Chewy 30 Day Challenge [Final Thoughts]

Thursday, March 31, 2016

This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.




This will be the final post of the 30 Day Challenge with Chewy on the Holistic Blend Dog Food. My first post was about my initial thoughts so this post is about some of the changes I've seen since starting this food. My second post was about the progress I had seen in them.  Today's post is about my final thoughts and the future.  
 



I fed my dogs the Chicken, Rice, & Vegetable All Life Stages Dry Dog Food.   I was go glad that they enjoyed it at every meal and ate their entire bowl.  I also loved that there was no upset tummies for the whole month they were on this food. 

I really liked their energy levels too and that makes me want to continue using Holistic Blend Dog Food.  I think the price is very fair for how much you get and how nutritionally dense it is  - it lasts longer than a food that's filled with junk.

I like that this food is all natural and holistic and I feel confident that my pups will continue their happy healthy lives if I keep going this route. 

Are you going to try Holistic Blend Dog Food?













 photo ScreenShot2014-06-25at102225PM_zps4fdda517.png


2 of the Best Life Hacks in Your Car

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.



So if you are anything like me, you deal with a nearly dead battery with your phone and you struggle with finding where you parked your car when you're out shopping and running errands.    I generally spend a good 5 minutes roaming around parking lots looking for my car.  I don't have the time for that when I'm in a rush to put my shopping bags away and get home.  It's also terrible when it's dark out or when it's bad weather.   

The other issue I always have is charging my phone.  Unless I'm driving, I'm never around a charger long enough to get a full charge.  I can't stand not having a charged phone because I feel panicked as if I may not be able to use it in an urgent situation.


So my favorite life hack is ZUS.  That's right! ZUS is a smart car charger and car finder all in one!  


ZUS is designed in Germany and has a very attractive sleek look.  Compatible with Google Play and the Apple App Store, ZUS really helps light up the inside of your car with a top of the line lighting system. 

ZUS plugs into your vehicle's lighter port and can auto detect your iPhone or Android device! Even if there are multiple phones in your car, ZUS can wirelessly charge them all!  It does so quicker than your average car charger.  And whenever you park your car, ZUS makes note of where you are.  Then when you are ready to find your car later, you just open the ZUS app and it will guide you to your car. 

I have to say that it was so easy to set up ZUS and the app.   I like things that are simple and user friendly.  My iPhone charged within 2 hours each time I used it and it's such a luxury to be guided to your car at the end of a long day of shopping.  I love that ZUS helps light up the interior of my car near the cup holders.  It's normally very dark in my car but this really made a big difference.  I absolutely LOVE ZUS!!!! 



To find out more about ZUS Smart Car Charger and Car Finder - https://www.nonda.co/products/nonda-zus-smart-car-charger




 photo ScreenShot2014-06-25at102225PM_zps4fdda517.png


Our First Easter in Our Home {+ a Giveaway]

Tuesday, March 29, 2016





This year was our first Easter in our new home so I invited my mom, dad, brother, and Grandma over.  I love hosting things in our home because it's so easy for me.  I don't mind cooking and entertaining and ever since I used the KonMari Method, I don't have to worry about cleaning up the house aside from wiping down counters and running the vaccum. 








Our meal was ham, deviled eggs, homemade macaroni and cheese, gluten-free green bean casserole, and some rolls.  It was deeelish!   And for dessert we had apple pie and vanilla ice cream.


I also enjoyed mimosas all day which was fabulous! And of course I enjoyed a treat - Bauli Croissants! They are baked in an oven and absolutely delicious!! They come ready to eat and it's such a nice treat for breakfast or just as a dessert or a snack.  They have no preservatives and are naturally leavened.  And it's just 50 calories each for the minis!  Delicious!!  So last week was American Chocolate Week and to celebrate I have a giveaway from Bauli!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
How was your Easter? What did you eat?












 photo ScreenShot2014-06-25at102225PM_zps4fdda517.png


10 Pet Peeves You May Have as A Woman

Monday, March 28, 2016






Being a woman is a tough job and sometimes I find it comical how many of us share the same pet peeves on a daily basis so I wanted to make a fun post about it.  So without further ado here are some common pet peeves that you as a woman may have.



1\\Cords TwistingI don't know about you but the cord for my hair dryer and my flat iron are so twisted that they basically look licorice! I have no idea how to fix them but everytime I go to use them it seriously gets me so fired up.



2\\Bra Stabs
Yep, that's right - when your bra stabs you in the boob because the underwire has poked through. Worst. Feeling. Ever.


3\\Sneezing After Makeup
You get your eye make up absolutely perfect and then low and behold - you have to frickin sneeze!!


4\\Hair Ties Snapping
When you go to put your hair up and your hair tie snaps....and you don't have an extra!!!


5\\High Heel Wobble
When you're walking (in public, of course) and your heel buckles and you *almost* go down.  How embarassing! And then you have to quickly recover and act like nothing happened.


6\\Melted Chapstick
You always need it the most when it's accidentally been left in your car and is completely melted.  And if you still use it, well you basically just put a huge chunk all over your lips.




7\\Painting Your Nails
There is NEVER a good time for you to go hours without touching anything.  Because everyone knows, even when it's supposed to be dry, it won't be.


8\\Holes in Straws
I get a straw so I don't make lipstick marks on a cup. But no - the straw always has a hole!




9\\Being Seen at Your Worst
Everytime I have to run out at the last minute, no makeup, greasy hair, sometimes with a hole in my leggings - I will run into every single person I've ever met in my entire life. EVERY. TIME.


10\\Photos Lie
You will look so damn good, and you go to take a picture - and somehow it's not what you seen in the mirror. SO who is the liar...the mirror? or the photo???




Did I miss anything??









 photo ScreenShot2014-06-25at102225PM_zps4fdda517.png


Cleaning My Home for Easter Festivities

Friday, March 25, 2016

This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.


Easter is just days away and I'm having my family over so I have been spending this week tidying and cleaning the house.   One of my favorite products is Invisible Glass.   Not only do I use it to clean the windows in my car, but I use it in several ways around the house.  


The reason I opt for Invisible Glass is because I always get a great streak-free shine with no haze left behind.  








In the Bathroom....

I use Invisible Glass to clean toothpaste splatters, fingerprints, water spots, and hair product build-up on the mirrors and I also like to shine the faucets with it.  The Reach & Clean Tool is great for cleaning tall mirrors and if you have glass shower doors it'll make cleaning those a whole lot easier! I want my guests to see a super shiny bathroom when they visit my house.

In the Kitchen...

I clean and buff stainless steel appliances with a microfiber cloth and some Invisible Glass which helps a lot with fingerprints on the refrigerator.  It's also great for cleaning glass cooktop stoves and it doesn't scratch the surface.   Once again, I want sparkles when my guests are over.








Around the House...

I like my windows to be super clean with no streaks so Invisible Glass is perfect.  I use a side to side motion since circular motions just create static charge and attract dust and dirt to the surface. 

I really love the Reach & Clean Tool for the top parts of the windows.

And they also have these awesome Lens Wipes which are great for glasses, computer screens, tvs, and cameras!


And I have a special Easter gift for you! One lucky winner will get an Invisible Glass Prize Pack!



 photo ScreenShot2014-06-25at102225PM_zps4fdda517.png


I'm Running Again!

Wednesday, March 23, 2016





Moving into our house last year took up a lot of time.  It wasn't just the moving itself, it was the settling in and getting things done around the house for the first several months.  Then Winter came and I lost all motivation to run. 


We are really lucky to have a gym room in our basement and I realized something that would help me for years to come.   If I start running now and continue till next winter, I can workout inside on the days it's too cold and on any rainy days.  This way I will be more likely to keep up with my routine.


The way it goes now is that I will start running or working out for an entire week and then bad weather will happen and I totally stop. It's been really frustrating! 


So I also did a thing...I bought a NordicTrack Elliptical and once it's delivered and set up I'm going to start using it on the days I can't run or workout outside.   I will be sure to let you know what I think of it.


Do you run? Have you  struggled with keeping on a running routine?








 photo ScreenShot2014-06-25at102225PM_zps4fdda517.png


5 Ways to Spend More Time With Your Dog this Spring

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.




Spring is a great time to get outdoors and be more active, but if you're obsessed with your dog like I am with my 4 chihuahuas, you want them to be part of almost every moment of your life.  So I decided to put together a few ways that you can spend more time with your dog!


[1] Grooming Outdoors

If your dogs don't mind being brushed and you're able to clip their nails yourself, what better place to do it then outside.  Sometimes dogs can be less annoyed with being brushed if they are outside because they get so distracted by all the smells and sounds.  Always make sure your dog is secure in a fenced in yard or on a leash while you groom them. 
 
[2]Car Rides
Some dogs LOVE to go on car rides so anytime you have a quick errand to run like going to the car wash or going through a drive through, consider bringing your dog along.  Once again, make sure your pooch is secured in an area of your vehicle where they can't distract you.


[3]Long Walks
Since the weather is warmer in the Spring, it's a great idea for both you and your pooch to go on longer walks and even walks in more scenic areas. 


[4]Lounging in the Yard
Whether you lay on a blanket or you have a patio with chairs, basking in the warm rays (with skin protection of course!) feels good for you and for your dog.  Have you ever noticed how dogs lay in sunshine spots that come into your house? So what better way to relax together than laying in the sunshine outside.


[5]Dog Park
Socialization is very important for dogs (and people) so if your dog seems to do well with others, why not make a stop at the local dog park!?




And don't forget that rewarding your dog for good behavior is very important.  I like to spoil mine with Blue Buffalo Grain Free Chicken Tenders from Chewy! These treats have no corn, wheat, or soy and are made with 100% USA Chicken in the USA.   My dogs love them and it keeps them occupied for a while so it's a great way to spoil them after a day of good behavior.




 photo ScreenShot2014-06-25at102225PM_zps4fdda517.png


My Book is on Amazon!!!




I have great news today!!! My book, Fixing Your Finances, is now available on Amazon!!!!



 

Please check it out! It's only $11.99!!


 photo ScreenShot2014-06-25at102225PM_zps4fdda517.png


What I Wore to a March Wedding

Monday, March 21, 2016






So in the beginning of the month I had to attend a wedding.  The ceremony was outside very briefly and everything else was indoors.  I wanted to wear a dress but I didn't have any longer ones that fit me so I decided to just wear a cardigan over a sleeveless, knee-length dress.  I love the emerald green color because it's perfect for cold weather but still embraces March and the beginning of Spring.


The clutch is super special to me because it's my Grandma's! She actually gave it to me the one day and it's so cute!!!


So What I Wore:
Shoes - TJ Maxx | Dress - TJ Maxx | Cardigan - JC Penneys | Clutch - Gifted from my Grandmother.








 photo ScreenShot2014-06-25at102225PM_zps4fdda517.png


My New Book + A Giveaway!

Friday, March 18, 2016








In case you have been sleeping under a rock for the past couple of years, you should know everything that's happened on this blog financially.  I paid off all of my (over) $20k credit card debt, developed a cash spending system, and bought a house.  So many great things in just a few years. 

So I decided to write a book to help others that may be in a similar situation with debt, poor spending habits, and little to no savings fund.   My book, Fixing Your Finances is available for purchase by itself here:
Fixing Your Finances | A Practical Guide to Managing Money and Eliminating Debt


And Sign Up to get your FREE finance spreadsheets today!


Be sure to join my Facebook group, Fixing Your Finances, to help you with your finance journey along the way.  But great news! I'm also giving 2 copies away!!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 photo ScreenShot2014-06-25at102225PM_zps4fdda517.png


Chewy 30 Day Challenge [Update]

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.




As you know I began the 30 Day Challenge wwith Chewy on the Holistic Blend Dog Food. My first post was about my initial thoughts so this post is about some of the changes I've seen since starting this food. 
 

I'm currently feeding the - Chicken, Rice, & Vegetable All Life Stages Dry Dog Food.   I've never seen my dogs so happy at dinner time.  They love their food and I noticed that their stools have slowed down.  Nutritionally dense foods get absorbed into the body more so they product less waste and I'm definitely seeing that change in my dogs.  They were doing 3-4 bowel movements a day and now they are down to just 2.

I also noticed that they aren't shedding like they used to.  I no longer have to vacuum the couch every few days and can go 1-2 weeks instead.  They don't seem to be itching or scratching either! This is great news!   



I love that the Holistic Blend Food is hypo-allergenic and is good for skin and coats!


I am also noticing a great energy level.  Everyone seems very playful and happy and they can go running around the house just fine.  I'm pleased that there are no upset tummies! 

Check back in a few weeks to get my final thoughts on this food!  












 photo ScreenShot2014-06-25at102225PM_zps4fdda517.png


Spring Cleaning Checklist for Your Home

Tuesday, March 15, 2016














Spring has sprung and that means it's time to do some cleaning up around your home. I love doing a major cleaning around Fall and then once again in Spring so I wanted to put together a list of things to add to YOUR spring cleaning checklist!









[1] Dust Hard to Reach Places



Even if you dust on a weekly basis, you may be neglecting the areas that are hard to reach so now is the time to dust ceiling fans, floor boards, air vents, the top of your refrigerator, and if you have hardwood floors make sure you get the layer of dust up from under the beds. 
 







[2] Refrigerator Clean Out



It's a bit difficult to clean out your fridge on a regular basis so now is a good time to take everything out, check expiration dates, and give the inside a good scrub. Also, if you feel up to it, try to organize everything as you put it back in.
 







[3] Pantry Purge



This is also a great time to focus on your pantries. Take everything out, check expiration dates, and make sure you take stock so you know if there's anything you need to replace. Sometimes things get pushed to the back of the pantry and they are stuck there for years so it's important to purge your pantries at least twice a year. 
 



[4] Wash Guest Room Sheets



Even if you barely use your guest rooms, it's still a good idea to make sure the sheets are fresh.





[5] Freshen Furniture



Especially if you have pets, your furniture can get a bit musty over time so take some baking powder sprinkle it on any fabric furniture and let it sit for 10 minutes before vaccuming it off.





[6] Medicine Cabinets



Take everything out of your medicine cabinets, check expiration dates, purge anything you don't need, and then organize everything neatly as you put it back in.









[7] Wash Curtains



If you have any washing machine-friendly curtains, go ahead and toss them in the washing machine and then hang to dry. If you only knew the amount of dust that builds up in the course of a year, you would do this way more often, trust me!





[8] Wash Pet Bowls



You should definitely do this every month but if you haven't been now is a great time to start. There is a lot of icky gunk that builds up on dog bowls so either hand wash everything or put it through the dishwasher when you do your next load.





[9] Wash Windows



Now is the time to wash all of the windows, inside and out, in your home. Remove any screens so you can get to the other side of the glass pane.





[10] Clean Patio Furniture



You haven't used them all winter so it's smart to scrub and clean any outdoor furniture you have so you can sit down and enjoy the nice warm weather.









What other things do you have on your spring cleaning checklist?








 photo ScreenShot2014-06-25at102225PM_zps4fdda517.png