Pampering Your Pets

Every now and then our pets deserve a day to be pampered just like us! They are always there for us to listen, love and cuddle with. Here are a few of my favorite ways to show appreciation for your furry friends...

Spa Day

Kick–start your pet-pampering day by taking a trip to the salon for a day of much-needed grooming.  Aside from your daily or weekly brushing, a good grooming will not only have your pet looking and smelling fabulous, but feeling great as well. Not only is it a great treat, but also a necessity that the entire family can appreciate.  Schedule your next appointment at Lucky Dawg Pet Grooming or South Bay Dog Grooming.  If visiting the groomer is too much for your fun-filled day, give your pet the most luxurious bath you can give in your own tub. Dr. McGrath’s and Opie and Dixie are both terrific brands that offer the highest quality, natural ingredients. Here are two of my favorite products:

Dr. McGraths: 100% human-grade, PH balanced products for dogs, cats, & horses; free of sulfates, phosphates, & dyes

Concentrated Conditioning Animal Shampo

Opie & Dixie: All-natural, organic and vegan grooming aids for the holistic care of dogs and cats.

Organic Healing Paw Balm

Stay-cation

A marvelous stay-cation is a must when planning to pamper your pet. Send them to a luxury pet resort like AMG A Pet Resort where they can get walks, group play, special treats, and so much more. If you don’t want to board your pet, plan a trip to the beach or a nice dog park for you and your best furry friend to run around and be carefree for a day. 

Retail Therapy

Showering your pet with gifts is another good way to show your pet just how much you love them. Just like when we feel we have done a job well done buying a nice treat for yourself is a great way to pat yourself on the back.  So whether it is a treat and a toy from Pet Foods Market or a cute outfit from D.O.G Boutique, your pet will definitely enjoy the retail therapy.

An adorable chew toy from D.O.G. Pet Boutique

Whether it’s a spa day, a quick road trip or a shopping spree, showing your pet how much you love them by pampering them for a day is a great way to make the bond between you two even stronger. Only you know exactly what your furry friend will enjoy so if all else fails, dedicate the day to your best friend. Sometimes, being with your best friend is all the therapy you need.

Happy New Year!

Home Features Worth the Splurge

When choosing to splurge on an expensive home feature, like a new swimming pool or the addition of a guest house or tennis court, consider if you’re motivated by the potential resale value, your own personal enjoyment, or both. Choose to splurge on the little things to make a large overall impact on your home, both for you and for the health of your future list price.

Additional bedrooms are smart additions that add tremendous value to your home if done well, and if you truly have the space to do so. Don’t cut an existing bedroom in half to make two very tiny ones, but if the size of your lot allows you to expand, choose this investment! Don’t forget about the possibilities in your attic or basement, as they could make media rooms or home offices that can be useful to your family right now, and provide more living space for future buyers, should you decide to sell.

Paint and hardware are prime examples of details making a big difference. Fresh paint in every room of your house and on the exteriors truly will transform your property, making it instantly feel current, clean and comfortable. Often overlooked, paint is a terrific investment when looking to spruce up your home, especially if you’re putting it on the market. Also, consider your hardware. Are your handles and cabinet pulls all in keeping with the décor and design aesthetic of your home? Go a step forward and switch out your light switch covers… there’s a myriad of options, from gold to stone to wood that are guaranteed to immediately make your home feel more put together and chic.

Landscaping is something that can be a sporadic expense (or a nonexistent one) that needs to be taken care of. While the inside of your home may matter the most to you, the exterior is how your home is presented. Hire a great landscaper, or, if you have a green thumb, DIY your outdoor space, front and back, to notice a drastic difference in the look of your property. Seasonal flowers, bushes and other foliage will brighten up your property, for either your family to enjoy, or for potential buyers to marvel over. 

If you love your house, but there are areas you’d like to improve, why not make the changes so that you can enjoy your home even more? When and if you list your property, these additions will surely boost its value. It's a win, win!