Author: TxsxWJPblV

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10 Tips For Healthy School Lunches

1. Shop and prep

It can be exhausting for any parent to spend endless amounts of time cutting sandwiches and stacking lunchboxes every week. A simple way to save time is to make preparations on Sunday night – purchase food in bulk and pre-make meals and snacks for the week ahead. If you are not sure where to start, begin by planning with your family and ask them what they would like to see in a healthy lunchbox. If they are able to pitch in and help you for the week ahead, that’s even better. 

2. Plan

A simple way to plan the week is to write a list on the back of the fridge. Categorise your food into snacks, sandwiches, and fruit and make a checklist so that you have the refrigerator well stocked. Tie this in with your weekly shop or online food delivery.

3. Store

Currently up to 1/3 of food is wasted in Australian kitchens, and much of this can be attributed to food not being properly organized and stored in the fridge. Make sure you keep fresh produce in air-tight containers and label them clearly. This will help food stay fresher and last longer, and will shorten your food preparation time during the week.

4. Freeze

Many foods can be well preserved with freezing – all types of bread rolls and grain substitutes stay fresh when frozen, as do fresh fruits such as berries and sliced mango. When you plan your meals on a Sunday night, set aside some ingredients for the freezer that can be defrosted for later in the week.

5. Label

Dry erase markers are a great way to monitor fresh produce and also keep tabs on individual lunchboxes. You can also use masking tape and pencil, or even invest in a professional label maker. It’s a good idea to label fresh produce with a date that it was purchased. This will make it easy to know when to throw it out.

6. Stock up

If you are making a fresh lunch every morning, it’s worth having the right equipment on hand. Stainless steel lunchboxes usually last longer and store food better than plastic options. You can also buy funky-looking cotton sandwich bags that can be washed and re-used for multiple lunch runs. Try to avoid plastic wherever possible and make sure lunch equipment is well labelled with your child’s name and contact details. 

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How to Make Your Own Christmas Crackers!

What you will need:

  • Thin postal tubes cut to size, or thick, heavy (card-weight) paper that can be rolled into tubing. You will need 40cm in length for each cracker.
  • Decorative paper –you can use recycled wrapping paper, magazines, newspapers or comic books. You will need a square piece – 40cm x 40cm for each cracker.
  • Scissors
  • Sticky tape
  • Cracker snaps – these are available at Spotlight, eBay and Amazon.com
  • Small toys, lollies or home-made treats that can be put inside crackers
  • Ribbons or thick pieces of string + salt
  • Tissue paper hats (optional)

1 – Measure out the thin postal tubes to 40cm long. If you are using card paper, roll them out, and secure firmly with sticky tape. Cut the tubes into three sections – 1 x 20cm and 2 x 10cm.

2 – In the 20cm section place your gifts, a paper hat and the central section of the cracker snaps. Secure the cracker snap with a small piece of sticky tape.

3- Place the three sections of tubing on the wrapping paper and separate each section by 1cm. Roll the tubing along the paper and secure with sticky tape. Pinch and twist the gap between each section of tubing, and then tie with a piece of string or decorative ribbon. That’s it! You are now ready for the Christmas celebrations!

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Understanding Paralysis Ticks: Symptoms & Removal Guide

Symptoms usually start with staggering gait caused by a weakness in the hind limbs. The paralysis then moves forward affecting the front limbs and throat, causing an inability to bark properly as well as a gurgling choking cough. The toxin will also affect the voice box so the dog may have a different bark or may not be able to bark at all. Because the tick toxin also causes weakness and dilation of the food pipe, affected dogs may retch and regurgitate their food, water or just frothy fluid. If the paralysis becomes too advanced and the muscles involved with breathing too weak, the dog may not be able to breathe sufficiently or at all. Tick paralysis is progressive and potentially fatal. 

Paralysis ticks can be identified by their grey body and their legs around their head. Unlike other adult ticks, paralysis ticks have one pair of brown legs closest to their head, then two pairs of white legs and then one pair of brown legs closest to their body.  

Prevention is essential and you must take precautions if you live in a tick area or are travelling to the East Coast on holidays. Clipping your dog’s coat short during the tick season makes performing tick searches much easier. If your dog lives in or visits an area where paralysis ticks are present, you should search them thoroughly every day. Ticks commonly attach around the head so be sure to check in and around ears and also under collar. Don’t forget to check between toes and under the tail.

If you have found a tick, ideally use a tick remover to detach it from the skin. There are different types available from your vet or pet store and you should follow the instructions provided carefully. If you do not have a proper tick remover, you can use a pair of tweezers to grasp it at the skin level being careful not to squeeze on the tick’s body. Then gently lever it off, rocking back and forward. Do not apply tick treatments, alcohol, mineral oil or petroleum jelly to the tick before removing it.

If you remove a tick after your dog has started showing some signs, I recommend that you seek veterinary attention. If your dog is paralysed, seek veterinary attention immediately. Please do not feed or give water prior to visiting the vet.

You can ‘t be too careful when it comes to paralysis ticks. They cause much distress to your dog and treatment is difficult and expensive. Talk to your vet about the best preventative treatment and  be prepared this tick season.

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5 Ways To Catch Up On Bedroom Spring Cleaning

Here are 5 thrifty ways to spring clean your room

Air out your bedding

Warmer weather provides an excellent opportunity to freshen up your bedding and flush out any winter mites that might have accumulated during winter. Try hanging out your doonas, blankets and pillows on warm sunny days. Dry heat works to kill off dust mite and their eggs, and it leaves the linen feeling crisp and dry.

Polish up your furniture

Now is the perfect time to give your leather furniture a fresh clean and wipe off any scuff marks that may have developed during the colder months. Start with a moist cloth to remove any dirt, then follow with a brisk polish using Oakwood Leather Care Hydrating Cream.

Spritz up your carpets

Carpets can accumulate layers of dirt and grime during the winter months. A steam-cleaning treatment is a great way to improve the hygiene and appearance of your floors. If you have the budget, it’s worthwhile to have your carpets done every few months – particularly if you have pets or little ones running about the home. Make sure you open up all the windows and ventilate the home well before and after the clean.

Bring in the light!

There is nothing more bothersome than looking out onto the beautiful spring weather only to find your gaze clouded by murky glass and patches of grease and grime. Windows provide a central source of light in every home and their cleanliness will impact their clarity and view. If you are cleaning them from the inside, make sure you use a vinegar and water solution which is non-toxic and an excellent cleaning solution.

Let Spring In!

There is a wonderful quotation by Margaret Olley that states ‘if your house is messy, simply bring in a bunch of fresh flowers’. Flowers are a beautiful way to add freshness and colour in any home and spring is the best time to be out in the garden. Try picking wildflowers or an assortment of floral herbs and spring blooms. If all else fails, head to your local florist!

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HELP- My Cat Scratches The Furniture

Provide your cat with a scratching post alternative. If your cat does not have a suitable scratching post to ‘strop’ their claws, they will find an alternative such as your furniture.  I recommend at least two scratching posts in your house, ideally more. Cats tend to scratch when they wake so be sure to provide a scratching post in the area that your cat spends time hanging out in the morning.There are a huge variety of posts on the market and you may need to experiment to see what surface your cat prefers- many cats love sisal posts but some prefer to use carpet, wood or cardboard posts.The scratching post must be stable enough so it won’t rock or tip over and tall enough for your cat to fully stretch out when using it.

Teach your cat to use the scratching post – Cats do not always know what a scratching post is for so it is very important to invest some time into teaching your cat to use the post. Do this by playing games on and around the post. Get your cat to chase a moving object up and down the post – I find a feather attached to a piece of string usually does the job.. Do this several times a day until your cat starts using the post.

Trim your cat’s nails – this will not stop the clawing behaviour but will help reduce the amount of damage done.  Your vet can show you how to trim your cat’s nails as it is important to avoid cutting the blood vessel that runs along the nail. You can easily see this blood vessel in cats with pink nails and can trim on the other side of it.

Throw some slippery fabric on the couch – most cats do not like smooth or slippery surfaces as they are difficult to get a hold on. You can protect your couch by throwing something over it when you leave the house. When purchasing a lounge, carpet or wallpaper, go for a smooth rather than a very textured finish, and choose a tight rather than a loose weave.

Cover or remove other popular items  – cats hate anything sticky so you can put double-sided tape ion areas that they scratch.  Upside down carpet runner is a good deterrent.

With a little bit of time and patience it is possible to train your cat to leave your furniture alone and use those claws on a more appropriate item.

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Advice To Stop Your Dog From Chewing Everything

dog chews everything at home

There are many causes for chewing problems in dogs, some of the most common include –

Puppies – They’re inquisitive and will dig, eat and chew just about everything they can find including shoes, mats, hoses, brooms, pot plants and garbage. Chewing helps puppies explore their world and can also help to relieve the pain associated with teething. Chewing behaviour usually reduces significantly by 12 months of age. Until your puppy has learned what they can and can’t chew, it’s your responsibility to manage the situation, so your pup doesn’t have the opportunity to chew on things they shouldn’t.

Boredom –Dogs can become bored when they don’t receive adequate mental and physical stimulation and this can result in destructive behaviours like chewing.

Anxiety – If your dog is chewing when they’re left home alone and the chewing is directed towards barriers such as doors, your pet may be suffering from separation anxiety. To stop the chewing you’ll need to address the underlying anxious behaviour. If the problem is severe you may need help from a veterinarian or qualified behavioural trainer.

There are plenty of strategies to help combat problem chewing. Following are some useful tips –

Teach your dog what can and can’t be chewed – Only give your dog toys that are clearly distinguishable from household items. You shouldn’t give your dog shoes and socks to play with as toys and then expect them to be able to distinguish between your shoes and theirs. You also have to take responsibility for your own belongings. If you don’t want your dog to chew something, then don’t leave it lying around.  If your dog has chewed your favourite shoes, it’s probably because they were available – put things away or safely out of reach.

Dog proof your home – Temporarily remove anything that your puppy or dog might chew such as plants, electrical cables and rugs.

Confine your dog – Don’t give your dog the full run of the house unsupervised until they can be trusted not to chew household items. Use a playpen or crate to secure young puppies. Close doors, use baby gates or fence off a section of the garden to keep your pet separate from tempting, chewable items.

Provide safe engaging toys on a rotating basis – Dogs enjoy playing with toys, especially interactive toys that dispense food rewards. Provide plenty of chew toys and change them regularly to maintain your dog’s interest. Don’t give your dog toys which can be easily torn apart or have squeakers in them that may be swallowed.

Exercise and mental stimulation – Plenty of training will help to keep your dog stimulated and plenty of exercise will help to physically tire them.  Well trained dogs are generally more engaged and better behaved. Tired dogs are quieter and less likely to get up to mischief.

Companionship – All dogs benefit from companionship, both animal and human.  Spend as much time as you can with your dog. Maximise the time you spend with your dog when you’re at home by having them in the house with you. If your dog spends a lot of time home alone arrange for a friend or dog walker to visit and/or take the dog for a walk.

You don’t have to put up with your dog chewing your possessions. Once you understand why your dog is chewing, you can then manage them to prevent chewing disasters. With some diligence and planning you can direct your dog’s chewing to appropriate items and away from things you value.

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Keep Your House Clean And Cosy This Winter

1 – Create a shoe-rack

It’s great to be able to wander around your home wearing thick woolly socks, but dirt on the floor is never a good idea. Make sure you have a well-organised boot rack at the front door, and encourage guests to remove their shoes when they enter the house. This will cut down your time vacuuming and keeping the house free of floor-dust.

2 – Weatherproof your outdoor wear

It’s really important to keep warm and dry when you head outside. Make sure your boots and handbags have been properly cleaned and waterproofed with Oakwood Leather Conditioner and always store them in a clean dry place. Jackets and coats should also be kept out of damp environments, and make sure they are protected from mothballs and dust mites.

3 – Block out house drafts

Heating bills can be expensive during the winter months, but you can cut down on energy expenditure by draft-proofing your house. Check your windows and doors for exterior drafts, and plug them up with gap solutions and invest in some door snakes for the exterior doors.

4-  Switch on the slow cooker

One of the joys of cooler weather is the heat and aromas that can emanate from a slow-cooking oven. Try some slow-cooking recipes such as 12-hour roast lamb, or slow-cooked winter fruits.

5- Make your home a nesting hideaway

Winter is a great time to hunker down and spend time indoors. You can create a homely environment by choosing, warm soft fabrics for your furniture and bedding. Also light up some candles each night; this will create a gentle lighting environment and warm the atmosphere.

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4 Fun Ways to Keep Your Dog Active Indoors

Games

Most dogs love games and ‘Find the Toy’ will quickly become a favourite. Ask your dog to sit and stay (you might need someone to hold them initially). Make it easy for your dog at first, by allowing them to watch where you ‘hide’ a favourite toy, so they can easily retrieve it when you enthusiastically ask them to “find the toy!”  Repeat these steps until your dog clearly understands the command. You can then gradually make the game more challenging by hiding the toy in different locations around your house.  Remember to start with the toy being partly visible so it’s easy to find and, as your dog becomes more confident, hide the toy in more difficult places, such as behind doors and under cushions.  A squeaky toy will help stimulate your dog’s interest and be sure to make the game exciting by encouraging them to run back to you with the toy when they’ve found it. Alternatively you can play ‘hide and seek’ with your dog by hiding yourself and encouraging the dog to find you.

Trick training

It’s fun having a dog that can do tricks and it can surprisingly easy to achieve. Always use hand signals and rewards and only attempt to teach only one trick at a time. Start off with something simple like ‘shake’ or ‘roll over’.

Toys

Dogs love all sorts of toys, particularly squeaky toys and chew toys. Interactive toys are designed to keep dogs entertained by dispensing food when moved in a particular way. Other simple toys can be filled with a small amount of food or peanut butter, or something the dog considers a tasty treat.  Most dogs are happy to spend hours trying to get every last bit of food out of the toy.  Make sure all toys are safe, especially if your dog is playing with them unsupervised.

Training

Get your dog focused with some indoor training.  Not only will this stimulate your dog and keep them occupied, it will improve the dog’s response to your commands.  Start off with the basic ‘sit’, ‘drop’ and ‘stay’.  Then progress to ‘heeling’ your dog around the house, using food rewards and commands to guide them to walk exactly beside your left leg. Make some tight right hand turns so the dog has to move around quickly to stay alongside you.  Then try some tight left hand turns where the dog will be almost stationary as you move around them. Keep training sessions short and sweet and you’ll be surprised how quickly your dog will respond.

Wintery weather is no excuse to let your dog become inactive. With a little creativity you’ll find that you can still give your dog the daily exercise they need, and it will be fun and rewarding for both of you.

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How to Keep Your House Dustmite Free

Clean and ventilate your home regularly

  • Try to keep your house clean, with minimal clutter, and maximised air circulation.
  • Avoid using feather dusters and invest in microfiber cloths instead.
  • Vacuum regularly and consider regular steam cleaning
  • Opt for non-toxic cleaning products (link here)
  • Open your windows and allow fresh air to circulate throughout your house.
  • Consider investing in an air cleaner with a good quality (high efficiency) particulate filter.
  • Piles of clothing, books and stuffed toys can accumulate dust, so try to keep them clear and minimise clutter wherever possible.

Reconsider your home furniture layout

Dust mites accumulate on soft furnishings and areas that accumulate dust and lack air circulation. If you have a house that is heavily carpeted and plenty of fabric covered furnishings, you are more likely to accumulate dust mites.Consider switching to a minimalist furniture layout; opt for rugs, tiles, floorboards or linoleum, instead of wall-wall carpet, and remove clutter where possible. Also consider switching from fabric-covered to leather-covered sofas and furniture.

For soft furnishings and bedding

  • Change your sheets and blankets on a regular basis. Make sure to wash them at a minimum of 55 degrees celcius to kill dustmite, OR hang them in the sun or place in a clothes dryer on a high heat during the drying process.
  • Try to vacuum all soft furniture regularly. If you have direct skin contact with your soft furnishings (sofa cushions), consider covering them with a cotton sheet cover that you can remove and wash regularly.
  • To protect your mattress, consider adding an allergen barrier. Make sure you choose one that is dust-mite proof, so that skin flakes and dust mite cannot migrate through the barrier.
  • Direct sunlight also kills dustmites, so on warmer days, make sure you take any heavy bedding or blankets out in the sun to ventilate.
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5 Steps Guide To Decluttering Your House

Research has shown that a healthy living space; free from clutter and rich with a good flow of energy, can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.

According to the principles of Feng Shui, piles of unused items that clutter your home and accumulate over time will emit low-level vibrations that can cause people to feel flustered and overwhelmed. So it’s really important to clear the clutter from your home living environment. You’ll find that this generates feelings of calmness and helps to to foster more creative thoughts.

Here are 5 simple steps to clear the clutter from your home:

1- Sort out what you need, from what you have-

The first step of de-cluttering is to work out what you really need as opposed to what is filling your house. A good way to determine this is to eliminate anything that you haven’t used during the past 6 months; this applies to everything in your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or work environment. If you are not using it regularly, you most likely don’t need it.

Oprah Winfrey found an easy way to do this in the bedroom when she popularised the ‘closet hanger experiment.’ Basically, you organize your closet so that all the items face the same direction. Every time you wear something, you turn the hanger in the opposite direction. If, after 6 months, there are items that you haven’t worn, they need to be discarded.

2- Create storage solutions –

Good storage is key to minimal clutter throughout the home. Look for storage solutions that are practical, and easy to use. It’s also important to prioritise items so that they are easy to access when you need them. Make sure you are storing items that you will need and use again, and make sure that you label everything clearly.

3- Make it a regular activity-

The problem of ‘clearing clutter’ is that most people tend to do it every 6-12 months, and in the meantime, a buildup of unwanted rubble develops throughout the house. Try to make ‘clutter clearing’ a weekly task; 10-15 minutes every weekend will save you several hours every few months.

4- Keep a bag ready at the door-

Regular clearing of clutter is important, an easy way to do this is to keep a large bag at your front door and fill it regularly with items for the opportunity shop. Easy access to the bag will mean that it fills more quickly!

5- Free space = free thought-

It’s really important that once the clutter is cleared, there is some space leftover; this could be an empty shelf or drawer, or even a blank space on a cabinet or dresser. This is your ‘thinking space’; a free area of space for ideas to grow and blossom around your house.

You can keep this space clear or use it for something decorative but not necessarily practical; it could be a large vase of flowers, a stack of coffee-table books or even a few candlesticks. Change the items regularly so that it always remains fresh. This area of ‘free space’ will create a sense of freedom in your home. It will also foster more creative thoughts and keep your mind fresh for new challenging tasks.