RT http://t.co/ui9AiHYTA7 #BathroomRemodel #HomeAddition http://t.co/VMvPP6p7JF

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— Kay Bond (@kaymbond) October 1, 2015

from Twitter https://twitter.com/kaymbond

September 30, 2015 at 09:02PM

RT http://t.co/s6fwaWk5Zm When beginning to plan a project, focus on what you NEED first. Cutting extravagances will keep yo…

RT http://t.co/s6fwaWk5Zm When beginning to plan a #HomeRemodel project, focus on what you NEED first. Cutting extravagances will keep yo…

— Kay Bond (@kaymbond) September 30, 2015

from Twitter https://twitter.com/kaymbond

September 30, 2015 at 07:26PM

Striking Photos Show Animal Survivors Of Northern California Wildfires

As communities in Northern California devastated by the Butte and Valley wildfires begin the arduous effort of rebuilding, animal rescue groups and veterinary hospitals are working to care for the countless non-human creatures that have been displaced and injured by the blazes. 

There’s no official tally of animal injuries or fatalities, but animal control officer Shirley Zindler noted there are “many thousands of animals affected by the fires through death, injury or displacement.” Zindler is an animal control officer in Sonoma County, but she’s also been working on animal rescues throughout Lake County, the county hardest hit by the Valley Fire. The Valley and Butte Fires claimed at least six human lives and destroyed more than 1,000 homes. 

The Valley Fire, Zindler said, was particularly perilous for pets because it started so suddenly, people had almost no time to prepare.

“It was chaos," she told The Huffington Post. "The fire came through so fast and so hot, people didn’t have time to grab their animals." In some cases, people had only “literally minutes” to evacuate. In others, people simply weren’t at home when they realized they had to flee, and weren’t able to get back to their residences in time.

Karen Schaver, director of nonprofit Orphan Dog Rescue and a member of disaster response group Lake Evacuation and Animal Protection, described rescuing two dogs whose owner simply couldn’t get to them.

“We broke the door down and got the dogs, who were still in their crates … I was in contact with the owner, who could get not past barricades,” she told HuffPost in an email. She added that Orphan Dog is now boarding some dogs whose owners were able to save their pets, but now lack homes themselves and need a place for the canines to stay temporarily.

With the fires largely contained, the dramatic, fast-paced rescues are mostly over, but there’s a huge amount of work ahead for animal shelters and veterinary clinics.

“Early last week … we were still pulling horribly burned cats out of the wreckage,” Zindler said. But now, she added, “The immediate crisis is over, but you’ve got thousands of people without homes, animals roaming loose.”

Veterinarian Jeff Smith with Middletown Animal Hospital in Middletown, California, said his clinic -- which only had phone service restored on Tuesday -- treated about 500 animals in the first two weeks of blazes in Lake County, about half in the clinic itself and half in the field.

And not all those cases were for burns. He noted that in one case, they treated a dog that had been shot because it was roaming loose. Other displaced, newly stray animals have eaten things that they shouldn’t have.

In many cases, Smith said, they’ve been treating animals for their immediate needs, then shipping them to other animal hospitals outside of the area. He noted that Middletown is treating all animals with injuries related to the wildfires totally free of charge, which has been made possible partially by a GoFundMe account.

Smith said that veterinary efforts have been largely focused on domestic animals, though they have treated a small wild animals, like birds, that people have brought into the clinic.

The biggest challenge for animal groups has been finding space for all of the displaced animals, Schaver said. Lake County Animal Care and Control has had to transport some animals to shelters outside of the county temporarily.

Zindler said the best way to help displaced and injured animals is to donate to animal hospitals and shelters in Northern California that are working with animals. She noted the excellent work of Middletown, and added that Lake County Animal Care and Control “has been doing a wonderful job” with the difficult situation. But there’s no shortage of other groups, some of which can be found here, that can also use donations of money and supplies.

People local to the area, who are able to, can also volunteer their time. Friends of Calaveras Animal Services, which operates a shelter in San Andreas, is just one organization that recently put out a request for volunteers, noting they have multitudes of dogs, cats, snakes, horses and steers coming through their facility.

Those who missing pets after the Valley Fire should check Valley Fire Animals, a website set up to reunite owners with their furry friends. On Tuesday, Lake County Animal Care and Control also posted several resources that those searching for pets should call, which can be found here.

Schaver also offered advice for those who want to help ensure their pets’ safety in the case of natural disasters.

“Socialize your animals so that rescue workers can get them contained and transported swiftly and safely,” she said. “Get them used to crates and cars. Leave placards on your doors notifying recuse workers about the number and type of animals you have inside.” She also stressed the importance of making sure your house number is large and clearly visible for rescue workers who may be trying to find a specific residence.

Though the damage the wildfires has done has been horrific, Smith has been heartened to see community members work to help one another.

“It’s been a terrible disaster but it’s been nice to see the human response,” he said. “I think we’re entering the hard, more difficult part of the work.”

Contact the author of this article at Hilary.Hanson@huffingtonpost.com

More photos below:

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Pit Bull Who Spent 11 Years In Shelter Finally Has A Wonderful Home

Olive was at the Yonkers Animal Shelter in New York for so long that Leslie McCauley -- who's been volunteering there for a dozen years -- had gotten to thinking of her as a fixture.

"I don't remember a time that Olive wasn't at the shelter," she says. 

That all changed on Monday. After more than a decade at the shelter, Olive now has a forever home.

The best estimates are that Olive came into the shelter about 11 years ago, brought in as a stray. It was so long ago that her intake records don't even exist anymore.

She came close to being adopted a couple of times in the years since, but her luck never took. One time, for example, a shelter employee who loved her was set to take her home -- but then he died unexpectedly.

A young pit bull has a hard enough time getting adopted. One who's getting on in years, who isn't always terrific with other dogs and is pretty selective about the people she likes, too -- well, they may end up like Olive, if they're fortunate enough to live that long.

Volunteers and staff did their best to keep Olive happy. It wasn't that hard, since this was the only life she'd really known.

Clothing designer and animal rescuer John Bartlett is one of Olive's champions. For a few years now, since he started volunteering at the shelter, he's spent time nearly every week playing with her, walking her, giving her treats and hoping that one day she'd have even more.

"Olive was my special girl," says Bartlett. "So many people have been pulling for her."

She had so many people pulling for her that Olive caught some media attention in the last couple of months. Her photo and story were shared widely on Facebook.

McCauley says that most of the inquiries that came as a result didn't go anywhere. But one did. And one is all it took.

Olive's new mom -- who hasn't revealed her name, but spoke with The Huffington Post by email -- says she saw a Facebook post about Olive. She then came into the shelter on Monday, knowing "I was going to be taking her home as long as she accepted me."

They accepted each other.

"Our meeting was calm and peaceful like two old friends sitting down for a spot of tea," she says.

The photos that have been posted to Olive's new Facebook page show this girl exploring her new home -- sniffing flowers in the yard, eating bowls of meatballs -- with a big old wonderful smile. 

It's putting big smiles on Olive's friends back at the Yonkers shelter, as well. And giving some hope that other long-termers like these gorgeous pups, Harley and Haze, also have a shot.

"I've been crying all week," Bartlett said. "When things like this happen, it gives you faith."

"It was wonderful," McCauley added. "I hope she lives a lot of years, and gets to enjoy this new life." 

Get in touch at arin.greenwood@huffingtonpost.com if you have an animal story to share!

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6 Creative Ways To Chug Your Morning Coffee

Bored with your usual brew?

Why not perk up your morning (or your 3 p.m. staff meeting) with a variation of the standard coffee featured in the BuzzFeed video below, such as a coffee float (with ice cream and cocoa powder), mocha "on the rocks" (with frozen coffee ice cubes), and "bulletproof" coffee (with butter and coconut oil), which is believed to enhance the way your body processes the caffeine. 

The music's so snazzy you might even start doing push-ups to it.

Also on HuffPost:

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16 Trader Joe's Foods You Need To Discover (And Then Hoard)

You're already going to Trader Joe's for the cookie butter, and most of us swear by Two Buck Chuck (which is now actually $3 at most locations).

But there are many, many Trader Joe's finds that you're not paying enough attention to ... unless you're a brilliant shopper, that is. 

We asked a handful of HuffPost editors for their favorite under-appreciated or little-known items at America's most secretive supermarket. The lineup is equal parts useful (pre-marinated chicken!), surprising (who knew there were hybrid tortillas?!) and tastebud-tingling. Check out their descriptions of these must-have foods below.

Oh, and while you're there, check out Trader Joe's selection of similarly under-loved beauty products:

Also on HuffPost:

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Small Space Design Ideas

Small space design can be tricky, but not impossible. There are ways to make a petite space work well for you and look good at the same time!

Here are five of my favorite ideas for how to maximize your small space:

1. Take Advantage of Natural Light

Natural light brightens up a space and keeps it from looking dark and cramped.

Mirrors are perfect for bouncing the available natural light around a room - it will give the illusion that your space is larger than it really is.

2. Divide your Space into Zones

Defining space by activity will make your space function well. Create a zone for each of the different activities you do in a space, like eating, sleeping and working.

Try using bookcases or folding screens to create specific areas within a room. Bookcases are a great option as they also provide additional storage, which brings me to my next idea...

3. Think Vertical

When floor space is precious, think up.

Tall bookcases, armoires, or floating shelves draw the eye upwards and emphasize the verticality of your space, which helps a small space feel larger.

4. Use Furniture that Does Double Duty

In small rooms, space is at a premium, so it is important it to maximize what space is available.

Ottomans and benches can pull double duty as coffee tables and additional seating.
These pieces often come with a storage option, which is a bonus because you can never have too much storage, especially in a small space.

5. Conceal What You Can

Clutter is the bane of a small space's existence.

Storage boxes with lids or baskets are perfect for hiding and organizing clutter. Keep what you use often close at hand and tuck the rest away in the back of a closet or under the bed.

Watch this video to learn about some small space lighting essentials



These are just a few small space design solutions - what techniques do you use when designing a small room or a studio apartment? Share in the comments below!

Images courtesy of Lamps Plus

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15 New Ways to Decorate Pumpkins This Fall

By: Mady Dahlstrom, Content Editor for Porch.com

Fall is here, and that means it's time to light your pumpkin spice candle, bring out your sweaters, stock up on Halloween candy, and most importantly pick out your pumpkins! Fill your home this fall with colorful and creative pumpkins by trying one of these new ways to decorate pumpkins.

Whether you're in the mood for confetti dipped craziness, sweet frosted donuts or spooky skeletons, try one of these 15 DIY pumpkin decorating ideas, brought to you by the Blogger Community at Porch.com!

1. Donut Pumpkin

Bring the party to your pumpkin with this totally adorable DIY donut pumpkin idea! See how to add some frosting and sprinkles to your pumpkins this fall, here.



Image Credit: The DIY Playbook

2. Faux Fur Covered Pumpkin

Cover your pumpkins in fur for a creative (and fluffy) DIY pumpkin project. Find out the super easy method used to cover a pumpkin in fabric by following this step-by-step guide.



Image Credit: Brepurposed

3. Confetti Dipped Pumpkins

Get a little crazy and colorful this Halloween by DIY-ing these confetti dipped pumpkins.



Image Credit: Studio DIY

4. Fall Pumpkin Wreath

Keep it classic with this fall wreath idea that uses a half pumpkin, a grapevine wreath, and a few floral embellishments.



Image Credit: Skip To My Lou

5. Skeleton Marquee Pumpkin

What screams Halloween more than skeletons? DIY this spooky chic skeleton marquee pumpkin for your front porch!



Image Credit: Love The Day

6. Watercolor Pumpkins

Watercolor has been taking over home décor lately, and these DIY watercolor pumpkins prove the trend has no plans on stopping! Follow this tutorial to see how you can make your own.



Image Credit: Lines Across

7. Trick Or Treat Chalkboard Pumpkin Sign

Try using half pumpkins as signs or wall décor, like this trick or treat chalkboard pumpkin sign!



Image Credit: Sugar Bee Crafts

8. Tissue Paper Confetti Pumpkin

Make your pumpkins pop by DIY-ing a tissue paper confetti pumpkin with Mod Podge, confetti, and a plastic craft pumpkin!



Image Credit: The Crafted Life

9. Polka Dotted Pumpkin Flower Vase

Polka dots and flowers, this pumpkin decorating DIY goes all out in design! Get the details on how to make your own polka dotted pumpkin flower vase, here.



Image Credit: Sarah M. Dorsey Designs

10. Marquee Light Letter Pumpkins

Light up your front porch with this clever DIY marquee light fall letter pumpkins display!



Image Credit: Kara Allen via Kara's Party Ideas

11. Halloween Pumpkin Diorama

Instead of carving a silly face into your pumpkin this year, create a Halloween diorama inside of your pumpkin! Follow these steps to see how you can turn the inside of a plastic pumpkin into a haunted house.



Image Credit: Lia Griffith

12. Hamburger Pumpkin

We're all about the treats and less about the tricks this Halloween. This DIY hamburger pumpkin is the perfect addition to a fun fall tablescape!



Image Credit: Shrimp Salad Circus

13. Framed Fall Pumpkins

Showcase your cute fall pumpkins on your living room wall or entryway with this DIY fall vignette!



Image Credit: Craftaholics Anonymous

14. Boho Pumpkin Topiary

Go above and beyond decorating one pumpkin this year by creating a pumpkin topiary! Follow these steps to see how you can stack different sizes of pumpkins nice and snug.



Image Credit: Jennifer Rizzo

15. Brushstroke Pumpkin

Decorate your pumpkins with simple, soft brushstrokes this season for a classy décor addition.



Image Credit: The Merry Thought

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