In the words of George Eliot “Animals are such agreeable friends – they ask no question; they pass no criticisms”.
National Pet Month is back this April, attracting thousands of animal lovers, charities, businesses, retailers and schools to celebrate the value of pet ownership, raise funds for pet causes and have fun! As Britain’s most popular pets are cats and dogs, we urge you to show your little friend some extra love with treats and toys they’ll enjoy or get ready for bringing a new cat or dog into your life.
MAN’S BEST FRIEND
Every animal has its own personality, but with a dog you get to know that personality so well that you can tell when your dog is unwell, unhappy or if something is wrong. Any dog lover will tell you that the best part about owning a dog as a pet is that they are always happy to see you. Whether you have been gone for a few minutes or a few days, you will be treated with bounds of enthusiasm when you walk through the door.
“The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs” Charles de Gaulle
With so much unconditional love bestowed upon you by your dog, isn’t it time to show your love and appreciation? Why not treat your dog to a new and improved bed or some new toys?
When choosing a new bed for your dog, follow these important rules.
Weigh and measure your dog before you shop for a bed. Measure him from tail to nose with a tape measure.
Have in mind the room that he will be sleeping in.
Determine which features are important.
Select a colour and style that complements your dog and your home.
Always check the washing instructions before you buy.
When you go toy shopping for your pup or dog ensure you buy toys that are size-appropriate. Big dogs will rip apart and eat toys meant for little pups, which could cause choking and small dogs (or older ones) could injure their teeth on hard toys meant for large dogs. Most dog toys are size labelled but if in doubt ask an in-store expert for some help and advice.
TREAT YOUR CAT LIKE ROYALTY
Cats are in many ways more independent than a dog, and so they have very different needs. Did you know that cats spend around 60% of their lives asleep, splitting their sleeping time up into a series of longer naps throughout the day? Given that cats could almost class sleeping as a hobby, a warm and snuggly cat bed is an essential accessory if you want to make sure your cat stays happy and contented.
“In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this”.
Terry Pratchett
If you have more than one cat in your household, it is advisable to provide each cat with a separate place to snooze, to avoid any conflict over territory. A wide variety of styles and designs of baskets and dens are available to cater for every cat’s taste. Cats can be very particular about their place of rest: some may prefer something fluffy and padded, whereas others will opt for something more minimalist.
Consider these factors when choosing a bed for your cat.
Choose the right size. Make sure your cat can stretch out comfortably, but don’t get one that is too big. Cats feel more secure and comfortable in smaller places.
Choose a bed that is easy for your cat to get in and out of. If you have a kitten or older cat, you’ll want to make extra sure that the walls of the bed are low enough so they get in and out easily
Natural fabrics for the lining and stuffing are best. This provides extra comfort for your cat and helps with some allergies. Natural fabrics include cottons, wool, feathers, and kapok. Synthetic fibres that are hypoallergenic are also good.
Choose one that is machine-washable. This will allow you to keep your cat’s sleeping area clean and free from potential fleas and also from allergens.
Cats and their owners love playing together with toys, it is human and feline nature and part of forming a close bond with your cat. Pet shops and discount shops are full of toys suitable for cats of all dispositions, from the nervous to the outgoing and boisterous. Look out for ball toys, play tunnels, scratching posts, stick teasers, treat balls, interactive toys, soft cat toys and cat nip toys.
Some cats prefer delicate fluffy toys, perhaps a cat stick teaser or a plush toy for you to dangle whilst they chase, while other felines prefer the rough and tumble of a rustling bed, cat activity centre or a place to play hide and seek.
HEALTH & SAFETY
There are a few extra items that you should consider when you have a pet. Pet insurance can save you hundreds or even thousands of pounds every year, helping to cover those unexpected and costly vet bills. The Post Office offers pet insurance, covering up to £7,000 in vet fees per policy year.
And don’t forget your pet’s ID tag. All dogs and cats should have an ID tag incase they get lost, to help them find their way home.
The London Marathon takes place this month, signifying one of the biggest challenges for recreational runners taking part. It’s a daunting and monumental experience for marathon newbies, and an inspirational time for anyone wondering “could I do that too?” With the right training and commitment to a healthy eating plan, you too could run 26 miles. This handy guide breaks down what you need to know to get yourself in the running for next year’s London Marathon, and for a fitter, healthier you in just 17 weeks.
BEGINNERS ESSENTIALS
Don’t even think about putting a step forward before investing in the best pair of trainers to suit your feet. You don’t need to go for the most expensive pair, as long as they support the shape of your foot.
Make sure you go to a specialist shoe or sports shop with experts that can appraise the way your feet move and have knowledge of specialist brands, such as Brooks, Asics, Reebok, Nike, New Balance and Adidas.
Shoes that don’t fit your feet properly can lead to muscular imbalances in the body and allow for foot, knee and hip injuries.
Images: SportsDirect, JD Sports, ShoeZone,
Reebok YourFlex £39.99, Gola Active Ortholite £34.99, Nike Air VaporMax £150.00
Images: SportsDirect, JD Sports, ShoeZone,
New Balance W 680v4 £54.99, Nike Air VaporMax FlyKnit £170.00, Gola Lightweight £34.99
SHAPE UP
As important as it is to practice running, it is just as important to get fit and strong. Whether you exercise alone in the gym or attend classes with friends, building strength and stamina is the key to success. There are some great resources to help you get into shape, from specialist classes to training courses online and in apps.
The Virgin Money London Marathon website has a three-level 17-week training plan, one for beginners, an intermediate plan and an advanced plan. Pick the level you need and use this as a guide on your journey to the starting line.
Add several supplements to your healthy diet and fitness regime to help your body on its road to fitness. Talk to an expert at a health food shop where you’ll find a plethora of running and fitness supplements, as well as to your pharmacist about supplements and your doctor for your overall health.
BCAAs – Amino Acids that help to maximise muscle growth.
Creatine – Helps with muscles development and building strength.
Fish Oil – Omega 3 assists with cognitive function, fat burning and hormonal output.
Green powder – Can help make up for the shortfall of nutrients and minerals you don’t receive from eating enough leafy greens.
Vitamin D – In the UK many people can suffer from low vitamin D levels, which can affect bone density and energy production.
Whey Protein – Rich in BCAAs for repairing sore muscles and trigger growth.
Hion Green Powder Ultimate Blend 150g £20.99, PhD Natural Whey Protein Powder – Chocolate (500g) £19.99, Superdrug Vitamin D 12.5mcg Tablets £2.15
EAT WELL
What you eat is just as important as the exercise and training you undertake to train for a marathon. You should rely on supplements to give your body the nutrients that it needs. One of the most important aspects of any diet is to drink an adequate amount of water. While the amount you should drink differs for each individual, the general guideline is between 2-3 litres per day, and it is also important that you drink water during each training session to replenish the fluids you lose.
There are certain foods that can assist in different aspects of your training and nutritional needs. You can find a full break down of nutritional advice on the Virgin Money London Marathon website, but some of the tips include:
Marmite, apples and avocado to boost cardio.
Spinach, eggs and almonds to help maintain muscle.
Watermelon, coffee and bran flakes to help you run faster.
Blue berries, honey and smoked mackerel to help prevent injury.
Pine nuts, green tea and coconut oil to help you get lean.
Kale, walnuts and white button mushrooms to help you stay healthy.
The sun is rising earlier, setting later, and slowly the temperature is starting to climb. But that also means that it’s time to get down and dirty with some spring cleaning. For some this can be daunting, and for others a cathartic experience to remove the clutter from their lives. We have some great tips to help make your spring cleaning an easy and simple process.
Before you even start cleaning, there are some steps you can follow to help you through the process:
Draw up a schedule and break up your cleaning into easy to manage portions – by breaking it up over several days you won’t tire yourself out and the process can become more enjoyable.
Tackle your cleaning one room at a time – by tackling one room at a time you can give it all your attention, for example, in your bedroom you can take the time to organise your closet and get rid of things you don’t wear or need.
Get everything you need before you start cleaning to avoid having to stop.
Create multiple piles of items as you go through your house, one for storage, one for charity and a rubbish pile for the things you want to throw out.
BE MASTERFUL WITH YOUR MUCK
The kitchen and bathroom are probably the worst places to clean as the steam from cooking and hot showers can make the dirt and grime more difficult to remove. There are plenty of tricks and clever products that will make this arduous task a lot easier.
Lemon cleans stainless steel – Simply halve a lemon and use it to scrub away those annoying streaks and marks.
Steam clean your microwave – Mix two tablespoons of white vinegar and a few drops of a scented essential oil of your choice with water and place this in the microwave on a high temperature for five minutes. Not only will it remove those tough stains and food build up, it will smell great too.
Organise your refrigerator – Place a lazy Susan in your fridge for bottles, jars and containers, to make it easier to get to the items that you want, and keep your fridge organised. Plastic containers are also a great way to keep your food fresh, and make it easy to see what you have in stock.
Images: Asda, Argos, Wilko
HOME Clip Fresh Plastic Food Containers Pack of 10 £16.99 at Argos
Sistema Multi-Coloured Klip it Food Storer 5 Litres £7.00 at Asda
Wilko Food Container Square 2.3 Litre £2.50 at Wilko
BRIGHT AND BLISSFUL BATHROOMS
Steam marks and water stains can be laborious to clean, and with so many products required for daily grooming, your bathroom is bound to look untidy unless you create clever storage solutions. Look out for storage products to ensure everything is kept neat, while being easily accessible.
Get rid of water stains and product build up – Tumble Dryer sheets are great for removing product build up on glass shower doors.
Keep your bathroom smelling fresh – Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil inside your toilet paper roll for a constant, pleasant smell.
Deep clean your shower head – Regularly fill a sandwich bag with baking soda and vinegar and tie this around your shower head. Let this soak overnight to loosen dirt and grime and use an old toothbrush to scrub it clean.
Images: Sainsbury’s & Wilko
ODIN Bamboo and white lacquer 3 tier storage unit £80.00 and ODIN Bamboo and white 3 shelf corner unit £80.00 at Sainsbury’s
4 Tier Storage Unit White £18.00 and Pop up Laundry Bin £3.00 at Wilko
Images: Wilko, Sainsbury’s & Argos
COLLIER Copper metal over door hooks £12.00 at Sainsbury’s
Wilko Over Door Rack £10.00 at Wilko
Croydex Hookover Steel Shower Caddy £11.99 and HOME 2 Tier Hookover Shower Caddy £6.99 at Argos
SOLVE YOUR STORAGE WOES
For most people, storage is an issue. Either there is not enough storage space at home, or drawers and cupboards are untidy, and things are difficult to find. But there are a few simple steps you can follow to make sure that your bedroom cupboards, laundry cupboard and even your sitting room are neat, and that everything has a proper place.
The great thing about storage, is you can choose whether you want to make it a feature of the room, or if you want it hidden. And when it comes to your wardrobe, vacuum packing the clothes is a great way to clear up some space.
HOME Single 2 Rail Wardrobe Frame £39.99, HOME 2 Tier Shoe Rack £19.99, Protect & Store Mixed Vacuum Storage Bags 6 Piece Set £11.99, and HOME 10 Pocket Hanging Canvas Shoe Storage £5.49 all at Argos
Images: Ryman, Argos, The Works
HOME Large Fabric Ottoman £32.99 at Argos
Habitat Jacobs Upholstered Storage Bench £250.00 at Argos
Really Useful Storage Box 9 Litre Pack of 2 £10.00 at Ryman
Floral Storage Suitcases Set Of 3 £7.00 at The Works
