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Collaborative Post | Thinking of adding a furry friend to your life but worried your golden years might not be the perfect time? Think again! Dogs offer company, unconditional love, and a reason to get out and about, making them fantastic companions at any age. The joys of ownership don't reduce in later life, but here's what you need to be aware of before making a decision. Choosing the right breed When getting a pup, you must bear in mind your lifestyle and physical capabilities. An energetic Labrador might not be the best fit for someone who enjoys short and leisurely walks. Instead, look for breeds that match your activity level. Many smaller breeds or senior hounds are lower maintenance and enjoy calmer environments. For example, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Shih Tzus are known for their more relaxed temperaments and suitability for a slower pace of life. Consider the age of the dog Shelters are brimming with wonderful older dogs looking for loving homes. Unfortunately, the majority of potential owners prefer to get a puppy they can integrate with a young family. However, there are many benefits to adopting a pooch with a few more years under its belt. Senior dogs are usually already house-trained and toilet-trained, which means less effort for you. They're also likely to fit better with any changes in your lifestyle. Getting the necessary equipment Preparing your home involves investing in some essential items. Ensure you have food and water bowls, a sturdy leash or harness, a collar, and waste disposal bags. Puppy gates can be helpful for training or keeping them contained in certain areas, regardless of their age. A large, cushioned dog bed is crucial, especially if they’re older or have joint issues, and you may need elevated bows to prevent neck strain. Consider any comfort or mobility aids they might need to help them navigate your home and relax. Ensuring they get enough exercise Regardless of the breed, they will require some form of exercise, which is a fantastic motivator to get you out of the house and exploring. This increase in exercise can improve your physical health but it’s important to know your limits, particularly if you suffer from health concerns. Start by going on regular walks and up the distance if both you and your canine companion are up for it. If you struggle to go on walks, you could always play fetch in the back garden or set up an obstacle course. And there’s no harm in asking your friends, family, or a dog-walking professional to step in and help every so often. Disclaimer: this is a collaborative post.
Collaborative Post | Adventurers far and wide have long descended on the Golden State in search of exhilarating drives and world-class stop-offs. Whether you indulge in the inimitable charm of Route 66 or take on the Pacific Coast Highway, California is home to some of the most heavenly stretches of road on the planet – making it a road-tripper’s dream. Although it’s very much about the journey here, the destinations are just as special. If you’re looking for itinerary inspiration, here are three of the most spectacular stops to consider.  Photo by anna breaux on Unsplash Carmel-by-the-SeaCalifornia and beaches go hand in hand, so it’s only right you take a little detour to a sandy stretch or two when exploring this stunning state. One of its most beautiful beaches can be found in the city of Carmel in Monterey County. Time it right and you’ll be treated to one of the most dramatic sunsets in the region – but quite honestly, there isn’t a bad time to park up and explore this seaside gem. There are plenty of activities to be enjoyed: surfing is a particular favourite amongst locals. Or, you can simply kick back on the silvery sands and soak up the sun – exactly how California was made to be enjoyed. There is free street parking along nearby roads, so put the handbrake on and let yourself go in this truly spectacular setting. Death ValleyCalifornia is home to nine of the country’s most beautiful national parks. From the ancient trees of Sequoia to the raw, wild beauty of Yosemite, these natural wonders are impossible to ignore. These areas are often best enjoyed on foot, but if you’re looking to discover one of America’s best natural attractions from the comfort of your car, head to Death Valley – the biggest national park in the contiguous United States. With over 300 miles of paved roads laid out across the expansive landscape – which includes plenty of twists, turns and steep drop-offs – driving through Death Valley is truly an experience like no other. While the name shouldn’t be a deterrent, you certainly need to take note of the potential hazards here, and make safety a top priority when visiting. For the unprepared, it can be a dangerous place – not least due to the exceedingly high temperatures often felt here. Expert advice suggests bringing two spare tyres and plenty of food and water when visiting this scorching corner of the country.  Photo by Markus Lauff on Unsplash Alcatraz IslandSwap out the car for a ferry and head across San Francisco Bay to one of the world’s most infamous prisons. With plenty of exhibits, presentations and tours, you can easily spend an entire afternoon exploring this fascinating place. It’s worth noting that – in true San Francisco style – parking for the ferry can be difficult. The NPS advises heading to one of the 15 commercial parking lots within a five-mile radius of Alcatraz Landing. It’s important to also remember that the daily timings for the last ferry change with the seasons, and tickets to the island go on sale 90 days in advance – so make sure you’re organised to avoid disappointment. A sun-soaked driveThis stunning state is undoubtedly one of the best road trip destinations in the world. With so much variety at every turn, you’ll never be short of places to take a well-deserved break from the driving. Plan your itinerary carefully, but allow some room for spontaneity too, and you’ll be left to enjoy the road trip of a lifetime in this jewel of the west coast. Get more road trip inspiration by visiting my other travel blog posts!  Photo by Christian Garcia on Unsplash Disclaimer: this is a collaborative post. Collaborative Post | Bathroom design is a process that requires the consideration of style, practicality, and creativity. This space is usually characterised by a wall panel which is a significant feature that alters the appearance of the space. Bathroom wall panels have gone through a drastic change and are in line with the modern trends and innovations. Here are some of the most popular trends that are currently being seen in homes of the present time.  Photo by Chastity Cortijo on Unsplash Embracing natural materialsMore and more people are interested in the wall panels made from natural materials. Wood and stone finishes give a natural touch to the interior design and create a peaceful atmosphere. These materials not only give the bathroom an aesthetic touch but also a sensory feeling which makes the bathroom more enjoyable. Luxurious marble finishesMarble is still one of the most popular materials that never goes out of style and looks elegant. Current trends have included marble-look wall panels that give the appearance of real marble at a fraction of the cost and with no maintenance. These panels are available in different shades and patterns of veining, which makes it possible to get panels that match the client’s preferences. Bold geometric patternsGeometry is a style that is becoming quite popular in today’s bathroom designs. The walls have large panels with strong graphic patterns to give the interior a modern look. Hexagons, chevrons, and mosaic patterns are some of the examples of these designs that give a modern and classical look at the same time. Metallic accentsThe use of metallic accents in the bathroom wall panels is a trend that gives the touch of the elegant and the contemporary. Gold, brass, and copper are some of the metals that can be used to accent certain parts or even the entire wall. These accents create a cosy feeling and provide light, thus improving the atmosphere of the bathroom. Seamless and large-format panelsThe principles of minimalism have made the smooth, large format wall panels widely used in the market. These panels minimize the number of joints and seams, thus giving a clean and smooth appearance. They are most useful in small bathrooms where the room can be made to look and feel bigger and less cramped. Customisable prints and texturesIndividuality is the trend of the day when it comes to interior design. Modern bathroom wall panels are now available with the option of having prints and textures of the owner’s choice. This means that there is a design for every bathroom from the floral prints to the abstract arts to make every bathroom unique. Sustainable and eco-friendly optionsMore and more people are becoming conscious about the environment and this includes the bathroom. There are new wall panels that are made from recycled materials or from the materials that are sourced in a sustainable manner. These panels do not only have a positive effect on the environment but also provide durability and a contemporary design. Smart technology integrationSmart technology in the bathroom is a concept that has become popular in the recent past and is expected to continue growing. Wall panels are no longer just for decoration, they also have touch sensitive controls, built in lighting and even screens. These innovations improve the utility and give the bathroom a modern touch. High-gloss finishesFor the more dramatic and elegant, high-gloss wall panels are a great option. These panels are quite sleek and they are capable of reflecting light to give an illusion of a larger space. High-gloss finishes come in different colors so that one can easily match the finish with the rest of the bathroom accessories. Vintage and retro inspirationsHowever, contemporary designs are still the most popular, but vintage and retro styles are also gaining popularity. These designs evoke the feeling of nostalgia and cuteness, including features like traditional tiles, soft pastel hues, and elaborate patterns. The vintage panels provide a classic look with modern practicality.
The changes in the bathroom wall panels can be seen as a part of the general tendencies of the development of design and technology. From the natural ones to the smart ones, these panels are crucial in designing today’s aesthetic and efficient bathroom environments. Thus, the homeowners can turn their bathrooms into personal retreats that will truly represent their personalities and needs. Disclaimer: this is a collaborative post. |
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