Latest news with #LauraCarter
CBC
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Canadian Independent Bookstore Day is a day to highlight local shops
Canadian Independent Bookstore Day (CIBD) is on Saturday, April 26. The annual event brings together readers, writers, illustrators and publishers to celebrate the more than 200 independent bookstores in Canada. Stores will host events such as author readings, scavenger hunts, contests and prize giveaways to engage more readers. The CBC Poetry Prize is open from April 1 to June 1 On the Canadian Independent Booksellers Association (CIBA) site, there is a map highlighting local bookstores for Canadians to visit. "Canadian Independent Bookstore Day is a joyful celebration of readers, reading, and local bookstores," said Laura Carter, executive director of CIBA, in a press statement. "What better way to spend a Saturday than in a bustling bookstore, surrounded by your community, sharing the love of books and the connections they create?" This year, the CIBA commissioned artwork from Canadian artist and illustrator Josée Bisaillon to help celebrate CIBD 2025. The CIBA has also organized a contest. For every book purchased on April 26 at an indie bookstore — in person, by phone or online — the buyer will be entered into a national draw to win one of several prizes.
The Sun
23-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
The 7p trick to keep pet hair at bay this spring malting season & the sofa to avoid if you want your home to look clean
Abigail Wilson, Senior Digital Writer Published: Invalid Date, THERE'S nothing more annoying than getting home after a long day at work, only to sit on your sofa and notice that it's covered in pet hair. And with spring malting season here (unfortunately for many), if you want to ensure your home always looks clean, you've come to the right place. 8 8 With the days getting longer, lots of homeowners will be getting that itch for the big spring clean. But if you're a pet owner, the masses of pet hair (that usually begins in March and can continue into early June), often poses a large challenge to overcome. Luckily for you, Laura Carter, a pro from online retailer Furniturebox, has shared her top cleaning and styling hacks to ensure your pad stays looking tidy when you have a house full of fur. So with National Pet Month finally here, there's no better time to ensure you get your home looking sparkling - even if you do have a host of furry friends scurrying around. Use shaving foam to clean stubborn pet stains First things first, if your sofa is covered in nasty pet stains you just can't shift, you'll need to try Laura's shaving foam hack. Simply cover stains with the beauty buy and leave it for 20 minutes before wiping away. White shaving foam is great for stains on fabric carpets and upholstery including faux leather. It is a surprisingly effective cleaner because it contains surfactants, emulsifiers, and cleaning agents similar to those in soap, making it gentle yet powerful for cleaning various surfaces and removing stains. Don't scrub at muddy paw prints Secondly, you'll need to remember not to scrub at your dog's muddy paw prints and instead, will need to let them dry first. 8 Rubbing or scrubbing stains risks damaging fabrics or pushing the mud deeper into it. Top 6 spring cleaning hacks Instead, once dry, hoover as much dry mud as possible, then use a blunt knife to scrape away the remaining mud. On carpets, which are designed to be a little tougher, you can also gently brush at stains with a steel brush, vacuuming as you go. For particularly tough stains, mix a quarter teaspoon of detergent (non-bleach) or white vinegar mixed with water to really attack the mark. Blot out wee stains When it comes to liquid stains on fabrics, simply spray them with water and then absorb with paper towels, blotting rather than rubbing to avoid weakening or stretching the fibres or pushing the stain further into the fabric. Sprinkle the stain with bicarbonate of soda and leave for half an hour to neutralise the smell, then hoover. Repeat as necessary until the stain and smell are gone. Tumble dryer sheets are a game changer If your pooch has made your home kick up a nasty smell, tumble dryer sheets should be added to your shopping list. 8 They're great at collecting dust as they are anti-static and leave a nice fresh scent behind. These are better than using liquid aerosols or sprays as moisture can encourage dampness and mould in fabrics. You can even tuck dryer sheets inside cushion covers for a more permanent freshener. Attach a dryer sheet to a dry-mop or rubber broom using elastic bands then run around the floors to pick up dust and add a fresh smell. You can buy dryer sheets for as little as £2.50 from Sainsbury's and biodegradable options are also available. For a pack of 34 sheets, each use will cost you just 7p, making this trick great for those on a budget. For those dealing with a fur-covered sofa, a shower squeegee is sure to soon be your new best friend. Squeegees are great for scraping up all the fur from sofas and carpets that the vacuum cannot budge. Regular vacuuming is also essential and can also help to deter fleas. Not only this, but a rubber broom can be used to get rid of pet hair on wooden or vinyl floors too. Select the right furniture But at the end of the day, if you have pets and want a home that sparkles, choosing the right furniture is key. 8 Short pile rugs and short nap polyester velvet are great options when shopping for the best sofa for dogs or cats. Polyester, including velvet, is durable, and a short pile means fur or mud won't sink into the fibres as easily. While faux leather upholstery is super easy to wipe clean, it can be scratched, so it might be a better option for pets who aren't prone to claw things and may want to be avoided if your dog has sharp claws. Choose furniture that sits on legs, making it easier to clean beneath and making a world of difference in keeping hair under control. For more tips on how to spring clean homes with pets, go to the Furniturebox blog.
Scottish Sun
23-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
The 7p trick to keep pet hair at bay this spring malting season & the sofa to avoid if you want your home to look clean
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THERE'S nothing more annoying than getting home after a long day at work, only to sit on your sofa and notice that it's covered in pet hair. And with spring malting season here (unfortunately for many), if you want to ensure your home always looks clean, you've come to the right place. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 If your home is covered in pet hair, fear not - you've come to the right place Credit: Furniturebox 8 Here, we have top expert tips on how to keep hair at bay this malting season, plus key furniture advice for those pet owners wanting a home that sparkles Credit: Canva Pro With the days getting longer, lots of homeowners will be getting that itch for the big spring clean. But if you're a pet owner, the masses of pet hair (that usually begins in March and can continue into early June), often poses a large challenge to overcome. Luckily for you, Laura Carter, a pro from online retailer Furniturebox, has shared her top cleaning and styling hacks to ensure your pad stays looking tidy when you have a house full of fur. So with National Pet Month finally here, there's no better time to ensure you get your home looking sparkling - even if you do have a host of furry friends scurrying around. Use shaving foam to clean stubborn pet stains First things first, if your sofa is covered in nasty pet stains you just can't shift, you'll need to try Laura's shaving foam hack. 8 Shaving foam will help you say goodbye to stubborn stains Credit: Getty Simply cover stains with the beauty buy and leave it for 20 minutes before wiping away. White shaving foam is great for stains on fabric carpets and upholstery including faux leather. It is a surprisingly effective cleaner because it contains surfactants, emulsifiers, and cleaning agents similar to those in soap, making it gentle yet powerful for cleaning various surfaces and removing stains. Don't scrub at muddy paw prints Secondly, you'll need to remember not to scrub at your dog's muddy paw prints and instead, will need to let them dry first. 8 You mustn't scrub at muddy paw prints Credit: Canva Pro Rubbing or scrubbing stains risks damaging fabrics or pushing the mud deeper into it. Top 6 spring cleaning hacks Instead, once dry, hoover as much dry mud as possible, then use a blunt knife to scrape away the remaining mud. On carpets, which are designed to be a little tougher, you can also gently brush at stains with a steel brush, vacuuming as you go. For particularly tough stains, mix a quarter teaspoon of detergent (non-bleach) or white vinegar mixed with water to really attack the mark. Blot out wee stains When it comes to liquid stains on fabrics, simply spray them with water and then absorb with paper towels, blotting rather than rubbing to avoid weakening or stretching the fibres or pushing the stain further into the fabric. 8 Blot out wee stains and then hoover Credit: Getty Sprinkle the stain with bicarbonate of soda and leave for half an hour to neutralise the smell, then hoover. Repeat as necessary until the stain and smell are gone. Tumble dryer sheets are a game changer If your pooch has made your home kick up a nasty smell, tumble dryer sheets should be added to your shopping list. 8 Tumble dryer sheets will banish nasty smells Credit: Getty They're great at collecting dust as they are anti-static and leave a nice fresh scent behind. These are better than using liquid aerosols or sprays as moisture can encourage dampness and mould in fabrics. You can even tuck dryer sheets inside cushion covers for a more permanent freshener. Cleaning and household chores in numbers Well Polished conducted a survey and the results are in! Most Hated Household Chores Cleaning the oven - 34% Ironing - 15% Cleaning the toilet - 10% Washing the dishes - 5% Decluttering - 4% Most Liked Household Chores Cooking meals - 21% Decluttering - 12% Hoovering - 11% Doing the laundry - 9% Tending to pets 8% Men VS Women: Who Puts the Work In? Men spend 7 hours 54 minutes a week cleaning. Women spend 12 hours 15 minutes a week cleaning. Attach a dryer sheet to a dry-mop or rubber broom using elastic bands then run around the floors to pick up dust and add a fresh smell. You can buy dryer sheets for as little as £2.50 from Sainsbury's and biodegradable options are also available. For a pack of 34 sheets, each use will cost you just 7p, making this trick great for those on a budget. Use a window cleaner squeegee to clean fur from sofas and carpets For those dealing with a fur-covered sofa, a shower squeegee is sure to soon be your new best friend. 8 A squeegee can get rid of fur from sofas Credit: Dunelm Squeegees are great for scraping up all the fur from sofas and carpets that the vacuum cannot budge. Regular vacuuming is also essential and can also help to deter fleas. Not only this, but a rubber broom can be used to get rid of pet hair on wooden or vinyl floors too. Select the right furniture But at the end of the day, if you have pets and want a home that sparkles, choosing the right furniture is key. 8 Choosing the right furniture is key Credit: Getty Short pile rugs and short nap polyester velvet are great options when shopping for the best sofa for dogs or cats. Polyester, including velvet, is durable, and a short pile means fur or mud won't sink into the fibres as easily. While faux leather upholstery is super easy to wipe clean, it can be scratched, so it might be a better option for pets who aren't prone to claw things and may want to be avoided if your dog has sharp claws. Choose furniture that sits on legs, making it easier to clean beneath and making a world of difference in keeping hair under control. For more tips on how to spring clean homes with pets, go to the Furniturebox blog. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
The Irish Sun
23-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
The 7p trick to keep pet hair at bay this spring malting season & the sofa to avoid if you want your home to look clean
THERE'S nothing more annoying than getting home after a long day at work, only to sit on your sofa and notice that it's covered in pet hair. And with spring malting season here (unfortunately for many), if you want to ensure your home always looks clean, you've come to the right place. Advertisement 8 If your home is covered in pet hair, fear not - you've come to the right place Credit: Furniturebox 8 Here, we have top expert tips on how to keep hair at bay this malting season, plus key furniture advice for those pet owners wanting a home that sparkles Credit: Canva Pro With the days getting longer, lots of But if you're a pet owner, the masses of pet hair (that usually begins in March and can continue into early June), often poses a large challenge to overcome. Luckily for you, Laura Carter, a pro from online retailer So with National Pet Month finally here, there's no better time to ensure you get your home looking sparkling - even if you do have a host of Advertisement Read more pet stories Use shaving foam to clean stubborn pet stains First things first, if your sofa is covered in nasty pet stains you just can't shift, you'll need to try Laura's shaving foam hack. 8 Shaving foam will help you say goodbye to stubborn stains Credit: Getty Simply cover stains with the beauty buy and leave it for 20 minutes before wiping away. White shaving foam is great for stains on fabric carpets and upholstery including faux leather. Advertisement It is a surprisingly effective cleaner because it contains surfactants, emulsifiers, and cleaning agents similar to those in soap, making it gentle yet powerful for cleaning various surfaces and removing Most read in Fabulous Don't scrub at muddy paw prints Secondly, you'll need to remember not to scrub at your dog's muddy paw prints and instead, will need to let them dry first. 8 You mustn't scrub at muddy paw prints Credit: Canva Pro Rubbing or scrubbing stains risks damaging fabrics or pushing the mud deeper into it. Advertisement Top 6 spring cleaning hacks Instead, once dry, hoover as much dry mud as possible, then use a blunt knife to scrape away the remaining mud. On carpets, which are designed to be a little tougher, you can also gently brush at stains with a steel brush, vacuuming as you go. For particularly tough stains, mix a quarter teaspoon of detergent (non-bleach) or white vinegar mixed with water to really attack the mark. Blot out wee stains When it comes to liquid stains on fabrics, simply spray them with water and then absorb with paper towels, blotting rather than rubbing to avoid weakening or stretching the fibres or pushing the stain further into the fabric. Advertisement 8 Blot out wee stains and then hoover Credit: Getty Sprinkle the stain with bicarbonate of soda and leave for half an hour to neutralise the smell, then hoover. Repeat as necessary until the stain and smell are gone. Tumble dryer sheets are a game changer If your Advertisement 8 Tumble dryer sheets will banish nasty smells Credit: Getty They're great at collecting dust as they are anti-static and leave a nice These are better than using liquid aerosols or sprays as moisture can encourage You can even tuck dryer sheets inside cushion covers for a more permanent freshener. Advertisement Cleaning and household chores in numbers Well Polished conducted a survey and the results are in! Most Hated Household Chores Cleaning the oven - 34% Ironing - 15% Cleaning the toilet - 10% Washing the dishes - 5% Decluttering - 4% Most Liked Household Chores Cooking meals - 21% Decluttering - 12% Hoovering - 11% Doing the laundry - 9% Tending to pets 8% Men VS Women: Who Puts the Work In? Men spend 7 hours 54 minutes a week cleaning. Women spend 12 hours 15 minutes a week cleaning. Attach a dryer sheet to a dry-mop or rubber broom using elastic bands then run around the floors to pick up You can buy dryer sheets for as little as £2.50 from Sainsbury's and biodegradable options are also available. For a pack of 34 sheets, each use will cost you just 7p, making this trick great for those on a budget. Use a window cleaner squeegee to clean fur from sofas and carpets For those dealing with a fur-covered Advertisement 8 A squeegee can get rid of fur from sofas Credit: Dunelm Squeegees are great for scraping up all the fur from sofas and carpets that the vacuum cannot budge. Regular vacuuming is also essential and can also help to deter Not only this, but a rubber broom can be used to get rid of pet hair on wooden or vinyl floors too. Advertisement Select the right furniture But at the end of the day, if you have pets and want a home that sparkles, choosing the right 8 Choosing the right furniture is key Credit: Getty Short pile Polyester, including velvet, is durable, and a short pile means fur or mud won't sink into the fibres as easily. Advertisement While Choose furniture that sits on legs, making it easier to clean beneath and making a world of difference in keeping hair under control. For more tips on how to spring clean homes with pets, go to the Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club Advertisement Cleaning hacks and tips Here are some tips to help you clean your home like a pro: How to Keep on top of How to Here's how to get rid of that nasty You're Clean your If you haven't Steps to This is how to Keep your Give your Did you know your
