets another new ‘toy’. Her favorite toys are always boxes, bubble wraps, plastic bags and strings. Last week I ordered a scratch post toy for her from Shopee but that did not hold her interest for long. After a few days, the scratch post is now left outside her cage, untouched.
No. of times viewed = 23
All of this time spent at home over the last year has got you thinking that you’d quite like to try the homesteader lifestyle, right?
Well, there’s no better way to see if homesteading is a good option for you than to get started on your vegetable garden and to install a nice new chicken coop for your first batch of livestock!
Raising chickens is often the first livestock animal people take on, mainly because they are relatively easy and cheap to take care of, as well as fun to look at and watch running around your yard.
Here are five things you should consider before you go out to get your new hens.
Chickens are like mini dinosaurs; in fact, they’re one of the closest living relatives we have to dinosaurs, and you can see this by looking at their feet!
Dinosaurs they may be, but if you want to get a good and regular supply of eggs from your chooks, you’ll need to feed the right diet to keep them digesting easily.
Other than that, chickens can eat most kitchen scraps as supplemental food.
It will come as no surprise that chicken feed attracts rodents such as rats and mice. Unfortunately, while mice are cute and fairly harmless, rats are not so much fun in your garden.
Keep all chicken feed in sealed drums, and mix in some chili flakes to deter rats (chickens can’t taste chili). If you have a pest problem, search for a local pest control service near you, such as pest control Kidderminster, to get a handle on the problem before it gets too bad.
Not very far, and not very well, but chickens can fly, and they can fly faster than you can run!
Clip chickens’ flight feathers on both wings, but leave 2-3 feathers on the wingtips to help them glide when they do end up getting into something they shouldn’t have because chickens can jump too!
Not only can chickens jump incredible heights and then flap enough to get some lift, but they can also burrow and dig pretty well too!
There’s nothing wrong with keeping your chickens near your vegetable garden in the “working end” of your yard, but you best be sure you fence off your growing area from your chickens if you’re letting them free-range because they will destroy any seedling they get their beaks onto.
Just like any mother, broody hens can be very protective over their eggs and newly hatched chicks.
You’ll need to keep an eye out for a broody hen and be sure that she has her own little private coop and run when she is sitting on fertilized eggs.
Hens will take an hour or so off of egg sitting every day for food and water, but other than that, they will peck, hiss, and growl at you if you try to move them or their eggs while they’re sitting.
No. of times viewed = 13
It’s always nice to make some changes to your living space, whether it’s getting some fancy new appliances for your kitchen, a gorgeous new bathroom suite, or converting your attic into a spare bedroom or home office. There are plenty of home improvements that can help to add value to your property, but if you’re working with a limited budget and still want to make a bit of a change to your living space, here are five stylish updates that are much more affordable.
1. New Drapes – It’s easy to forget about the drapes or blinds on your windows. They aren’t exactly the first thing that catches your eye when you walk into a room (unless there is some interesting or hideous pattern on them!) However, never underestimate the power of stylish drapes and how they can alter the feel of the room. They frame your windows and can help to keep out the cold, as well as providing you with some much-needed privacy. Thick drapes are best for the latter two points, but some lighter material can help inspire an airier feel to a room. You can also use your drapes as a way to add some color if your living room is painted in more neutral tones.
2. Fresh Artwork – Bare walls always feel cold and clinical, so brighten up any room of the house with some carefully selected artwork. Again, this can be a great way to add some color to rooms that have neutral tones or can add even more fun to an already vibrant space. Whether it’s some cool photography, a stunning landscape, or a modern minimalist piece, you should be able to find some artistic design that suits your style. Adding some fresh indoor plants can also help to spruce up any living space; just remember to water them!
3. New Floors – Another affordable way to breathe new life into your home is by changing your flooring. Whether you want to put down tiles, carpets, laminate, or hardwood floors, it could dramatically change the appearance of a room. You might even want to get a stair runner for something a bit different if you like the way they look. Just visit flooring specialists like Aflooringboutique.co.uk if you want to see some examples and to get further advice.
4. New Kitchen or Bathroom Tiles – Beautiful kitchen or bathroom tiles are another little-known desirable feature in properties. Hand-painted tiles, in particular, are gorgeous to look at and add some personality to your home. They fit in best with period properties or Mediterranean style décor. This is also a job you might be able to do yourself if you are good at DIY, but if in doubt, always call a professional to do it for you for the best results.
5. New Bedroom Furniture – Your bedroom is a private haven where you can hide away from the world. There is nothing more satisfying than getting into a bed with fresh sheets after a long day, snuggling down to get some well-earned rest. This is why your bedroom should always feel luxurious, whether you have the budget for it or not. If you want to revamp this space but can’t afford to redecorate entirely, invest in a new furniture suite to make a change instead.
If you want to refresh your living space without breaking the bank, consider these five stylish and affordable updates to make a bit of a change.
No. of times viewed = 14
Nowadays, parents struggle to keep their kids busy and engaged without sitting them down in front of a television or putting a smartphone in their hands. While some forms of electronic media can be enriching, too much screen time can negatively affect children. Here are four ways to keep your child entertained the old-fashioned, screen-free way.
Interactive board games are a great way to entertain children while teaching them valuable life skills. Through low-stakes, friendly competition, your child can learn how to win and lose with sportsmanship and grace. Additionally, board games can be used as fun tools to teach children how to follow rules and directions.
Reading stimulates brain development and promotes future academic and financial success. Help your child master the art of reading by providing them with books that align with their interests. Take at least twenty minutes out of your day to sit down and take turns reading aloud with your child.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children aged between 6 and 17 years get at least 60 minutes of exercise each day. Playing outside allows children to freely run, jump, and tumble. Being in the outdoors may also get them interested in nature, which could lead to a passion for science in the future. A little mud and dirt never hurt anyone.
A pile of scrap paper, a box of crayons, and some glue sticks can go a long way. Crafting encourages creativity in young people, especially since they are still figuring out what they like, what they dislike, and how they see the world. Let your child get wild with their creations. Rather than toss out used items like bottle caps, spare cardboard, or bent paperclips, recycle them into craft supplies.
Children’s entertainment should be engaging, enriching, and educational—and, of course, fun. Don’t let your child become fixated on screens. Encourage them to use their imagination, play pretend, and explore their surroundings.
No. of times viewed = 36
Your home can impact your physical health and affect your emotional wellbeing. An unclean living environment can lead to illness or injury, while a clean and hygienic home will promote good health and wellness. Fortunately, there are many ways to achieve and maintain a healthy home. Here are four tips for a healthy living environment:
1. Follow a cleaning schedule
Cleaning your home regularly is a fundamental part of keeping it healthy. You should follow a consistent cleaning schedule and keep your living environment hygienic and sanitized. Daily cleaning tasks should involve making your bed, putting rubbish in the bin, wiping down kitchen surfaces, and washing up dishes. According to bobvilla.com, you should do the following cleaning chores every week: disinfect your sink, clean your microwave, and sweep your floors.
You can also purchase innovative products to help keep your home clean and risk-free. For example, granitetransformations.co.uk offers innovative kitchen worktop covers that are mold and mildew resistant and come with built-in Microban® antibacterial technology. This reduces the growth of bacteria 24/7 and helps you keep your kitchen surfaces hygienic between cleans. The bonus of replacing your worktops with these is that your kitchen gets a mini makeover too!
2. Keep your home pest-free
Pests problems are extremely common, and surveys reveal that 84% of homeowners experienced pests in the past 12 months. Many pests like rats and cockroaches carry diseases that can harm your health. This is why you must act quickly if you notice signs of a pest problem in your home.
Common signs of a pest infestation include droppings, scratch marks, and evidence of nesting. Contact a professional pest removal company if you suspect that pests have invaded your home. You can reduce your risk of pests by sealing gaps, keeping your home tidy, and avoiding leaving food out.
3. Open your windows
You should ventilate your home to reduce the number of contaminants and bacteria in your living environment. Open your windows and doors regularly to eliminate odors and supply your rooms with fresh air.
You should invest in a quality air purifier if you are unable to open your windows regularly e.g., because you live in a cold climate. An air purifier will remove pollutants, allergens, and odors from your home and improve indoor air quality.
4. Use natural cleaners
Most conventional household cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can harm your health. Limit your exposure to toxic ingredients by using natural household cleaners. You can make your own cleaning products using household staples like cider vinegar, rubbing alcohol, baking soda, and lemon juice. For instance, mix baking soda and water to create an effective oven cleaner. DIY natural cleaning solutions will keep your living environment hygienic and minimize health risks for you and your family.
Summary
Your home can contain potentially harmful elements like dust, chemicals, and bacteria. You must keep your home clean and maintain good hygiene standards to minimize the risk of illness or infections. Follow these tips to keep your home healthy and create a safe living environment for your family.
No. of times viewed = 7
