Freshpet Has A Dry Dog Food Now!

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

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For years, I've enjoyed using the refrigerated Freshpet foods for my dogs as treats and training rewards but now I'm excited to announce that they have a dry dog food line!
My pups enjoyed their Fresh Turkey Recipe and their Fresh Chicken Recipe.


 
They use 100% fresh meats (never pre processed or overcooked) and fruit and veggies that you can actually see in the bowl!   The ingredients are natural, no artificial preservatives and their one chicken flavor is also grain free which is great because a lot of dogs have issues with that!    You can find these at Target right now.
 
 
I can't believe how much my dogs loved this food!   It was very easy for them to chew and even my picky eater Rocky scarfed his down!   
 
I love that there are important vitamins and minerals in this food too so that I know my babies are getting the nutrition they need.   My dogs haven't had one issue with this food since they've been eating it and I love that they have shiny coats and great energy levels.
 
 
Definitely check out the new dry dog food from Freshpet!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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It's an Oral Hygiene Miracle for Dogs!

Monday, June 29, 2015

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I don't know about you but my dogs are not a fan of getting their teeth brushed.  The thing is, Chihuahuas are prone to oral health issues, which are directly tied to heart problems so it's important that I do whatever I can to keep tartar and plaque at bay.



pawTree Dental Sticks are a great choice when it comes to keeping my Chihuahua's mouths fresh and pleasant!  These Dental Sticks are great for Rocky since he despises having his teeth brushed.  These help control plaque and tartar on his teeth while freshening his breath.  They are grain free with no corn, wheat, soy, fillers, artificial colors or flavors and are natural and wholesome.  They were developed by a veterinarian and are made proudly I the USA!

They keep my pups occupied for a good amount of time and I don't have to worry about them choking or anything.   I have noticed much fresher breath in all my dog's mouths and this is a great treat to give them that doubles as a nutritious healthy supplement to their everyday life!! 

Do you guys struggle to clean your dog's teeth?


 
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Eye Eraser from Michael Todd - Available at ULTA Beauty!

Friday, June 26, 2015

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 If you don't already know about Michael Todd, it's basically an award winning line  of skincare products known for being organic based and a great source of anti-aging treatment for your skin.  



But now they have partnered exclusively with ULTA Beauty to bring you this awesome little beauty tool called the Eye Eraser DUO.






One of the new products is a personal favorite of mine - the Eye Eraser Anti-aging Infusion Device. It's the World's First Triplex Cellular Infusion Technology and actually uses sonic, ionic, and thermal heating to infuse the eye serum into the deeper layers of your skin.  That actually accelerates the anti-aging process to give you brighter, younger looking eyes even faster.  It's so soothing because the warming action makes the pore lining relax so it can absorb the product better.  I noticed it's improved the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for me over the past few weeks.  And it promotes natural collagen and elastin formation and gently infuses the serum into your skin at over 150 sonic movements per second.



I love the perfect size of this device and it's very easy to use on the go when travelling and you don't want a product that takes up a lot of room in your makeup bag. 


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Our Screened In Porch Decor

Thursday, June 25, 2015

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The official home tour is not ready for the blog yet but I am just so excited about the back porch that I couldn't wait any longer.   I also wanted to share the magical power of rugs. Fab Habitat has some beautiful rugs that are eco conscious and add value to homes everywhere.   The designs are so beautiful and the company and its logo even express their guiding principles of fair trade and responsibility for the environment.  



I have 2 different sections of our porch. The first is for dining.   It has a Venice Rug from Fab Habitat that I blogged about before here.  It's washable with a hose, and it's great for indoor outdoor use as well as being lightweight.


But in the lounging area of the porch I put a green and white striped rug from the Estate Collection under the coffee table.  It's made from 100% Polypropylene and is hand woven.  It can easily be hosed off and line dried and it even is UV stabilized to minimize fading.

It's so soft and comfortable and is the perfect accent to our screen porch.


What do you guys think?


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Why I'm Wearing A Watch Finally

Wednesday, June 24, 2015


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When I was a kid I used to wear watches all the time, but as I grew older I couldn't stand them.  They either pinched me, were too bulky, were too heavy, or just plain looked goofy with my outfit.   But now I am wearing a watch almost everyday!  It's a miracle!  I know we are all able to check the date and time on our phones but that doesn't mean watches are a thing of the past.   The watch I'm wearing is the Ely in Maple from JORD!  Jord has Women and Mens Wooden Watches at a great price in so many stylish options!





This watch is so classy and elegant and it's perfect even if I layer jewelry on my arm.  I often forget I'm even wearing it because of how lightweight it is. It has such a feminine look and feel to it that I'm not longer embarrassed to wear a watch!  
I like layering it with one or two bracelets but I also love wearing it alone because the wooden look makes a statement on it's own.


And actually there are so many benefits to wearing this type of watch. I actually am not glued to my phone anymore and it doesn't look rude if I glance down to nonchalantly check the time during a meeting or even during a conversation with someone.  It just looks like I'm adjusting my watch!

I love that I can now accessorize using my watch and it is so neutral that it goes with practically every outfit in my closet! I have received so many compliments on it already and now I never want to take it off!

Do you wear a watch?



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A Burst of Beauty

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

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I have been growing my hair out for years now it's one of the most beautiful parts about my body, at least in my opinion!   But growing long hair is not always easy and you need to make sure you are eating a balanced diet to get the nutrients you need.   Of course there are always shortcuts if you can't always be on point with your diet... that's why I take supplements like NEOCELL Biotin Bursts.


These are seriously delicious! I just eat one a day and enjoy the delicious Brazilian Acai berry flavor.  It really is good for my skin, nails, and hair. 


Inside it's packed with Vitamin B to support hair and skin health and 10,000 MCG of Biotin in each chew!   It's formulated to support the metabolism of proteins in the body with promotes natural energy, luscious hair, and vibrant skin!  Within weeks of taking these I noticed an improvement. My nails aren't as brittle and my hair is very strong with less breakage.    I swear by Biotin and it's really not that much of a hassle to remember to take a delicious fruity bite everyday!

Have you had any luck with Biotin?

 
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Keeping My Dogs Occupied

Monday, June 22, 2015

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So I'm literally in the middle of moving right now, and all I can say is thank goodness for treats or else my dogs would be a mess!  I have been giving them Natural Balance Pumpkin and Chicken Dental Chews from Chewy and it's really keeping them occupied so I can get lots done!
 
They have done just fine with the move so far which is great. I always worry though that it might throw them off for a few days, especially when it comes to them staying "regular" but luckily the pumpkin in these chews should help with that!   These are grain free and have special grooves to help reduce plaque and tartar.  They also support easy chewing and digestion and help keep their breath fresh.  And of course there are antioxidant nutrients to support their immune systems which is important because usually during a move is when they can get sick from stress.
 
Well just wanted to give a quick update! Stay tuned for more!  
 
 
 
 

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How to Be More Productive at Work

Tuesday, June 16, 2015




A lot of people get into a rut when it comes to school or work and often complain that they just can't focus on the task at hand.   So I put together a few things you can do to get more done in the time that you are SUPPOSED to be doing it.  If you are smart about it, you should never have to worry about taking work home with you. 

1 | Eliminate Distractions
Put your cell phone on silent and put it face down.  Vow to stay off any distracting time-sucker websites like social media and personal email.  Put headphones (even if you aren't listening to anything) to help tune out those around you.  Keep your desk clean and clear so there's nothing around to distract your focus. 

2 | Take Regular Scheduled Breaks
Even if you feel like it's not productive, it actually is.  Your brain can concentrate better when you give yourself small breaks throughout the day. Every hour that you are planted at your desk, take 10 minutes to run to the rest room, take a stroll outside, and stretch.   It's easier to focus when you get back. 

3 | Have a Healthy Snack
Don't deprive yourself of food just because you are "too busy for lunch".  A handful of almonds and a cup of yogurt are great brain-foods! 

4 | Keep Chatty People at Bay
Explain to those around you that you have a lot to get done so if they notice you aren't very chatty that's why.  Consider putting up a do not disturb sign or using the headphone idea in number 1. 

5 | Get Enough Sleep
Contrary to popular belief, an all nighter doesn't really help productivity.  Get a good night sleep the night before so you can give your all the next day with your school or work tasks. 

6 | Stretch
Like I said above, stretching really helps rejuvenate you both physically and mentally.  If you are starting to feel frustrated or overwhelmed, stand up, stretch, and let your muscles breathe! 



Which of these tips do you need to work on? 


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Charming Arms with Soufeel

Friday, June 12, 2015

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I love charm bracelets because I love being able to tell a story all on my wrist.   Charm bracelets are a great way to show off the things that best represent you and also keep the things that are dear to you right by your side at all times.

Today, I would like to introduce you to Soufeel, a company that offers all kinds of jewelry, but has a FANTASTIC selection of  Charm Jewelry.
I got to pick out some charms that mean a lot to me so I can tell you a story with them.   They had such a great charm and bracelet selection on their website and everything came neatly stored in pretty little packages.


My bracelet is the Basic Charm Bangle. It's simple and very comfortable. I love how easy it is to get on and off with the little clasp.  I have the Live Love Laugh Chihuahua Charm and the Angel Chihuahua Charm. My dogs mean the world to me and there is literally nothing I wouldn't do for them.  So to be able to carry a representation of them with my at all times is very special.  

The Wine Goblet Charm obviously shows my love for wine! I not only love spending time at Vineyards but wine is one of the great things I enjoy when I need to relax and unwind after a long stressful day.   This Handbag Charm clearly represents my love (obsession) for handbags! Ever since I was a little kid I loved purses and it's one of my favorite aspects of fashion!  And of course my love of Buddha is shown with my Holy Buddha with Lotus charm! Over the past couple of years I've begun to practice meditation and learn more about Buddhism so this charm is very very special to me. 


These are all made from 925 Sterling Silver and they also have 14K hold and even Swarovski elements which can fit Pandora bracelets.  Honestly, this is a great gift idea for the holidays or really any occasion.  The charm jewelry is so smooth and comfortable on my arm. Also, they offer free shipping worldwide with orders over $50 and there is a 365 day return and exchange guarantee! 

This summer there are new arrivals on the website and you can use the coupon code Ellen5 to get 5% off any order! 


Oh and guess what! One lucky winner will $60 of jewelry from Soufeel! 
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Some of My Favorite Skin Products This Week

Thursday, June 11, 2015

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Lately I've been using some amazing products on my skin despite the heat and it's been making a huge difference. 



Fango Active Radiance Facial Oil - This stuff is a blend of botanical oils like Sweet Almond, Avocado, and Grape Seed to hydrate and protect skin.  It also is packed with anti-oxidant rich vitamins to help soothe dull and dry skin as well as nourish and restore lipid loss that happens with aging and the environment.  My skin glows and is so soft now.   It even has helped the elasticity of my skin.   And it's not gunky or oily at all and absorbs right in!
 

Fango Active Mineral Micellar Cleansing Water - This mineral water cleanses skin without rinsing.  It saves me time and energy.  It's infused with skin soothing ingredients like Grape Seed, Avocado, and Sweet Almond and calms my skin after an intense day.  It doesn't dry out my skin either, instead it leaves it super soft and smooth.  The Micellar technology uses gentle micro-particles to trap impurities like a magnet and cleanse the skin while clearing pores.  It's even a make up remover and skin toner all in one.

What products do you use on your skin in the Summer?




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Celebrate Father's Day with Old Spice + A Giveaway!

Wednesday, June 10, 2015





Still looking for a Father's Day gift this year? Look no further than Old Spice! Old Spice has long been an American icon for men and grooming.  So now, Old Spice has put together 2 amazing gift packs with Swagger and Timber.  Inside you will find...


Anti-perspirant/deodorant, body wash, and the newly released 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner.  These scents are definitely perfect for men.  Timber has herbal based notes that are complemented by fresher scents of woody timber and leafy mint.   Men love the wilderness so you can't go wrong with this scent.  I mean come on - we all know how picky men are even with the smell of lotion or cologne.   It's so much easier for a guy to care about his hygiene when it leaves a more masculine scent behind.  It makes them feel like more of a man....



 Heck, Old Spice has even done studies and got ground-breaking new evidence that even just smelling nature scents can have the same calming affect on the body as enjoying the outdoors in person.  The tests actually detected facial expressions to and facial coding techniques were used to determine the mood and response that came from the Old Spice Fresher Collection.  Plus the scents of this collection are associated with masculine activities so if you give him these products to use, he may start thinking about that big to do list that involves going out in the yard and doing some work! 



This new collection uses Proctor & Gamble's odor fighting donut technology which releases bursts of fresh scent when sweat occurs.  It also traps any odor that may form.  


These products  can be purchased on OldSpice.com (for individual non=pack products) and Target and Walgreens will be carrying the Timber pack.  The Swagger pack can be found at Rite-Aid and Walgreens.  

The fun thing about these as a Father's Day gift is that most dad's want to get outdoors to enjoy the day, heck they would like to do that as often as possible.  But with all the hard work our men do at work, sometimes they are just too tired and they don't have enough time to get outside and enjoy themselves so at least this can make them feel closer to the outdoors.   And hopefully it can be a good motivator to get them outside to seize the day!

And one lucky winner is going to get the kit above!    How cool is that?



a Rafflecopter giveaway



This is a sponsored post but all opinions are my own. 


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Making Your Workout Clothing Last

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

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When you wear certain things during workouts they usually get pretty sweaty and gross so everything needs washed every time.   The only problem with that is, it can make things fade and sometimes you still can't get the icky stink out of your clothing.   Enter... The Laundress! More specifically... Sport Detergent.  





This detergent can be used no matter what sport you enjoy - running, biking, swimming, or yoga.   It has a formula that works to keep your activewear in tip top form and help remove sweat, body odor, and stains.  Sport Detergent can be used on all different fabrics like nylon, spandex, cotton, and synthetics.   It contains plant-derived ingredients that help fight stains and enzymes to clean. Everything is nontoxic and biodegradable AND allergen-free!  There are no animal by-products and NO ANIMAL TESTING.
You know those icky yellow underarm stains? And dingy white workout clothes? Yup, you can use this on all of that!  I love it! It leaves my workout apparel clean and fresh and it doesn't fade at all.   This is one of those products that has a big payoff in the longrun by making things last so you don't constantly need to buy new workout clothes.
Will you try The Laundress Sport Detergent?



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What I Look For in Running Capris

Thursday, June 4, 2015

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I love running but I also am picky with what I want in my running apparel, especially pants. Even in the winter I like to wear Capri Leggings.  One of my favorite pairs of running capris is from RBX Active.  It has everything I look for...and I'll show you what I look for below!


1 | Great Pattern
These capri leggings have a fantastic camo pattern.   I like patterns and prints because they make me feel more confident when I wear them so I end up putting my all into my run or whatever workout I'm doing.

2 | Fade Resistant
The vibrant colors are so beautiful and it's great to know they won't be fading in the wash.  Since I tend to wash my leggings after every work out, being fade resistant is a big deal to me!


3 | Perfect Fit
Not only do these leggings stretch but they fit amazing and stay up without constantly falling down during my runs.  These come in a full assortment of sizes for every body.  And the flat lock seams prevent chafing.   WIN!

4 | Quality material
Not only is the $30 price great but the quality is fantastic.  The stitching is great and the material wicks away moisture and sweat.   I love that it keeps my skin from getting irritated and wet. 


And I have a special surprise for you guys! From now until 7/31/15 you can get a 25% discount with the code Active25.  There will also be free shipping added for purchases over $50 after the coupon is deducted.  



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7 Tips for an Organized Move

Wednesday, June 3, 2015


In case you missed it, we bought a house! This will be my 4th (and final) move and I pretty much consider myself a pro at organizing for a move so I wanted to put some of my tips together in a post. 

1 | Make Lists
I'm talking about lists for everything like who to change your address with, what you need to buy, and what you need to do before moving day.  I love lists and it honestly helps me feel more in control of the situation. 

The more you prepare, the less you will leave to chance, because something might sneak up on you and throw a spanner in the works before the big move. Finding the right moving company is one of those things that you may think is something you don’t need to do right away, but it should be done as a matter of urgency! It’s as important as changing all of your addresses and the sooner you get this done the better it will be. You'll be able to see how much money you've got which means that if any problems come up you will be more than prepared.

Oh and by the way, here's an idea of who you will need to change your address with:
IRS
Post Office
Ebay
Paypal
Credit Cards
Banks
Your Employer
Magazine Subscriptions
Wireless company
Insurance Company
Drivers License & Vehicle Registration
Doctor's Offices



2 | Make A Blueprint
Laugh all you want, but I am known for making my little blue prints of wherever I'm moving to.   I figure out a scale, and I draw out each room and then arrange the furniture to where it's going to go. Not only does this make it easier to move stuff furniture in and know exactly where to place it, but it also gives you an idea of what size furniture will fit where.



3 | Take Inventory
After I packed up boxes, I made a list of how many boxes are for each room and wrote down what was in the boxes. 

4 | Decide on Moving Order
In my situation, I have a few days before we move the big stuff in, so I plan to take my smaller belongings and boxes/bins over to the house.  For this, I made sure I have the kitchen boxes marked as first priority so I can put everything away and not have to deal with it.  Then, bathroom and linen closet items are next.

5 | Pack a Suitcase
The days before and during your move will be hectic and it's extremely common for things to get lost.  Because of this, I pack a suitcase and overnight bag with items to wear and use during those few days. That way, I'm not running around looking for my prescriptions because I know I have them in my little bag and once I'm ready to put them in their permanent spot, I'll take them out.

6 | Schedule Everything
Decide what boxes get moved over on which days and then decide any arrangements for furniture pick up, furniture delivery, and a day to have cable installed. 

7 | Decide What Gets Stored Where
Sure, you can rearrange stuff all the time once you're settled in, but it absolutely will not hurt to decide certain setups ahead of time. For me, I sat down and decided (using a photo of the kitchen) what items will be stored in which drawers.  I also decided which linen/storage closets will have which items. This will make it much easier to move in!

Have you ever had an unorganized move? What was your biggest mistake from your methods?



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