Monthly Archives: January 2023

February is Dental Health Month, so it’s the perfect time to talk about keeping teeth in check! When it comes to your daily hygiene routine, looking after your smile should be top of the list. Letting your brushing and flossing slide can lead to tooth decay and disease, but alongside visiting your dentist regularly, knowing how to keep your teeth and gums healthy at home is the best way to prevent long-lasting issues and high dental bills.

We’ve put together a refresher guide on how to keep your teeth and gums healthy on a budget, including our favourite dental care products.

See our full range of Dental Care products - available to buy in store

 

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How to keep your teeth healthy

Achieving a brighter smile all starts with ensuring you are taking steps to keep your teeth plaque free, and your gums nice and healthy.

 

1.    Visit a dentist regularly

When it comes to ongoing dental care, nothing beats regular visits to your dentist. They will advise you on areas of dental hygiene that you need to pay more attention to, as well as prescribing a treatment plan to handle any issues with your teeth, gums, or general oral hygiene such as gum disease and cavities.

How often you will need to see your dentist depends on your lifestyle and any pre-existing conditions you might have. Many people, especially children, are advised to see their dentist twice a year (or, every 6 months) – but this can be reduced to once every year or once every two years if they determine that you are at a lower risk of developing oral health issues.

As you get older, treatments will become more comprehensive, and your dentist will likely advise that you book a hygienist appointment alongside your general check-ups to ‘deep clean’ your teeth.

 

2.    Brush your teeth two times a day

Teeth brushing is one of the most basic dental care tips, but it is one that can often be overlooked, especially as people grow older. It is vital to brush your teeth twice a day to remove any food, bacteria, and plaque build-up from your teeth. Neglecting to brush your teeth can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

You should brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste for two minutes, two times a day. Generally, it is recommended to brush your teeth before you eat breakfast and after you’ve eaten dinner. Try to avoid brushing your teeth directly after you’ve eaten, leaving at least an hour between finishing a meal and picking up your toothbrush.

 

3.    Use a mouthwash that contains fluoride

Mouth wash that has fluoride in it is great to include in your daily dental routine. Many people make the mistake of using mouthwash straight after brushing their teeth – but did you know that you should never rinse your mouth out directly after using toothpaste, even if it is with mouth wash?

We love the Dentyl range of mouthwash. It’s alcohol free, and we stock it in a variety of flavours for an enjoyable, fresh taste and feeling.

• Dentyl Mint 500ml
• Dentyl Mint and Strawberry 500ml
• Dentyl Mint and Lemon 500ml

 

4.    Don’t forget to floss!

Flossing and the use of interdental brushes are some of the best ways to clean your gums and in-between your teeth. Flossing regularly removes plaque bacteria, which if left unchecked, can start to erode the enamel (the protective layer) of your teeth. This can lead to gum disease, soreness, gingivitis, and other dental issues.

Try our mint flavoured Max Guard Dental Floss

If you struggle with flossing or are just starting to floss, floss picks might work better for you as they are easier to manage.

 

Try our Max Guard Dental Floss Picks

If you are unsure how often you should be flossing, or whether you are flossing correctly, you should speak to your dentist. Visit the NHS website for advice on how to floss.

 

 

Other tips for a healthy mouth

As well as the main tips we have mentioned above, there are lifestyle changes you can make to keep your teeth healthy and your gums happy.

• Avoid drinks and food that are high in sugar
• Try not to drink acidic liquids which can wear away your enamel
• Clean any complete or partial dentures with a denture bath
• Avoid smoking and limit your alcohol intake

 

Make Daily Dental Care Easy

Now we’ve refreshed your knowledge on how to keep your teeth healthy, pop to your local Poundstretcher (use our store finder to locate your closest) to pick up new products. Pick up all the products you need at the same time by grabbing a Dental Care Kit or Oral Care Kit for a bargain price.

If you are experiencing any issues with your dental hygiene, please seek professional advice from your dentist or healthcare provider.

There aren’t many activities that are more relaxing than garden bird watching. Watching birds makes the perfect all year-round hobby, and for the nature lovers amongst us, there is nothing better than sitting out in the crisp spring or hot summer with a flask, hiding from plain view, and peeking out into the wilderness with hopes of catching a glimpse of your favourite feathered friends.

If you’re a bird watching newbie or you’re simply curious about the topic, this is the perfect piece for you to read. We’ll be discussing bird watching, and how you can use a diverse range of The Pet Hut products to attract more birds to your garden so that you can comfortably bird watch from home.

Check out the full selection of Bird Supplies in store at The Pet Hut

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How to bird watch from your garden

In Great Britain, we are lucky to have 628 species of birds[i] flying around, which is great news for bird watchers who are keen to spot a diverse range of them! If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, you have the perfect space to attract birds, meaning that you can watch them without travelling further than your own doorstep. Here is how you can start your bird watching hobby in the confines of your garden.

 

1.    Provide a range of feeders

Different birds have different behaviours and needs, which is why providing a range of feeders is important if you want to attract more than a couple of species. Smaller birds may feel more secure feeding from a sheltered feeder with shorter perches, whereas large birds need a long, sturdy perch to sit on whilst they eat.

 

Large Metal Seed Feeder

This is a standard feeder that is large enough to sustain a lot of garden birds for several days. It's also perfect for holding small seeds, making it great for attracting fledglings and birds with smaller beaks.

Caged Seed Feeder

Caged seed feeders keep smaller birds protected whilst they enjoy their food, and keep unwanted, larger animals away.

Mini Caged Fat Ball Feeder

Stop other animals getting their paws and claws on the suet you put out for your birds by using a fat ball feeder.

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2.    Create a safe environment

Most British garden birds are natural prey, so creating a safe environment for them to eat, mate, and sleep away from predators like cats and foxes is the best way to start attracting them to your garden. Once a few realise that they can flutter about in relative peace, others tend to follow quite quickly. Our top tips on creating a bird-safe environment include…

Place feeders carefully – try to avoid hanging or placing feeders too close to houses, trees, or anywhere that prey animals could leap to them from. Feeding stations are perfect for hanging feeders up high and out of the way.

Feeding Station with Feeders

 

Provide hiding places - there should be a few places for birds to dart to when they need to hide. Try and set up a few bird houses and nesting boxes – the higher up, the better.

Deter other animals – aside from prey, other animals like squirrels will be attracted to food that you leave out for birds. Try to deter them by making feeders difficult to climb or jump to.

 

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3.    Make food and water easy to access

Of course, the key reason birds will visit your garden is to find food – so make this a priority if you want to attract them. There are hundreds of food options on the market, but generally, you will want to provide a selection of…

Suet/fat balls

50 Wild Bird Fat Balls 4.5KG

These fat balls are packed with vitamins and provide excellent value for money. They are suitable for year-round feeding, but special care should be taken in warmer months as the heat can cause the suet to turn rancid. You can also purchase suet in different forms.

These pellets are are available as part of the Poundstretcher bird watching range, and are great for providing high energy to your garden birds without the mess that seeds and suet can cause.

Value Energy Pellets 1KG

Energy Pellets Berry 1KG

We also sell coconut halves that are pre-filled with suet for fuss-free feeding.

Coconut Feeder Twin Pack

Seeds

Dawn Chorus Bird Seed 1.7KG

Seeds are packed with the energy that garden birds need to keep moving. A mixture of sunflower seeds, black Nyjer seeds, and others provides the perfect amount of nutrition for any garden bird. Picking a good quality seed mix is an easy way to offer a variety – especially if you are new to feeding birds.

 

Insects

Dried Mixed Insects 1KG

Insects are birds most readily available natural food source, but they tend to be harder to come across in colder months. Providing live or dried insects like mealworms and calci worms can be a valuable supplement to their diets.

Water

Water should be left out in warmer and colder months. If you don’t have a bird bath, use a shallow dish and raise it off the ground. You can also put out water on the floor for ground-feeding birds. Make sure you clean water dishes every few days with a disinfectant and fresh water to prevent any diseases or illnesses being passed between birds.

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4.    Stay out of sight!

As garden birds are prey animals, their natural instinct upon seeing a human will be to fly away (unless they get very comfortable in your garden). Once they’ve visited your garden a few times, they generally will establish a routine of when they visit, sticking to ‘safe times’. Try to take note of the times they visit and stay hidden and quiet during these times.

Watch the birds in your garden through the window, or in a quiet corner well away from where you have set up feeders.

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Get your space garden bird ready

Now you know the basics of garden bird watching, it’s time to go out and gather the supplies you need to attract them to your space. We stock a massive range of bird foods, feeders, and much more in the Pet Hut section of Poundstretcher stores. Find your closest location here and visit us soon!

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Sources

[i] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_birds_of_Great_Britain

Poundstretcher is very excited to announce the Official Grand Opening on Saturday 28^th January 2023 at Unit 2 Comely Bank Mill Retail Park, King Street, Galashiels TD1 1PY at 10 A.M.

The high street store closed in 2018 to be replaced by the Great Tapestry of Scotland by the local council. However, 5 years later, Poundstretcher is back in Galashiels with a bigger and brighter store!

Property Director Gerry Loughran commented: ‘We are pleased to be returning to the town of Galashiels with loads of big branded products and a great range of offers. The team is working hard to deliver an outstanding shopping experience, great service, and an enjoyable shopping environment for all our new and returning customers. We are expecting massive queues for our opening day specials, including an action-packed morning, so come early to not miss out!’

Galashiels Opening Day Schedule

To mark its return, a Grand Opening will take place on Saturday 28^th January 2023 at Comely Bank Mill Retail Park. 

• 9 A.M - first arrivals will be welcomed by an Entertainer running games and activities with £250 worth of Poundstretcher shopping vouchers up for grabs.
• 9:30 A.M -  the store will be running a Charity Trolley Dash for the benefit of Galashiels Foodbank where they will be given the opportunity to fill their trolley with as many products as possible within 60 seconds.
• Councillor Euan Jardine will officially open the store for trading at 10 A.M by cutting a ribbon.

We look forward to welcoming you all back to our store in Galashiels! See you soon!

The goal of mindfulness gifts is to help your loved one to relax, and assist them in thinking positive, mindful thoughts. But when it comes to choosing the best mindfulness gifts, you don’t have to spend a fortune!

We all need a pick-me-up from time to time, so whether you want to spoil someone whose been feeling a bit down on their birthday or give them a thoughtful present ‘just because’, choosing mindfulness gifts is a lovely way of helping friends and family members look after themselves and showing them that you care.

At Poundstretcher, we have loads of positive gifts that are perfect for giving someone that fuzzy, feel-good factor and putting a smile on their face without breaking the bank. Here is a roundup of our best positive mindfulness gift ideas.

 

1.    Give them the tools to meditate

Meditation is a brilliant way of shutting off the world and being alone with your thoughts in a healthy, productive way. If you know someone who is interested in starting meditation, or it’s something you practice and think they’d benefit from it, why not get them started with a few choice mindfulness gifts that will help them to get into a meditation mindset.

A few ideas include a couple of gently scented candles, handwritten ‘instructions’, and a comfy blanket or cushion to sit on.

 

2.    Give the gift of something cosy

If your loved one has been struggling to sleep, or needs a little more comforting than usual, new bedding could be a great, practical present that they’ll be able to use for a long time.

 

Blankets

A fluffy blanket is like a warm hug, ideal for when you can’t be there to comfort someone in person. We recommend choosing a luxurious 150x200 Mink Throw in a luscious colour; choose from silver, taupe, charcoal, navy, and more! These blankets are big enough to cover up in bed or join you on the sofa.

 

Bed Sheets

There’s no better feeling than climbing between fresh bed sheets – so why not give your loved one a set of cosy new sheets that they can enjoy every night.

 

Pillows

Good pillows are key to a good night’s sleep, and sleep is key to having a positive outlook. Pick up a pair of fresh pillows.

Have a look at our full range of bedding that is available to buy in store.

 

3.    Tasty treat basket

Sometimes, nothing can cheer us up like our favourite snacks can. Whether your friend is a chocoholic or loves to dig in to a bag of crisps, popping together a treat basket is a budget friendly way of putting a smile on their face.

Include a mix of sweet and savoury choices, as well as a couple of bottles or cans of soft drink. In colder months, you could pop in some sachets of hot chocolate, coffee, or herbal tea.

 

4.    Pamper day hamper

When you’ve been feeling a bit down, or under the weather, a pampering session can be what it takes to get back on your feet and feeling more like yourself again. Select all your favourite health and beauty products and give them to your loved one. Your hamper could contain…

• A face mask
• Lip balms
• Shower gel
• Exfoliating scrub
• Face cloths

And anything else you know they love, or that you use and would love them to try out. Pack your hamper out with a handwritten note, colourful tissue paper and a few sweet treats to make a wonderful mindfulness gift with a personal touch.

 

5.    Help them to get organised

Our environments contribute massively to how we feel. If you notice that a friend or family member is starting to feel overwhelmed and down about their living space, this mindfulness gift option could help. Gently offer to help them get on top of their housework if you think they’d be comfortable with it, and if appropriate, help them to keep on top of the clutter by gifting storage boxes and organisers.

You could even take them shopping to pick out storage & organisation boxes that would work best in their space! Here are some of our favourite organisers.

Patterned baskets

Patterned baskets are available in a range of sizes and can be used all over the home. They are a great buy if you know someone needs more organisation options for beauty items, their desk, or any other space.

 

Multipurpose tray organisers

Tray organisers are brilliant for sorting out craft materials, and a range of other items in the home. They slot into drawers perfectly.

 

Underbed boxes

Boxes that fit smoothly under the bed. Underbed storage boxes are great for storing out of season clothes, decorations, and bedding.

 

6.    Something to think about

Sometimes kind words are the key to letting a friend who is in a difficult place know that you are there for them.

• Write a letter – writing a letter or card for them to keep hold of is one of the most precious mental health gifts that you could give. Tell them how special they are, and remind them that they will always have a friend in you.
• Affirmation cards – we all find it hard to say kind words to ourselves, but having affirmations written down can help to remind yourself of the wonderful person you are. Use colourful card and get creative. Some affirmations could include ‘I am a kind, caring person’, ‘I am loved’, ‘I am confident’.

 

Give the gift of mindfulness

We hope we’ve inspired you to pick the best mindfulness gifts for your loved one. Whether you go down the edible route, or choose to get a little more creative, you can’t go wrong when gifting from your heart. Nobody knows your friends and family better than you do, so why not come in store and have a browse for the perfect positive gifts? Find your closest location here.