Tuesday, February 25, 2014

{Pet's}- Selling a Home when you have Pets!



Whether you own a dog, cat, bunny, or guinea pig you need to take a few extra steps before you are ready to show your home. Nothing kills a buyers interest in a home faster than pet odor, damage or stains so here's what you can do to get your home Sell Ready!


Pet Hair
Remove pet hair from furniture and floors. Read (here) for how to.

Clean Carpets
Deep clean carpets and hardwood floors. Spot treat any pet stains and then either rent a carpet cleaner (Home Depot and Lowes rent them), or hire a professional to deep clean your carpets. 

Before a Showing
Before a showing, remove or hide any pet-related items in your home such as pet toys, pet beds, cages, and litter boxes. Some potential buyers will relate these items with stains, damage, and odors and become over-alert and start looking for pet problems. so its best to just put them away until they leave.

Pet Odors

Make sure pet odors are gone before showing the home. Often a home owner is desensitized to there home and pets smell, so have an honest friend or your Realtor check. if a odor is there use a air purifier and high-quality pet odor neutralizer. I like using Febreze Carpet Powder.

Pick up the Yard
There is nothing worse then walking into a backyard that smells like dog poo, well it cold get worse they could step in it. You don't want you potential Buyer to go walking in the grass looking around then squish poo on his foot nasty! so get the shovel and trash can and pick up the yard.

*pinterest photo 
*pinterest photo
Damage
Have a big whole in the sofa put a pillow over it. Arm on your Lazy Boy all scratched up from the cat Nicely drape a throw Blanket over the arm of the chair. Fix up any damaged baseboards, table legs etc. 



Remove your Pet
Before the showing remove your pet from the home. Before you get all worked up and start saying "but its there house" or "I'm not going to do that" just bare with me and think about these reasons why it would be a good idea to remove your pet when showing the home. 
1.) The Person who is being show the home could be allergic and that really would not be good for a sell.
2.) They could be scared of dogs or cats.
So its just best to take them out for a little drop them off at family's or a friends house for a little, or take them on a walk or to the dog park.

I hope these tips help you, and your home selling goes smoothly!

Please Comment Below!
Are you a Pet Owner?
What are your Selling Tips?
How do you Keep your Home Show Ready?
Have any Questions?


Monday, February 24, 2014

{PETS} Keep your Home Pet-Odor Free!

We all love having are pets but we don't like are house to smell like one!
Here is some tips to help with that!

  • Keep Baby wipes on hand to give your pet a quick wipe down between baths.
  • Regularly Bath & Groom your Pet. (weekly is best)
  • Have a Regular House Cleaning routine, You cant expect your home to look and smell clean if you  don't clean it regularly.
  • Wash Pet bedding often. (best to do once a week)
  • Get your Carpets Detailed Clean every 6 months.
  • Don't let pet mess sit around clean them  right away.

Don't forget to enter your pet into our February Pet Photo Contest learn more HERE

Please Comment Below!
How do you keep the odor down?
How do you keep your home clean?
Have any Tips to Share?

Friday, February 21, 2014

{PETS} Grooming your Dog!

Call me Crazy but I love giving dogs bath's. I love that fact that i'm caring for them and doing something for them that they can't do for themselves. Bath time can be great quality time to spend with your dog.
Follow these instructions to make sure the process is relaxing, fun and healthy.


What you need:
  • Dog shampoo, (Not People Shampoo or dish soap this can dry there skin out.)
  • Dog conditioner, (Optional but best if used every other bath at least!)
  • Ear Cleaner
  • Bathing Tub 
  • Towels for matting the bottom of bathing tub and for drying dog after.
  • Tissue
  • Washcloth
  • Hose or Pitcher
  • Dog Brush or Dog Comb
  • Leash, Optional
  • Blow Dryer, Optional

Wear Work Clothes your self because this Could get messy!

Brush Before Bath:
1. Give your Dog a good but  Quick Brush before his bath.



How to Wash your Dog:

Prep:
1. Place a towel on bottom of tub (this helps your dog not slip and keeps him from scratching the tub) 
2. Fill tub with water

Tip: If your dog don't like baths use a leash hooked to something strong to keep him in tub.

Ear Cleaning:
1. Put in ear drops, fill external ear canal and earflap with solution and massage gently for 30 seconds. Gently wipe with a tissue. repeat one more time.

Its best to do this twice a month.

Shampooing:
1. Put Dog in bath
2. Use washcloth to wet dog's face
3. Use hose or pitcher to wet rest of dog with warm water.
4. Begin shampooing dog; start at face and work your way to tail
5. Let shampoo set for several minutes.
6. Use washcloth to rinse shampoo off face.
7.Use hose or pitcher to thoroughly rinse rest of dog.

Conditioning:
Repeat same steps as shampooing

Drying:
1. Wrap a towel around dogs body and pat dry.

Never try to brush, fix mats or tangles wall dog is wet!

If you use a Blow dryer to dry your dog use it on low never Med or High its very easy to burn a dogs skin.

2. Once coat is completely dry, Brush dog.

3. Clip dogs nails, Post coming soon.

Tips: 
  • Talk to and encourage your dog through the washing process to relax him.
  • Conditioning is especially important in the summer when coats can bleach and dry in the sun. (and we all know how much are dogs love the sun)
  • Clean your dogs Bed after grooming.
  • Regularly Clean your dogs bedding

Don't forget to Enter your Pet into our February Pet Photo Contest Learn How HERE


Please Comment Below!
How do you Clean Your Dog?
What dog Products do you Like?
Have any Tips?
What do you think of this Post?

Thursday, February 20, 2014

{PETS} February Pet Photo Contest!

February Pet Photo Contest!



Meet Two of are Entrees!





Melody (the one on the ledge) an Mickey (the one looking up). They are 8 Weeks old. Mickey is the sweetest boy, and Melody loves to explore and try new things! They love to meet new people, and play all day!



Please Comment Below!
What do you Think of these little guy's?



Want to Enter Your Pet Find out how HERE


{PETS} Grooming your Cat!

All Cats need to be groomed some more then others.

*February Pet Photo Contest Photo.
long-haired cats should be brushed every day, to avoid matted, tangled fur and the skin problems that can result from neglected coat.

Tip: Start Grooming your cat when they are young so they are use to it.


In all cat's fur balls can build up in the stomach, so even short-haired cats benefit from grooming.

How to groom:
1. Set aside a grooming area. keep in mind  hygiene. so this area Would Not be your Kitchen Bench.

2. Remember to talk gently consistently to your cat wall grooming this puts them at ease.

3. Fluff cat's coat up with your hand, then with a wide Tooth Comb lightly brush from roots to tip in the direction of growth.

4. Repeat Step 3 with a Fine-tooth comb.

5. wipe eyes softly with damp cloth.

6. Praise your cat with a little treat!


Tip: Remember to Wash you Cats Bedding Regularly! (I do mine once a week)


Don't Forget to Enter you Pet into Our Pet Photo Contest Learn More HERE

Please Comment Below!
How do you Groom your cat?
How do you keep your cat Relaxed?
Have any tips to add?


Wednesday, February 19, 2014

{PETS} February Pet Photo Contest!

February Pet Photo Contest!

Meet one of are Entrees! 

"Hi my name's Ouji (Oo-Gee), it means Prince in Japanese! I'm a Shiba Inu, and am very loved by my parents! I'm a hyper and very active puppy and love to play with all toys especially ones that squeak! My parents always buy me food, treats, toys and also take me for an occasional spa day at Petco so this will help them tons (not to mention me!"

"Thank your time and enjoy my cute face! hehe"



Please Comment Below!
What do you Think of this little guy?



Want to Enter Your Pet Find out how HERE


{PETS} Removing Pet Hair From Around The Home!

One of the Biggest Issues pet owners face is animal hair, on the floors, furniture, and clothing.

Today we are going to talk about some tips that can help with this!

How can you keep your house clean if your pet is not?
You must regularly Groom your pet!

Later in the week we will have a post on how to do this properly.


Dose your Pet have a Favorite Spot on the sofa?

Place an old towel or sheet wherever your pet likes to rest, and periodically shake it outside to remove most of the hair before tossing it into the washing machine.


Pet Hair on Floors

Carpet:
To remove pet hair on carpeting, vacuum several times a week using full suction.
pick a vacuum with high-efficiency.
or
Squeegee it. (this really works nicely ) 

Wood & Other Hard Floors:
Use an Electrostatic Mop. They're more efficient than vacuums since they don't blow the hair around.

Pet hair on Clothing

Use a tape roller. I have one in every Closet in home, in my car and i even have a little travel on in my purse.

Pet hair on upholstery

Use the vacuum's upholstery tool or a hand vacuum with a motorized beater-bar attachment. 
Lint brushes designed for clothing and dry sponges also work well.
or
Try wearing a rubber kitchen glove and rubbing your hand over upholstery (this works really well but takes so time.)

You can Also use The Squeegee on upholstery.

Don't Forget To Enter your Pet into Our February Pet Photo Contest! More info HERE


Please Comment Below!
How do you handle Pet Hair?
Have and Tips to share?
What do you think of this post?

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

{PETS} February Pet Photo Contest!

February Pet Photo Contest!

Meet one of are Entrees!

I'm so happy to be able to introduce you to Zoe Pumpkin Moonshine Dobson. Also known as that little kissing sound made between puckered lips, since that's the only sound she response to! We rescued Zoe about a year and a half ago, she had been stuck in a tree for days, unable to come down due to the male cats hoping to mate with her on the ground. Zoe had, had a litter way too young (apparently, she was something of a catch!) and didn't understand her under developed maternal instincts causing her lactation to harden inside of her! She was thin as a rail but super cuddly right of the bat! We held warm compresses to her belly and gave her antibiotics twice a day, and now she is the bottle cap loving, chest sleeping, and leg tacking kitty you see below! I've attached a before and after picture to show you the wonders a little love can do for a cat in need of a home! Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to make taking care of her that much easier! 

Left Before Photo, Right After Photo!

Please Comment Below!
What do you Think of this Little Girl?



Want to Enter your Pet find out how HERE

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

{Pets} Pumpkin and Peanut Butter Dog Treats!

My little guy Pugzlee loved these treats.
I would give him one after his bath, and he would
be so happy. You see here in the photo.

I love making home make yummy treats for my family, and my pets are a big part of my family so why not make them some yummy homemade treats as well!

Ingredients
  • 1 15oz can pumpkin puree (not pie filling as it has to much sugar and stuff in it)
  • 2 eggs
  • 4 tbsp. all natural peanut butter
  • dash cinnamon
  • 1/2 cups oats
  • 3 cups whole wheat flour, gluten free flour or brown rice flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt (optional)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together egg, pumpkin, and peanut butter until well combined. Add flour and oats and stir until well mixed and dough forms.
  3. Pour dough onto floured surface and roll out to 1/2in thick. cut out using cookie cutters.
  4.  Bake 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
  5. Place on cooling rack and let cool tell they harden.
Store:
  • 1 Week at room temp in a zip block bag or sealed container
  • 3-4 Weeks in the fridge
  • 2-3 months in the freezer (but please let them defrost before giving to your pup)
Note:
  • Do not use Pumpkin Pie mix with any Nutmeg, as nutmeg is toxic to dogs.




Don't Forget to Enter Your Pet into are Photo Contest More Info HERE


Please Comment Below!
Do you make Homemade Dog Treats?
What did your Pup Think of them?

Friday, February 7, 2014

Bathroom Cleaning Tips!





Here are a few easy tips to keep your bathroom looking clean & Tidy.






 kids Bath Time:
  • While kids are playing in the bathtub give the toilet a quick clean, restock the spare toilet paper & put a new hand towel out.
  • As soon as kids are done with there bath wipe & rinse the tub and rinse any bath toys that were used.

Your Shower Time:
  • 5 min before your shower spry some cleaner on your shower walls. scrub walls as you take your shower.
  • When you get into the shower take a brush with you and give it a good scrub.
  • After dressing take a little time to put everything away and wipe down the counter top.
  • After each shower squeegee your shower door. 

More Tips:
  • Use an old toothbrush to clean mold around the plug hole and buildup around sink fixtures.


  • Line your trash can with a plastic bag. This will help it stay clean. (I use shopping bags for this)


  • Once a week give you bathroom a really good top to bottom clean.


  • To Prevent water spots clean with viva mirror wipes then use regular car wax over the screen and tiles. the water beads off. do this about 1-2 times a year.


  • To discourage mildew growth, increase the amount of air circulation and light. Use the bathroom fan during your shower and keep running for at least 30 min after and open the window.


  •  Every month or two, give the pipes a good clean to keep them clear of grease, oil, and hair clogs. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup white vinegar. The mixture will foam up. Let stand a few minutes to dissolve fatty acids, then pour boiling water down the drain to wash out any clogs.


  • From time to time wash your shower curtain, place in wash on gentle and the hang on clothes line to dry in sun.


Please Comment Below!
Do you have any bathroom tips?



Tuesday, February 4, 2014

{Giveaways} February Pet Photo Contest!

This February is Pet Month Here at Becoming the Ultimate Housewife!

So to go along with that we are having a Pet Photo Contest!

What you could Win!

First place prize!
$20.00 Petco Gift Card & Pet Gift basket Full of yummy Treats & Toys.

Second Place Prize!

Pet Gift Basket Full of Yummy Treats & Toys

Third Place Prize!
$10.00 Petco Gift Card


How to Enter:

Email us you Photo at Contactus@ultimatehousewife.com
with a little info about your pet.

*By sending becoming the ultimate housewife your pet photo's you are entering them into the February pet photo contest and giving Becoming the ultimate housewife the rights to use your photo's for but not limited to blog post, emails, social media...

{CHICKEN} Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks!

With Super Bowl around the corner many people are planning there party's and there menu.

That's one thing I'm working on right now.

One thing that is a must in my home for the Super Bowl Menu is Wings, Yes Messy, Saucy, Yummy Wings.

I love this Recipe Because its so easy to do and they taste so good.


What You will Need:
  • 12 Drumsticks and/ or wings (or you can use Boneless thighs but be prepared that people will need a fork if you use these) You can use Thawed or Frozen.
  • 1 Large Bottle of your favorite BBQ Sauce (I used Half Sweet Baby Ray's Original & Half Sweet Baby Ray's Sweet & Spicy, Because my Hubby likes a little hot)
Instructions:
  1. Spray Crock Pot With Cooking Spray.
  2. Place Wings In Crock Pot.
  3. Pour 1 Cup BBQ Sauce on Top, Let Cook On High for 3-4 Hours. If using Frozen Cook for 4-6 Hours. 
  4. Remove Chicken from Crock Pot and Place in Large Bowl or Serving Tray. If Desired, toss with with more BBQ sauce depending on how messy & Saucy you want them.
Notes:
  • After cooked if you leave them in Crock Pot Chicken will Fall off the Bone.
  • You can use as much Sauce as you want.


I hope you enjoy this as much as My Family and I do.

Please Leave a Comment Below!
Do you Have a Super Bowl Favorite Food?
Have you Tried cooking Wings This way?
Any Tips or Ideas?

If you try this recipe feel free to Send us a email of what you think and any photos you may have at contactus@ultimatehousewife.com

{Money} Finding Investment Opportunities

*This post contains affiliate links to essential oils and other products I talk about in the post. Purchasing them here from my blog is no ...