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  • Top Pet Moving Essentials

    Moving with your pet?  You got this!  With a little planning and preparation, your trip to your new home can be a pleasurable experience – free of worry, stress, and surprises.  One of the keys to “success” is ensuring you’ve got all your pet’s moving essentials ready to go.

    1. Medical Records
      Be sure to get a copy of your pet’s medical records as your pet’s new vet will need this information.  If your current vet can electronically transfer the records – even better!
    2. Pet Meds
      If your pet is on any special medication, refill his prescription and pack it in the car for your move. In addition, it’s a good idea to have an ample supply of preventative meds for heartworm and flea/tick.
    3. “New” Pet ID Tag
      Get a new ID tag made for your pet with your new address and contact info.  Further, be sure to update your pet’s microchip information with your new address as well.  It’s important to get this done before you move.  Moving can be unsettling for pets — increasing the chance of them running off or getting lost.
    4. Comfort Toys & Blankets!
      When moving with your pet, it’s all about making him feel at ease, happy, and safe.  Bring along his favorite toys or blanket for the car ride to your new home.  And have them readily available for your pet in your new place as well.  These familiar “comforts” will go a long way in helping ease your pet.
    5. Pet Bed
      Who doesn’t like sleeping in their own bed?!  Pack your pet’s bed in the car so that he can use it for any overnight hotel stays along the way.  You’ll also want to have it ready for him at his new home — this will help him acclimate more quickly to his new surroundings.
    6. Food & Water
      Pack enough pet food in the car so there’s plenty for the road trip and for at least a few days after you move into your new home.  Don’t be tempted to feed your pet some of your drive-thru burger or fries.  Any change in your pet’s diet, particularly during a road trip, can cause digestive upset.  Further, bring along some bottled water for your pet.  It’s important to keep him hydrated at all times.
    7. Travel Bowls
      Don’t forget to pack your pet’s bowls in the car.  If you’re looking to save room (and if your pet is not finicky), you may want to consider collapsible pet travel bowls.
    8. Pet Vehicle Safety Device
      It’s an absolute “must” to secure your pet in your vehicle with some type of pet safety device. Options include:  pet travel crates/kennels, pet seat belts, pet car seats, and vehicle pet barriers.  If your pet has never used a vehicle safety device, it’s important to get him comfortable with it well in advance of your move.
    9. Vehicle Seat or Cargo Cover
      Having your car seats and interior protected from pet hair, muddy paws, and “accidents” is just one less thing to worry about during a move!  Car seat covers and cargo area protectors are available for any size vehicles – pick one up for peace of mind!
    10. Waste Disposal Bags
      Also knowns as poop bags!  These are essentials to pack when you’re moving with your pet.  Not only will you need them to pick up your pet’s poop along the way, but your new neighbors will appreciate proper “poop” etiquette as well.

    TripsWithPets.com is the premier online pet friendly travel guide — providing online reservations at over 30,000 pet friendly hotels & accommodations across the U.S. and Canada.  When planning a trip, pet parents go to TripsWithPets.com for detailed, up-to-date information on hotel pet policies and pet amenities.  TripsWithPets.com also features airline & car rental pet policies, pet friendly activities, a user-friendly search-by-route option, as well as pet travel gear. For more information, please visit http://www.tripswithpets.com

     

  • Simply Spruce up your Bedroom by updating your Nightstand

    If there’s one piece of bedroom furniture everyone needs, it’s a nightstand. This bedside furniture piece may seem like nothing more than a table, but it serves an abundance of purpose from day to night.

    A bedroom nightstand can be a charging station for your tech gadgets, a makeshift library for your favorite nightly reads, a storage compartment for your remotes and so much more. It’s a little nook within your room that says a lot about who you are. As such, your nightstand table deserves to look fabulous. Here are some unique bedroom ideas that keep the practicality within your bedroom nightstand, while also enhancing the aesthetics of your bedroom design.

    Make the Wall Part of the Nightstand

    The bedroom is inarguably one of the most important rooms in your home. It’s where you start your day and where you call it a day before catching some shuteye. Therefore, it deserves to have some personality. However, there’s nothing chic about a cluttered bedroom nightstand and too many distractions can actually interrupt your beauty rest. So, instead of piling personality onto the limited surface space, extend your nightstand aesthetics up the wall.  There are all kinds of bedroom décor such as hanging décor items, photos and art that can be removed from the surface of your nightstand, and hung up on the wall. It’ll emphasize the appeal of this little area that you call your own, and it’ll allow you to embrace a clutter and distraction-free appeal.

    Stage to Perfection

    With a quick swipe through Instagram, you’ll see that the aesthetics of a bedroom design have a lot to do with the staging of décor. You can essentially have whatever you want on your bedroom nightstand, as long as you learn how to place it perfectly to keep the look chic instead of looking cluttered. All it takes is a little experimenting with the different positions of your nightstand décor. Rearrange your books and magazines from big to small, position décor elements so that nothing is hidden by clutter, and match different color schemes and textures. Staging to perfection is really that simple.

    Take Advantage of the Floor

    If you take a look at your bedroom nightstand, you’ll see a few small slices of what look like unusable space. It’s the areas between your nightstand and wall, and nightstand and floor that are rarely taken advantage of. However, these little areas can help clear off the clutter from the surface of your nightstand, while also adding a spark of chic personality into your bedroom design. Start by removing the table lamp, and replacing it with a floor lamp where the base can fit behind and underneath the nightstand, or a lamp that is hung on the wall. It’ll give you more viable space, while also taking advantage of areas that were otherwise deemed unusable.

    A Breath of Fresh Air

    A touch of greenery can be the ultimate way to spruce up your bedroom as a whole. Cacti are a popular trend within interior design, and they require very little maintenance while still giving you the fresh air and stunning bedroom appeal of other plants. However, flowers can also be an excellent touch that has the added benefit of emitting a sweet aroma. Whatever kind of plant you like, it’ll be sure to give you and your entire bedroom design a breath of fresh air.

    Your bedroom nightstand may seem like nothing more than a table. However, it’s a little slice of who you are. It’s there when you’re sick with a cold and need tissues and medicine close by, when you’re in the mood for some reading, or when you need to recharge your tech gadgets. So, treat your nightstand to a bit of revitalization with these unique bedroom ideas.

  • Charming Guest Bedroom Ideas

    As soon as you have a guest confirm their stay at your home, the rat race begins. You start washing linens so they’re fresh on arrival, you begin to tidy up and depersonalize the room while also scrambling around to ensure your loved one or friend will feel at home within the guest bedroom. However, the stress of the stay doesn’t have to be inevitable. With some unique guest bedroom ideas, you can decorate the room to ensure that whenever guests decide to stay, they’ll feel comfortable and right at home.

    Embrace the More the Merrier with Unique Beds

    There may be times where more than one guest is staying in your guest bedroom. It could be a couple that sleeps in separate beds, or friends and family who don’t want to share. So, you may need more than one place for your loved ones to get some shut eye. However, bunk beds aren’t always ideal for all generations and building a home addition to have more than one guest bedroom isn’t realistic.

    Instead, opt for smart bedding solutions to ensure all guests will have a place to catch up on their well-needed rest and relaxation. Interior hammocks take up minimal space and will make your guests feel as if they’ve slipped away on a secret vacation. You can also have a main bed, with the addition of comfortable cots, or a bed that has a pullout for more sleeping arrangement options.

    Let Your Guests Recharge their Batteries, and their Gadgets

    Guests are going to need to do more than simply recharge their own batteries at the end of the day. We live in a digital age where technology has literally become our lifeline, and with that comes plenty of cords, devices and batteries to be charged. Decrease the clutter and increase organization with a stylish charging station for your guests. They’ll appreciate having everything they need to keep their gadgets alive throughout their stay.

    Provide Privacy with Simple Details

    No matter how well you know your guests, they still deserve their own privacy. Curtains and a bedroom door are an obvious, but it’s the small details that will really make your guests feel comfortable and welcome in your home. Install a lock on the guest bedroom door, and have stylish room dividers readily available if more than one person is staying in your guest bedroom. These simple details will make a powerful impact on their stay.

    Keep the Guest Bedroom Decorating Ideas Neutral

    To ensure every guest feels comfortable in your guest bedroom, keep the bedroom neutral. You don’t want the room to be too feminine, nor do you want it to be too masculine, too immature or too fancy. Stick with neutrals and let the small accents of the room offer personality and style. After all, it’s much easier to swap out floral print pillows for matte black ones than it is to completely redecorate with new guest bedroom ideas.

    With that said, you may also want to have a couple of guest bedroom ideas for décor readily available at any given time. Whether it’s a different bedspread, unique throw pillows or décor items, having the option to personalize your guests’ stay will certainly increase their comfort.

    A Storage Option is an Absolute Must

    No one likes living out of a suitcase. Even if your guests only stay for a day or two, they should still have the option to empty their suitcase and store them accordingly. If the guest bedroom is large enough, a dresser is certainly a must. If not, the closet should be emptied out for your guests’ arrival. Now, if you don’t have any additional floor space or a closet in the room, you will have to implement some creative decorating ideas that make use of valuable wall space. Install shelving units, and hang hooks on the back of the door to ensure your guests don’t have to live uncomfortably out of their suitcase during their stay.

    Making your guests feel at home doesn’t have to be a stressful task. With these creative guest bedroom ideas, your spare bedroom will be ready for their arrival even if it’s last minute!

  • Want the Best Garden in The Neighborhood? These Spring Flowering Tips Will Really Make You Bloom!

    April showers bring May flowers. Spring is the perfect season to start growing your garden into a colorful and lush oasis. Awaken your curb appeal and captivate the attention of your neighbors with the best garden in the area. Whether a new gardener or a self-proclaimed pro, here are some spring flowering tips to turn your landscape into a setting straight out of a fairytale.

    Pick the Right Spring Flowers

    The secret to growing a gorgeous spring garden is to pick the right kind of flowers. This step takes a bit of research but it’s certainly worth it. Explore the vast array of flower seeds and bulbs to determine which ones will work best in your garden. Some flowers require more work than others, some will only blossom once, and others can surprisingly grow quite large.

    These are all things you want to be aware of before committing to them to ensure the best garden in the neighborhood.

    Rejuvenate Worn Flowerbeds

    As you wait for your spring flowers to bloom, spend some time cleaning up the flowerbeds. Add a fresh coat of paint on wooden panels that took the brunt of winter, pull your garden décor out of the shed, and dust off your garden gnomes. There’s nothing worse than the beauty of stunning spring flowers overtaken by chipped statues, weathered flowerbeds, and any debris left over from the winter.

    Mulch Is a Must

    To turn your spring garden into something you would see on the front of BHG magazine, lay down some mulch. It’s a great and affordable way to instantly enhance the appearance of your garden that will also save you an abundance and time and effort. Just be sure to opt for organic mulch to bring all the benefits to your garden beds.

    Prepare for Pests

    As your spring garden starts to bloom, so will the pests. From grubs to worms, squirrels, and rabbits, they seem to have a taste for the most stunning gardens. To ensure vibrant spring display doesn’t get eaten away, prepare for pests before they arrive.

    Remove any snails, slugs, and larvae you come across while planting your spring flowers. Spray the area with nontoxic pest control, install barriers if needed, and stay vigilant throughout the year.

    Gather Fresh Rainwater with Water Butts

    Spring gardens love fresh rainwater. While your garden will likely get enough throughout the season, it’s important to install some decorative water butts to collect rainwater for the drier days of the season. However, collecting rainwater isn’t legal in every state. So, do your research prior to investing in stunning decorative water butts.

    Start Composting

    A thriving garden loves compost as much as it does rainwater. Designate a corner in your yard for composting. You can build a compost of your own with some wood or you can purchase one for a minimal fee. Either way, your garden will appreciate it. Composts are rich in nutrients your spring flowers need to bloom beautifully. They’re also great for the environment and will reduce your carbon footprint significantly.

    Create an Outdoor Oasis

    A spring garden is beautiful as it is. However, if you want to turn your flower beds into an outdoor oasis, think outside of the flower pots. Install water fountains, station garden décor, and create a sitting area. Line your garden with solar powered lights so you can enjoy its beauty day and night.

    All that’s left to do is sit back and enjoy your spring garden. Don’t forget to tend to your flowers, garden beds, and soil regularly to ensure optimal growth and beautiful blooming throughout the season.

  • Moving Into a New Home with Your Pet

    Whew!  You finally made it to your new home!  Now it’s time to unpack and get settled in, meet the neighbors, get to know your new hometown…and the new adventure list goes on.  While thinking about your family’s new surroundings, your four-legged family members need to be safe, secure and get acquainted with all that’s new in their world, too.

    After the trip to your new destination, your pet will want to get acquainted with his new home.  Here are some tips for making sure your pet’s move-in experience is an easy one.

    Secure Your Pet at Move-in

    Just as on moving day, the best place for your pet during move-in is at a friend’s house or pet day care.  If that’s not an option, secure your pet in a quiet room with a “do not enter” sign on the door.  An alternative is to crate your pet in a less chaotic part of the house when belongings are being brought inside.  Be sure to check in on him frequently to ensure his well-being.

    Prep Your Place

    Your pet will really appreciate something familiar in this new space. Make him a little “relaxation corner” with unwashed items from your previous house, like a blanket, a dog bed, and toys. The familiar smell will help him cope and make him feel more at home.

    Show Him Around

    Take your pet for a nice walk around the neighborhood, and let him smell the smells and see the sights…and maybe meet some new friends along the way.

    Give it Time

    A move is a big deal for your pet, especially if it’s accompanied by a long journey and an extended break from his usual routine. If your dog seems out of sorts, somewhat sad, or uninterested in his new surroundings, simply gIve him some time.  Chances are he will eventually come around on his own terms.  Then you both can fully explore your new location, and enjoy your new home and your new life, together.   

    Update Microchip and ID Tags

    If your pet is microchipped, be sure to update your dog’s account with your new address. It is also a good idea to have an up-to-date photograph of your pet, in order to help locate him if he gets lost.  Moving into a new home and surroundings can increase the chances that your pet may get anxious and run off, so it is best to be prepared just in case.

    Start a New Routine at Your New Location

    There’s no doubt that there will be changes, for you and your pooch, when moving into your new home.  For your pet’s sake, it is best to try and maintain your same routine as closely as possible, so he will have some familiarity in this time of change.  If by chance you have moved to a new time zone, just pick-up from where you were before, and try to act like it is nothing new.  You can still take your pet out for his morning walk at the same time as before, even though it may feel early or late to him.  Don’t worry, he will adjust if you stick with the routine!

    Find a New Veterinarian

    It’s a great start if you have already received some referrals from your previous veterinarian, or checked into some new veterinarian options before you moved.  If not, you can ask other neighbors and pet parents for vet recommendations in your new hometown, and you can do your own research and find some online.  When you have a list, you can take your dog along to check out some of the vet options.  He can help you choose which is the best doctor for him.

    Moving into a new home with your pet can be a great experience for the whole family.  Keeping your pet safe and secure on move-in day, and then checking out your new surroundings while maintaining a routine, will help him to easily warm-up to his new home.  Then, you can begin your new adventure in your new place together, and soon it won’t be your new home, it will just be “Home”.

    TripsWithPets.com is the premier online pet friendly travel guide — providing online reservations at over 30,000 pet friendly hotels & accommodations across the U.S. and Canada.  When planning a trip, pet parents go to TripsWithPets.com for detailed, up-to-date information on hotel pet policies and pet amenities.  TripsWithPets.com also features airline & car rental pet policies, pet friendly activities, a user-friendly search-by-route option, as well as pet travel gear. For more information, please visit http://www.tripswithpets.com

  • Top Easter Treats and Crafts

    April is finally here! Time for Spring and our favorite holiday bunny to remind us that Winter is not forever!

    Peanut Butter Eggs by the Minimalist Baker


    What’s better than chocolate and peanut butter? Roll them into an egg shape and you have a perfect Easter treat! This fantastic recipe from the Minimalist Baker will have you and your family satisfying your sweet addictions in no time.

    Coconut Milk Hot Cross Buns by Betty Liu


    These delicious buns will bring you back to the good old days when your whole family gathered around the fireplace on Easter eve, listening to grandpa play his favorite classic tune “Hot Cross Buns” on his trusty recorder… No? Maybe that was just me but either way Betty Liu’s beautifully depicted recipe for Coconut Milk Hot Cross Buns will have everyone in the house wondering where that irresistible fragrance is coming from this Easter.

    Shaving Cream Marbled Paper Easter Eggs by Typically Simple


    Looking for something fun to do with the kids this Easter? Look no further as Typically Simple has inspired us to use that old shaving cream dad’s got hidden under the sink and make some super simple, fun and messy ‘eggy’ decorations!

    Totoro Cream Puffs by Anna The Red


    Cute and delicious! These Totoro Cream Puffs are perfect for you and the kids to bake and decorate on a lovely Easter weekend. Anna really nailed it with this fun and creative cream-filled pastry!  Easy to make and a great idea for the whole family to enjoy!

    Crème Egg Anti-Gravity Easter Brownie Nest by Giraffes Can Bake


    Didn’t know Giraffes Can Bake? Well, you do now! They’ve come up with a recipe that will blow your Easter socks off this year! This beautiful chocolate sculpture will be the star of the dessert table so put your socks back on and try out this gravity-defying Easter recipe!

    DIY Easter Paper Basket Craft by Easy Peasy and Fun


    There’s no better basket than the one you make yourself, especially when your goal is to put little chocolate eggs you’ve found hidden all over the house in it! From Easy Peasy and Fun, comes this wonderfully creative paper basket that’s sure to keep the kids occupied all Easter!

  • Beautiful headboard trends to update your bedroom

    The crafty DIYers around the world never fail to amaze. The new headboard ideas are unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, and they’re just as amazing for the environment as they are for your bedroom design. It’s all about recycling and reusing to create the perfect image, so prepare to finally get a good night’s sleep and a stunning bedroom design. These are headboard ideas you certainly won’t want to overlook.

    Wood Pallets

    Wood pallets have recently become the go-to material for DIY projects. They’re used to create outdoor living spaces, new couches, and even new headboards. It’s also an excellent way to reuse and recycle, and the final results are stunning. All you need is some wood pallets, a sander, some nails, a hammer and a little bit of creativity. You may also want to give it a fresh coat of paint or a new stain, depending on the look you want to achieve, but that’s the great thing about wood pallets. You can turn them into a stylish masterpiece that suits your unique personality and interior.

    Shelving Units

    A popular trend in interior design is practical furniture. People want their bed headboards to be just as effective as they are stylish. So many people are turning their shelving units into a multi-purpose masterpiece. Stack some old milk crates or bookcases behind your bed, and you’ll never have to reach too far for a good read.

    Room Dividers

    Room dividers are now being turned into the perfect bed headboards. This bedroom design trend is really neat, as it takes absolutely no effort to turn your current bed into an elegant masterpiece. You can also change the headboard whenever you want, and use any extras you have for their genuine purpose in the meantime. It’s a win-win for your entire interior.

    From the Ground Up

    Forget about headboards that start on the bed frame. All kinds of headboards are now taking on a new look that starts from the ground up. These kinds of fabric headboards typically extend well past the frame vertically and horizontally; creating a modern appeal that is quite beautiful.

    Reclaimed Wood

    All kinds of old wood pieces are being turned into bed headboards. Everything from old window frames to nature’s craft of driftwood and everything in between, is adding an abundance of character to bedrooms across the country. If the wood is old and weathered, it’s worthy of being a stunning headboard.

    A Whole Wall

    A whole wall will turn your bedroom into a whole new world. This is a unique headboard idea that is perfect for smaller bedrooms, as it doesn’t take up any extra space. Dedicate one wall as your accent wall and give it a new paint job or add on a wall sticker to turn it into a modern headboard.

    Tufted

    The tufted look is certainly a huge trend in bedroom designs. It has a vintage appeal that adds equal amounts class and comfort. Better yet, it takes something old and turns it into an upholstered headboard that is exceptionally chic. This DIY project is actually quite easy to do as well.

    The perfect headboard has the ability to add an abundance of character to your entire bedroom design. Your bed is the statement of the room, and the headboard can make or break your bedroom interior. Fortunately, with these unique headboard ideas, you can enjoy furniture that is just as frugal as it is fashionable. So, channel your inner creativity and try your hand at one of these unique DIY projects, or see what kind of hidden gems you can find at your local second-hand store.

  • 5 Ways to Make your Small Laundry Room Efficient and Stylish

    If you have a small laundry room, there’s no denying you need a stackable washing machine. Having a washer and dryer side-by-side is simply taking up valuable space that can be used otherwise. However, if this major investment isn’t in your future plans, you’re in luck! With some unique laundry room décor and storage ideas, you can still make use of your small laundry room, while also turning it into an efficient and stylish powerhouse.

    1. Turn the Tops into Shelves
    The tops of major appliances are often unused. However, they’re almost always flat and can be the perfect shelf for storing all your laundry necessities. If you can slide your washer and dryer under a countertop, then the work has already been done for you. If not, grab some planks of wood and even out the top for a flat surface that is perfect for laundry baskets, detergents, and laundry room decorations – you name it.

    2. Hide the Mess with Clever Curtains
    Clutter is often inevitable in a small space. After all, you have very little room to store the ins and outs of the space. This is especially true for small laundry rooms because “laundry” almost always comes with a mess. You have dirty socks, massive machines, detergents, softeners, baskets and other cleaning materials stored in this little area.

    Since it’s hard to be efficient in a messy, unorganized space, perfect the talent of hiding the mess with clever curtains. Hang a curtain rod above your washer and dryer, and disguise the mess with style as you battle the pile of dirty clothes. You’ll never have to worry about guests popping in on laundry day again!

    3. Take Advantage of Vertical Space
    With one quick glance around your home, you’ll quickly notice plenty of wall space left untouched. When decorating a small room, it’s important to take advantage of vertical space, as it will free up valuable yet limited floor space. Hang baskets, shelves, and even the garbage bin. The more you can put on the wall, the more you’ll get out of the entire space.

    4. Disguise Detergents in Stylish Containers
    Laundry detergent bottles are big and bulky. They take up an abundance of space, and certainly don’t do much for the interior design of your laundry room. However, you need them in your laundry room to make the washing and drying process easier. What you may not know is that you can disguise detergents in stylish containers that will revitalize the space, while also decreasing clutter. Head to the dollar store and grab different shape and sizes of glass containers, and fill them with the ins and outs of the laundry room necessities. Label them as needed (because using bleach instead of detergent is a mistake no one wants to make), and never cringe at the idea of soap-dripping, big and bulky plastic containers ever again.

    5. Hide Large Laundry Baskets in Cupboards
    One of the most clever storage ideas for laundry rooms is to hide laundry baskets in cupboards. They’re big, bulky and take up an abundance of valuable floor space. So, put in a bit of elbow grease to achieve this stylish storage option, and you will instantly free up floor space while also hiding the undesirable and inevitable mess on laundry day.  Another alternative is to hang cloth laundry bags, or utilize vertical storage bins to minimize the amount of room these laundry must-haves take up.

    Although you never thought it was possible, you’ll start to look forward to doing laundry in your new laundry room with these efficient and stylish options.

  • 4 Ways to Create the Effect of a Luxurious Bathroom Makeover

    You always know a luxurious bathroom when you see one. It sparkles, shines and looks like something straight out of the Better Homes and Garden magazine. However, a luxurious bathroom makeover doesn’t have to be expensive. You can increase the value of your home and achieve the effects of a luxurious bathroom makeover by implementing these unique, budget-savvy home renovation tips. You get all the beauty and benefits without breaking the bank. Now that’s something to get excited about!

     1. Pay Attention to the Decorative Details

    The details in your bathroom will always make a powerful statement. Ignoring them can keep the space looking mediocre and plain. To achieve the effect of a luxurious bathroom on a budget, place important on the small things, instead of the large costly items.

    Ornamental items, such as artwork, statues, candles and other décor items can change the appeal of the entire space into a more luxurious one. Think about the tones that are often associated with luxury, such as gold, silver, chrome and sparkling, shiny elements. Focusing your decorative details on the fancy materials and colors will add a spark on contrast and luxury.

    Additionally, the color of your bathroom holds great power within your bathroom, as it can create an astonishing visual affect that impacts the entire ambiance and aesthetics. Keep this in mind within your decorative elements, even if the materials aren’t luxurious.

    2. Add in Character with an Accent Wall

    When you’re not looking to do a complete renovation, focus your luxury design aspirations an accent wall. There’s no need to start adding paint tape to everything in your bathroom. Instead, pick one wall and focus on adding crucial details that will take your bathroom to the next level of luxury.

    Finishes and textures can be expensive if you’re adding them to the entire room. They’ll also blend in, and not make the powerful statement you want to achieve. However, focusing on an accent wall does quite the opposite. It’s an affordable alternative that adds an impactful appearance that reflects well throughout the space.

    Add textured wallpaper that has the appearance of luxurious materials, such as stone or marble on an accent wall. It’ll instantly add dimension and extravagant elegance into the space.

    You can also combine the previous tip to creating the effect of a luxurious bathroom makeover with this one. Add large decorative details onto a wall to turn it into an accent wall. Large mirrors with a gold frame, or large art pieces can turn a plain wall into a fancy masterpiece.

    3. Natural Materials are Timeless and Luxurious

    If you take a look at any luxurious bathroom, you’ll see one thing in common – almost all of them have incorporated natural materials into the space. Whether it’s on the walls, floors or in the small details, fancy spaces take advantage of the natural aesthetics the world has provided. They’re timeless, elegant and can instantly increase the value and style of your bathroom.

    Marble and onyx are certainly amongst the top natural materials used in luxurious bathroom makeovers. However, they’re also one of the more expensive options. The good news is that any natural materials will work wonders when trying to achieve a fancy ambiance.

    New wood flooring, wooden vines and green plants can add a spark of nature, ambiance and luxury into the space for a fraction of the cost. You receive all the benefits of natural stone within the big price tag.

    4. Lighting is Everything

    If there’s one thing you’ll continuously hear being associated with a flawless interior design, it’s lighting. Lighting holds the power within any space. It can make a small room appear larger; a dark room appear livelier and a boring room appear more luxurious. Lighting will also affect the ambiance and design of your home, which is why it’s so important when creating the effect of a luxurious bathroom makeover.

    There are two options available; you can go grand and extravagant with large, statement lighting fixtures; or you can go with a subtler approach with strategically placed accent lights. Both will have a similar affect when used properly.

    Place large lighting fixtures, such as gold-toned chandeliers to achieve that powerful statement of luxury, or place spotlights throughout the space for a sweet, softer glow.

    Since the bathroom is one of the most important rooms in your home, it’s time to give yours a little TLC. Bathrooms are a huge selling point if you decide to list your home in the future. Creating the effect of a luxurious bathroom with these home decorating tips, and increase the value, aesthetics and enjoyment of your home.

  • Top Tips for Moving with Your Furry Family Member

    Top Tips for Moving With Your Furry Family Member

    There’s no way around it – moving can be stressful. Even more so if you’re a pet parent, and you’re concerned about how to keep your furry kid safe, happy and comfortable during the moving process. Fortunately, there are things you can do that will make your move much less worrisome, and more of an adventure to share with your pet.

    Visit Your Veterinarian

    Set up an appointment with your pet’s current veterinarian to get a thorough exam and ensure your pet is up-to-date on all vaccinations.  You’ll also want to stock up on any medications — including heartworm and flea/tick preventatives.  Additionally, depending on your new home’s location and laws, your pet may need extra shots and a health certificate.  While you’re there be sure to request a copy of all of your pet’s medical records to have on hand during travel, and to give to the new veterinarian you choose in your new home town.

    Keep Your Pet Happy, Safe & Secure on Moving Day
    From your pet’s perspective, moving day will be filled with strange noises, unfamiliar voices, and some commotion. It’s enough to make even the most easygoing of pets a little anxious.  Plus, with movers coming in and out of your home, it’s easy for your pet to slip out if he’s not somewhere safe and secure.

    The best place for your pet on moving day is at friend or family member’s house. This way he’ll avoid all the moving day “excitement.”  Another great alternative is letting your pet spend the day at a doggie daycare or a boarding facility.

    If those are not viable options, give your pet his own space in your house by keeping him safe and secure in an empty, quiet room, with a sign on the door that says “Do Not Enter”.   If putting him in a room isn’t possible, secure him in a crate.

    Update Microchip and ID Tags

    If your pet is microchipped, be sure to update your dog’s account with your new address.  It is also important to get a new pet ID tag. Having an up-to-date photo of your pet is always a good idea in order to help locate him if he gets lost in his new neighborhood.

    Book Pet Friendly Lodging in Advance

    If you are moving a long distance and there will be overnight stops, it is important to book lodging in advance to ensure there’s availability and that your pet is welcome.  You can even search by route to find pet friendly places to stay along your travel route.  If you’re in need of extended stay accommodations in your new town, be sure to book ahead as well.

    Pack an “Overnight” Bag for Your Pet
    Just as you pack an overnight bag for yourself, pack one for your four-legged family member.  Be sure your pet has all his essentials not only for the road trip, but enough to last him at least a couple days after the move. Some packing essentials include:  ample food, water, medications, bowls, collar/leash, favorite toy or blanket, and first aid kit.

    Plan for Securing Your Pet in Your Vehicle

    The rest of the family buckles up…so should your pet.  Determine the best way to secure your pet in your vehicle. Vehicle pet barriers, pet seat belts, pet car seats, and pet travel crates are all viable options that will help ensure your pet’s safety when traveling by car. The one you choose depends on your individual pet.  Whatever pet safety device you choose to properly secure your pet, it’s best to give your furry sidekick at least one month to familiarize himself with it.

    If Flying, Book Early and Prepare Your Pet

    If your move involves flying with your pet, be sure to check with the airline you are flying to familiarize yourself with their particular airline’s pet policy and guidelines. It’s also important to buy yours and your pet’s airline ticket early to ensure you get your preferred flight. During your pre-move vet visit, let your vet know that you will be traveling by plane with your pet, so that he can assess your pet’s health and provide you with a health certificate.   Airlines require a pet health certificate typically issued within 10 days of departure.

    Prepare your pet for air travel by ensuring he has the proper pet travel kennel and is adequately familiarized with it.  There are many safety issues to consider when flying with your pet. To help ensure a happy and safe move,  it’s important to review these tips for flying with your pet.

    Breathe

    Moving has the potential to be a bit stressful.  Most pets (particularly dogs)  are energy magnets.  They sense if you are upset, anxious, or agitated.  If you’re sending out these vibes, your pet will pick up on them and he too will become more anxious.  But if you are calm, steady, and reassuring, you will take some of the burden of worry off of his shoulders.

    The type of moving experience you have with your pet depends upon planning ahead, and “shaking off” the negativity if things don’t quite go as planned.  Follow these tips when moving to a new home with your pet, and your experience will likely be more of an adventure rather than a stressor!

    TripsWithPets.com is the premier online pet friendly travel guide — providing online reservations at over 30,000 pet friendly hotels & accommodations across the U.S. and Canada.  When planning a trip, pet parents go to TripsWithPets.com for detailed, up-to-date information on hotel pet policies and pet amenities.  TripsWithPets.com also features airline & car rental pet policies, pet friendly activities, a user-friendly search-by-route option, as well as pet travel gear. For more information, please visit http://www.tripswithpets.com