Creative Christian Mama

God bless all Mothers

Miriam Dunning

The Different Types Home Heating Options

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During the cold winter months in the UK, it is very important that we are able to keep adequately warm. This is especially true for homes with older adults and children. These days we have many options for warming the home, and regardless of the size of your rooms or your budget, you will be able to find their heating solution that suits your needs. Here we look at some of the different options available today in 2022.

Gas stoves

Gas stoves look great, and they are effortless to use. They are also practical as they do not take much room and heat control is very efficient. You can vary the flame height, and some gas stoves even come with a remote control, which makes them an excellent option for the elderly who may have trouble getting up from their chair. There are many styles of gas stoves on the market; you can choose from an old-fashioned ornate stove or go for a more modern and contemporary model. You’ll find some excellent stove bargains at www.stoves4life.co.uk.

Wall mounted electric fires

Wall mounted electric fires are an extremely versatile heating option and easy to maintain. They come in many different sizes so you are bound to get the perfect size for your room, no matter how small or large it is. This type of heating is a great choice for modernistic rooms as it is sophisticated and sleek. The very realistic-looking flame will give the room a warm atmosphere. Provided you have wall space, wall mounted fires are a great choice as you can fix them anywhere without the need for a chimney, and unlike a stove, there is no daily cleaning involved.

Wall mounted gas fires

Wall mounted gas fires are a great way to keep your groom warm and give it an elegant look. As these fires are to be hung on the wall, you do not need a lot of floor space, so they are ideal for smaller rooms where space might be limited. Like the electric version, there is no need for a chimney, so they are a great easy-to-maintain and attractive heating solution. Generally speaking, depending again on your area, natural gas tends to be more affordable than electricity as a heating option. It also has the advantage of heating a room immediately, whereas with wood or pellet stoves, you have a wait a while until the heat becomes noticeable.

Multifuel Stoves

Multifuel stoves are becoming increasingly popular. Fuel prices are constantly rising, and depending on where you live, you may find that gas is sometimes more expensive than electricity or vice versa. With a multifuel stove, you can easily switch from pellets to logs or peat and back again depending on which type of fuel is more economical and easy to obtain. Therefore, this heating solution will save you money and allow you to keep your bills as low as possible. They also give out a lot of heat in proportion to the amount of fuel they use, so for several different reasons, they are a cost-effective choice of home heating.

Dog Care for Busy People

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Have you been wanting to get a dog, but you are afraid that you won’t have time to properly care for it? Are your kids pestering you to get them a four-legged friend, and are you terrified at the idea of having yet another creature to take care of and take to medical appointments? Or are you already a dog owner and struggling to make time to properly care for your pet? These tips will help you figure out how to take proper care of a dog when you are on a busy schedule.

Combine your and your dog’s exercise routines

Everyone needs to exercise! Dogs are renowned for needing to be walked several times a day, for both toileting and exercising purposes. For at least one of those times, find a routine which allows you both to exercise, such as running together in the park or playing a fast-paced game of fetch. Even walking itself can be a form of exercise if you do it fast enough. Here is a list of ten workouts you can do with your dog. Spoiler alert: it even includes a suggestion on how to improve your tennis skills while playing with your furry friend!

Find a walk-in vet clinic

One of the reasons why many people with busy lives are put off pet ownership is the thought of having to schedule appointments with the vet on top of medical appointments for themselves and possibly their kids. The solution to this problem is to find a veterinary clinic which offers walk-in appointments, such as the twenty practices which easyvet.com have across the United States. These vet clinics also offer an online waiting list as well as scheduled appointments, giving you plenty of flexible options for fitting your dog’s healthcare into your busy diary.

Hire a dog walker

Dogs get lonely really quickly and leaving them alone for a long period of time can make them miserable – which in turn will make them more likely to wreck your home. If your job takes you out of your home for most of the day, an obvious solution to this problem is hiring a dog walker to take care of your dog while you are at work. Dog walking and dog sitting are now established industries, and you are likely to be able to choose from several companies and individuals in your area, so follow these tips to make sure you find the best pet sitter for your dog.

The obvious disadvantage of relying on dog walkers is that it can be an expensive service. If money is an issue for you, consider joining a time bank or setting up another kind of skill swap agreement with someone you know. For example, your retired neighbor might have time to walk your dog during the week while you are at work, and you might be able to repaint their walls or do other house jobs for them at the weekend. This way everyone benefits!

5 Types Of Tooth & Gum Injuries That You Might Encounter

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Our teeth and gums are obviously essential for healthy living and over the years, your teeth are always at risk of injury or damage and therefore require regular oral examination. Dental experts recommend that you see your local dentist every 6 months, which allows the medical professional to examine your teeth and gums, looking for cavities and gum infection.

Here are some of the common oral issues that can develop at any stage of life:

  1. Cavities – The most common dental issue, cavities are caused by bacteria eating away at tooth enamel and a diet that is high in sugar usually results in cavities. Treating a cavity involves using a high-speed drill to clean out the hollow, then filling it with a white composite material. Cavities can be the result of poor oral hygiene and by brushing and flossing before and after sleep, you can reduce the risk of tooth decay.
  2. Periodontitis– This is the medical term for a gum infection, which can affect the teeth, gums and jawbone. A gum infection might be caused by a small cut in the gum, or it could be due to tooth decay that turns into gum disease. If left untreated, a gum infection can be very painful, with swelling that is painful to the touch. That would be a time to see an emergency dentist on the Gold Coast or in the city where you are residing as soon as possible. How does emergency dentistry work? There are no dental clinics open outside of regular hours, yet many top clinics will keep back appointment slots for emergency cases.
  3. Attrition– Worn tooth enamel is caused by teeth constantly rubbing against each other, known as bruxism, or teeth grinding. Attrition is usually accompanied by teeth sensitivity, as the nerves are exposed. Those who suffer attrition can wear a special mouth guard that prevents contact between upper and lower teeth.
  4. Dental Trauma – Often the result of a traffic accident or sporting collision, losing or breaking a tooth would require an emergency dental appointment, when X-Rays can be taken to determine the extent of the damage. Time is of the essence with a facial injury, especially when severe. Search with Google for the nearest dental clinic that has a slot set aside for dental emergencies and make the appointment. In the event of a lost tooth, try to locate the tooth and bring it with you, if possible, as there is a chance the tooth can be re-seated.
  5. Erosion– There are certain acids created in the mouth and those who do not produce saliva can experience erosion of the tooth enamel, as these acids eat away at the tooth enamel, gradually exposing the inner pulp.

Your teeth and gums are critical to your overall health and well-being and should you experience any pain or discomfort, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your local dentist. It is advisable to have a check-up every six months, which gives the medical professional a chance to examine all aspects of your oral health.

Early detection and treatment is the secret to good oral health, coupled with a good oral hygiene regime and wearing protection when playing sports.

4 Different Types Of Therapy To Try

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Procrastination can hold you back from making personal progress, and this lack of progression can make you feel negative emotions that are hard to deal with, and that can impact your health. If this happens with you, therapy is an option that you may wish to consider.

However, when exploring therapy, you’ll find that there are various different options and different methods within the industry that can be used to improve both your physical and mental health. This article is going to explore some of the different options available to you so that you can find the best type of therapy to make you more healthy.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

EFT, or as it’s sometimes known, ‘tapping’, is a technique used by counselors. The idea behind EFT is that “tapping” certain points on the body can help release emotions and help people to overcome their problems. Tapping can be used to overcome:

– anxiety

– depression

– substance abuse

– low self-esteem

– phobias

– trauma/panic attacks

Working with your therapist, an EFT routine can be tailored specifically to your needs. You can then take this program and use it as part of your own self-help routine.

Attend a healing retreat

Typically, retreats involve visiting a specialist center where you spend anywhere from a few days, a week, or even longer engaging in various activities. This can be expensive, putting it out of reach for many. Thankfully, there is a more accessible solution. A San Diego Therapist is utilizing modern technology to offer virtual retreats.

Conducted over Zoom, the retreats offer a convenient and inexpensive way to connect with like-minded people. You will learn how to heal past wounds and reconnect with your sense of purpose.

Hypnosis

You may think that hypnosis is all mumbo-jumbo, but hypnosis is actually a very powerful tool that, when used correctly, can help with a range of issues. Hypnosis isn’t just a tool to help overcome phobias or to help if you want to quit smoking; it can also help with:

– weight loss

– therapy

– smoking cessation

– anxiety

– depression

While you are in hypnosis sessions, your therapist will have you focus on a certain feeling or on a specific issue. Once this is done, the therapist may ask you to close your eyes and imagine yourself being somewhere that you very much want to be or being surrounded by something that you very much want to have. This is what helps you “wish” the feelings of the desired result come true.

The healing touch

This therapy technique involves placing the hands on different body areas to help ease stress and pain and help clients relax. It helps release blocked energy and emotions and can be hugely beneficial for those struggling with:

– depression

– anger

– post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

– stress

The healing touch is non-invasive and doesn’t require the use of invasive procedures such as injections or medication. The healing touch restores the body’s natural balance without the use of pharmaceuticals – therefore, it can’t interact with any medication you are already taking.

It’s important to state that although these four valid methods of therapy can be beneficial to you, they are not a replacement for medical aid. If you’re suffering from an illness, be sure to consult a doctor to find the best rehabilitation for you. You might find that a hybrid treatment of medication and one of these types of therapies can help you become more healthy.

5 Ways To Use a CRM

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Relationships are the backbone of business. Keeping track of countless interactions is challenging when there are many people involved.

Every one of these interactions occurs at a different stage of the sales pipeline. A lot of businesses struggle with this issue. It’s no wonder so many companies are turning to CRM to run the day to day of business. 

Here is a list of 5 ways your business can benefit from CRMs. Click the learn more to see how you can use a CRM for your business. 

Audience definition  

Whether your company is a small business or a large firm, a CRM allows you to keep track of the massive amount of data your sales team collects. 

For companies like Still Friday, finding their target audience can be defined with actual demographics instead of your predictions by using demographic trends.

In order to reach this new audience, your company can adjust its marketing approaches, sales strategies, and messaging accordingly. 

Creating customized sales messages 

Your sales team can use your CRM to gather and track information about potential customers. It gives you the ability to track customer touch points across multiple channels, web store browsing behavior and sales team contacts. 

Building buyer personas is made easier with information about how to sell a product or service to a customer. 

You can increase conversions by including a customer’s name in sales messages, providing valuable information about your products and services, and providing recommendations tailored to their interests. 

Customer relationship building 

If your company doesn’t offer a unique product, offering positive customer experiences is one way to standout from the competition. 

In some cases, the greatest customer-centric company is the one that can best satisfy a customer by simply being the best one. This is especially true when almost 90 percent of customers believe a quality customer experience is worth more money. 

CRMs provide you with the information necessary to foster a close relationship with each customer without having to ask them the same questions over and over. 

Companies like Hovair Systems, have the ability to track every touch point with the sales team using an integrated CRM and support center. 

Providing proactive pre-sales support 

By actively engaging with customers, your sales team can make them feel important. Sales reps use CRMs to identify how the customer may use the product or service. 

They incorporate these benefits into automated messages sent to the customer at key points during the purchase decision process. 

Turning Acquisition into Long-Term Retention 

The acquisition of new customers is essential to your sales strategy, but a CRM can also guide your retention strategy. 

Did you know? The cost of acquiring a new client is six times greater than keeping an existing client. 

Follow up on an initial sale by measuring customer purchase patterns, offering recommendations and upsells. Remember to monitor social media for customer service issues, and growing the relationship. 

That’s a wrap! 

An effective sales team needs to know its customers, recognize when prospects are ready to close, and provide enough data for them to make informed decisions. 

What Should You Be Thinking About When You Get A Dog

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Owning a dog is a fantastic experience and it is a rewarding one too. Getting companionship, a faithful companion and unconditional love can really turn your life around and can help give it further purpose and meaning. So, now you know the physical and emotional benefits of owning a dog, what else should you be considering and thinking about? Getting a dog is a big commitment, and in terms of years it can be a commitment of 15 years plus, so getting questions answered now, before you make the commitment, is essential.

Knowing The Time is Right for a New Addition

Of course, there is nothing such as perfect timing, but there is a good time to get a dog and this is when you are financially and physically in a good place. Dogs are expensive to look after, you need to think about care, quality of life and veterinary bills as well as food and bedding. If you cannot comfortably and easily accommodate these needs, then maybe it is not the right time for you to get a dog just yet. If you are unsure about whether it is the right time for a new addition, look at your life as it stands and be honest with yourself. Do you have enough time and do you have enough disposable income?

Care for the Times When You Are Not at Home

Something that is often overlooked when getting a dog, is the care of a dog when you leave the home. Now when you go out to the store for a couple of hours you should be OK, but if you are going to work for 8 hours a day or you are going away overnight who are you going to get to look after your pet. Getting a provider in place like those at exceptionalpets.com will ensure that your dog receives high quality care and attention, even when they are not in your company. Good pet care gets booked up quickly, so thinking about who you will use and when is advantageous, and it will ensure that you get the care your pet deserves at all times.

The Breed, Age and Background

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and getting the right dog, with a breed and personality that suits you and your home is just as important as anything else. So, what breeds are you looking at, what do you like? Are you specific about a breed, or are you going to look at getting a rescue mongrel? All dogs have their own personalities, but some breeds have traits which may or may not suit your family. So, for example, do not get a border collie, unless you want to be walking every day for long distances. Do not get a greyhound in the hopes that it will join you on a morning run, as this will just not happen.

Getting a dog is a big commitment and to ensure successful integration into your life and home you will have to ensure that everyone within your home and family is on board with your decision.

Which Roofing Materials Offer Longevity & Durability?

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If you are planning a new build, your thoughts will quickly turn to the roof, which is the most important component of the structure. You will naturally want to choose roofing materials that will stand the test of time. You could ask a local roofing contractor for his professional opinion on the best materials for longevity and durability. With that in mind, here is our list of the best roofing materials when taking durability into account.

Slate

This natural material is at the top of the list and with a slate roof, you can expect the roof to last up to 100 years. Search with Google for a specialist Sydney roofing company or one in your local area that has extensive slate experience. Ask them to visit you at home and provide you with a quote. Slate is very attractive and is more than a match for areas with harsh climate. If installed professionally, there’s every reason to believe the roof will remain in good order for many years.

Metal

A metal roof would obviously be very durable and long-lasting. You could expect it to be serviceable for 30-50 years, with the right protection, of course. There are steel and aluminium roofing sections. With state-of-the-art thermal insulation, your interior will remain cool in the summer, while helping to retain the heat in the winter. There is hardly any maintenance with a metal roof, which is another bonus. The roof also comes in many attractive colours to add character to the property. If you live in a stormy region on the coast, a metal roof might be the best solution, as the sections are welded to the metal roof trusses.

Plastic Polymer Roof Tiles

This is a relatively new product that looks like regular shingles, yet they require zero maintenance. You can expect your roof to last 30-50 years. They will also withstand the biggest hailstones, which is great news. The tiles have great thermal insulation, and the colour will not fade over time, while these tiles reflect heat rather than absorb it. Not all roofing contractors work with polymer roof tiles, so you might have to search a while to find a roofer who uses plastic polymer tiles.

Asphalt Roof Shingles

Typically, these shingles will last for 15-30 years, and this is probably going to be the cheapest option. One must be very careful about hail. Only use shingles that have a high hail rating as cheaper shingles might not be able to withstand a hailstorm. Any shingles with no hail rating should be avoided (there are no laws in place to make manufacturers rate for hail) and you don’t want your roof destroyed by hail.

While every roof looks wonderful after it has been installed, time is the big test. When talking to local roofing contractors, make it clear that you are looking for a roof that will last for many years. They will brief you on all of the materials options and you can make an informed decision.

Four activities you could try for your next team building event

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A team that trusts each other and values each member’s own individual insight is key to your success in the workplace. However, it can be difficult to automatically generate teamwork and collaboration amongst a group of people who may not organically come together. As such, team building events are essential for building trust and friendship amongst your team so that they come to rely on each other and work better together. Here are four activities that you could try for your next team building event.

1. Virtual chocolate tastings

Chocolate tastings are a great alternative to wine tastings events: there are many intricate flavor notes for you to explore with the help of a chocolatier, but without the booziness of alcohol. It also makes a great virtual event, enabling you to connect with members of your team who live further afield and work remotely. Attendees will be sent a box of chocolates ahead of the event – just make sure you remind people to resist them until the actual tasting! Visit dallmannconfections.com to find out more about corporate chocolate tasting events online.

2. Escape room

For a team building event that exercises your colleagues’ problem solving and collaborative skills, while also providing a sense of adventure and excitement, you could try an escape room in your local area or online. Escape rooms are an immersive adventure game, in which you and your team are locked in the playroom and have to break out in a limited time frame, usually 60 minutes. Escape rooms are usually themed to add to the experience; you could be escaping from an Egyptian pyramid, creepy castle, or gritty prison. Escaping involves solving puzzles and challenges, which strengths your team’s core skillset for working together effectively, including effective communication, logical thinking, and collaboration.

3. Assault course

Completing an assault course is a great way to build trust amongst your team and let off some steam in the great outdoors. They provide physical challenges to foster teamwork and exercise critical thinking and collaborative skills as well as your body. When organizing an assault course team building event, remember to consider the fitness levels of each member of your team and any physical limitations a person may have. You may otherwise find that your event is counterproductive if people find it too difficult to complete or have to sit out. However, there are assault courses available to suit most fitness levels, from fun inflatable games to intense military style training courses.

4. Have a drink after work

Perhaps one of the simplest team building events you can do is to go for a few beers after work. This will allow you to get to know each other on a more personal level away from the corporate environment, and to decompress after a particularly stressful workday. Choose a bar that is close to your office, or you could take it one step further and book a table at a nice restaurant.

The Benefits of Laser Tattoo Removal

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Source: Wikipedia | Walker915

Tattoos are permanent additions to your skin, which at the time might seem like a great idea. However, after a while, you might find yourself wondering why you got the tattoo in the first place. While not everyone wants to have their tattoos removed, the option of doing so makes life a lot easier — the reason being that tattoos might interfere with your professional life, personal life e, and even your romantic life. You might find yourself regretting a design or wanting a new tattoo to fill that space; whatever your reason, laser tattoo removal can help clear that space on your skin. You might wonder why you would bother? Or whether it is worth it? Well, reader, this blog will highlight a number of advantages.

How Does it Work?

Laser tattoo removal works by using highly concentrated light waves to break down the pigments in your skin, which are then cleared away by your immune system. The new laser treatments use different wavelengths so that different color inks can be removed effectively. Anyone working with laser removal treatment will be specialists in skin treatments and will be able to remove your tattoo while looking after your skin.

No Scarring

The technology used by laperfection.co.uk is designed to leave your healthy skin cells alone and any tissue surrounding the tattoo. This means that when you have your tattoo removed, you do not need to worry about the risk of scarring, which could put many people off having their tattoo removed. In addition, instead of sanding down the skin around the tattoo, laser treatment targets the pigment, so your tattoo will fade effectively while the skin around the ink will not be damaged.

Minimal Recovery Time

A great perk of laser removal is that the recovery time is fairly minimal. It is the safest way to remove a tattoo compared to other techniques, which means that recovery time is pretty short and has few side effects. Normally patients will have to use sunscreen for several days after the procedure to protect them from UV rays, which is the extent of recovery. Common side effects might include redness or a slightly burning or itching of the skin, which normally clears up pretty quickly.

Precision

Laser tattoo removal is effective on tattoos of all sizes due to the precision and ability of the laser to remove the ink from your skin. The precision of the laser also means that it can remove certain aspects or details of your tattoo that you may no longer like or want to change, which can be helpful if you are making alterations to existing tattoos.

If you are interested in the process of tattoo removal and think that it is the right treatment for you, it is well worth investing in. For example, you might have an old tattoo that no longer serves any purpose, or you might need a tattoo to fade for a new cover-up; whatever your reason, laser tattoo removal is highly advantageous. 

How to Protect Yourself from Sun Damage

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We all love being out in the sun, and some of us even enjoy lying out in it and bathing in its warmth. The problem is, as much as we like the sun, it is extremely dangerous, and can be life-threatening when we don’t take the right precautions. With this in mind, here are some of the best ways to protect yourself from sun damage so you can enjoy the heat and not get sick. Read on to find out more.

Sunscreen

Wearing sunscreen is one of the – and perhaps the – most effective ways of staying safe in the sun. Although ideally you should wear long sleeves and pants, this is not always practical, so sunscreen is a good alternative to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.

Sunscreen blocks the UV rays of the sun and prevents the heat from burning your skin. You should wear sunscreen on any exposed area of skin every time you go outside, even if it looks cloudy or hazy. You might not be able to feel the sun, but it is there.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses from Just-glasses.co.uk are a must when you are in the sun as they can help to prevent some eye conditions that the sun’s rays cause. Too much exposure to the sun can lead to macular degeneration, pterygium, and cataracts, and wearing sunglasses – as long as they have UV protection – will help to keep your eyes safe and healthy.

Not only that, but sunglasses will make being out in the sun a lot more comfortable too. Squinting into the brightness is not pleasant, and if you have to carry out tasks such as driving, or even if you want to enjoy the good weather, wearing sunglasses will help make that possible.

Rehydration

Although you might think of your skin and eyes initially when it comes to protection from the sun, the rest of your body is also at risk due to the problems associated with dehydration. The warmer it is, the more we sweat, and the more we sweat, the more fluid we are losing from our bodies. This can very quickly lead to dehydration which in its severest form can be fatal. Even if you aren’t hospitalized because of dehydration, you can become confused, moody, uncoordinated, and you will find that you develop terrible headaches at the very least.

Therefore, always have a bottle or flask of water with you when you are out in the sun – or when you are out in any weather. As adults, we need to drink around 11.5 to15.5 cups of water a day and more in the summer. Unless you have water with you and continue to sip it all day, you could become sick or at least less productive than you should be.

Wear a Hat

We mentioned long sleeves and pant legs earlier on and discussed how they might not be entirely practical when it’s hot. What is always practical, however, is a hat. Make sure you wear a hat when you go outside (and ideally a wide-brimmed one), and you will be protecting yourself in many ways. This includes protecting your eyes, your face, and your scalp.