Chewy 30 Day Challenge: Final Thoughts on Tylee's Human-Grade Dog Food

Friday, April 28, 2017

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 It's part 3 of the Chewy 30 Day Challenge with Tylee's NEW Chewy Exclusive Human-Grade Dog Food.  That means I've had a full 30 days of my pups eating this food.   We all love it. I can actually say that I have never been so impressed with a food that I wouldn't be afraid to eat it until now. I mean this is literally made of human-grade ingredients.   You can actually see it in a scoop of the food.















I mean from the start, the dogs were definitely in love with the bag and the smell of the food but wow it's really made meal time go much more smooth.  Since everything's so bite sized there's no more choking and snorting down food and nearly giving me a heart attack.  Even on picky eater days, all 4 dogs DEVOUR Tylee's for dinner!





The best part is that I can defrost the whole bag in the fridge, or just fill a food storage container with a week's worth of supply and let it thaw.  That way the rest stays frozen and I don't have to worry about rushing to use it all up before it expires or goes bad.


So as for final thoughts - will I use this food in the future? Absolutely!!! I love it! I think it's a brilliant idea and it comes not only in a convenient resealable bag but it's easy for me to scoop some out to thaw, and it's super easy to actually serve it.  The dogs have had no issue on it.  Their coats are so shiny and their shedding is practically non-existant. 







There's no more obsessive itchy paw licking and everyone has healthy stools which makes me as a fur mama super happy! I highly highly HIGHLY recommend Tylee's Human-Grade Food!












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Outfit of the Day: A Burst of Yellow

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Yellow is a color I always associate with happiness and positivity.  So it's no surprise that I got so many compliments on this outfit when I wore it.





This is a Small LuLaRoe Carly with OS leggings.  I really really REALLY love the pattern on the Carly.  Yellow flowers with black and white polka dots.  Seriously, I was so excited when this came in the mail.   I'm so glad I found it.






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Things That Are Making My Life Easier....

Thursday, April 27, 2017

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 From time to time I love doing these posts where I share some of the products that make my life easier.  I like sharing them because I know if my readers use them, they'll feel the same way.   So let's see....

I did a complete re-org of my closet the other week and I have more space now to set up outfits and to display things to see how they would look together.  That's because I use a HangerJack Scroll.


It's so pretty but it's also practical.  It just slides over a door, whether it's the bedroom door or a closet door.  It could even be used in a laundry room. It makes it so much easier to choose outfits because I can see what things actually look like together.  It can hold up to 7 hangers and obviously there's no hardware or difficult installation required. 

And it's super lightweight and easy to remove if I'm not using it.  It comes in handy when I'm taking pictures of my clothes to sell online too!


Next up has to do with my dogs.   I'm always so careful what I feed them and I found a Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Wet Food from Chewy!






Theya re loving the Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Adult Fish & Potato Recipe Canned Dog Food.  It's made of just five key ingredients that are flavorful and have lots of nutrients.  It's grain-free which is great for dogs with food sensitivities.  Sometimes my pups get stomach issues and I just don't have the time to deal with making them homemade food or cleaning up the mess.  So this is definitely making all of our lives easier and much more pleasant.  There's no artificial ingredients and no by-product meal or soy.  Plus the ingredients are sourced in the USA from a trusted network of farmers.  Obviously with Chewy, it came right to my door. It's so great having one less errand to run.

And for those of you following along with my wedding planning....



Let me introduce you to this amazing brand of silicone rings.   Groove Rings are perfect for someone who is very active, like me.   I mean you don't necessarily have to be a mountain climber or anything (but you definitely will benefit from these if you are).  But for me, I'm always using my hands whether it's cooking, gardening, cleaning, whatever.  I'm always worried about beating my engagement ring (and by the end of this year my wedding band) up so Groove gives you a flexible and breathable ring in so many fun colors.  No more blisters from wedding rings and no more fear of losing your ring when you're out and about. 
They are just so gorgeous.   It's the first active silicone ring that keeps are moving in and allows moisture to get out.  They all come with a lifetime warranty... if they rip, stretch, tear, or get lose you can exchange or replace them.  

I love the low profile! It's definitely not bulky and doesn't get in the way.  And no matter what I do, it never snags.  I love how soft it is and it's so easy to roll on and off.  There's hardly any mold lines either because they use this process where it's liquid poured. 

Plus if you just want to wear them as non-wedding jewelry, you can stack them! Seriously this is genius! And they definitely won't break the bank.  I mean $29.95 for a ring like this? I LOVE IT!!! If you are married or are soon to be married, you need to check these out!











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Outfit of the Day: Pretty Busy

Wednesday, April 26, 2017





This is an outfit I wore for a date night in March.  I was really busy that day and I felt this dress was appropriate because it's very  busy with the pattern. I love it though!

















It's an XL LuLaRoe Julia dress. I can wear an L or an XL but I like a slightly looser fit in some fabrics which is why I chose the XL in this one. I freakin love this dress! It's so lightweight and can be worn more casually with a pair of wedges that still leave it looking dressed up. If that makes any sense!









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Books I Recommend You Read [April]

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

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New month, new books! Check 'em out!


Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
This was an amazing book where each time Sam wakes up it's the same day (Groundhog Day much?) and it is supposed to lead to an unfortunate accident at the end of the day.  So each day she tries to change the outcome by living that day differently.  Will it work finally?


This Is Where It Ends by Marieke Nijkamp
This is actually in the teen book section but it was an amazing read between 4 people's points of view during a school shooting and how they are tied to the person behind the gun.


Marlena by Julie Buntin
This book was amazing.  It's basically a story about two girls that have a very strong bond even though the one's life ends tragically but it shows how profound an impact we can have on one another.  This reminds me of my own life and my best friend that I lost to a similar circumstance many years ago.


I Was Here by Gayle Forman
This was a beautiful read, even though it's in the teen section.  It's basically about a girl trying to get to the bottom of her best friend's suicide, looking for someone to blame and in the end she learns a huge lesson.


The Way I Used To Be by Amber Smith
OMG this book was amazing! It shows the long term impacts of rape and how it can affect pretty much every aspect of the victim's life.  



Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
Holy crap.  This book.   It's a coming of age novel about two girls and their wild friendship and how it evolves over a 30 year period.  Even though it has a very tough ending it's extremely realistic and really had a deep impact on me. MUST READ!



The Arrangement by Sarah Dunn
Oh my God this BOOK!!!!!!!   It was excellent.  It's about a couple that decides to have an open marriage for a 6 month period. Things happen that they don't plan for and it's such a beautiful and honest telling of what happens in real life when people do this stuff.  What an amazing book!








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Outfit of the Day: A Rose By Any Other Name...

Monday, April 24, 2017

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I used to never be a big fan of roses when it came to floral print but for some reason I've grown to adore them.  So these adorable leggings from LuLaRoe have pink roses with green leaves and it looked perfect paired with a knotted forest green Carly.





I really do love floral prints but there is something with roses that are even more feminine and beautiful.
Do you like floral print or is it something you never feel right in?











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Outfit of the Day: Spring Colors

Friday, April 21, 2017

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I looooove pretty Spring colors so of course I had to integrate them into my wardrobe now that weather is finally officially SPRINGY!





And I still love wearing my LuLaRoe Carly dresses knotted up.  It's nice and flowy and comfy but it doesn't get too hot.  I'm going to wear these up until the weather gets too hot and/or humid.












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DECRIMINALIZE IT | LEGALIZE IT | EMBRACE IT

Thursday, April 20, 2017



Today's outfit of the day post is also a very informative post.   Yesterday, I attended my first ever rally.  It was in Harrisburg and it was for the decriminalization of Marijuana.   I have been a member of the Keystone Cannabis Coalition for some time now.   It was way out of my comfort zone because I normally hate being in big groups or in front of everyone.  But I stood on the steps in the Capitol Rotunda and I held my sign proudly.   


Why? Because we are getting tired of people getting put into dangerous prisons for harmless crimes.   We are sick of the never ending stigma that goes with Marijuana.   There is money to be made, jobs to be created, people to be healed, and life to be enjoyed.   We are tired of it. 






We demand change and we won't stop till we get it. So today, I urge you to take a stand. Contact your local legislators ESPECIALLY if you live in Pennsylvania and let them know that you want them to work on the decriminalization of Marijuana.  Last year we got Medical Marijuana through, and more recently an industrial hemp bill!   Next step is decriminalization and eventually we hope for full legalization! 

 






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5 Tips to Win Your Yearly Battle Against Allergies

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser.  All opinions are mine alone.  #ForgetAllergies #CollectiveBias
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It never fails - every year just when I think I'm doing great in all aspects of life - BAM! Allergy season attacks me in full force. I don’t know about you but when I am bothered by allergies it’s like my whole life is derailed because my symptoms completely take over.  My eyes water constantly, my throat gets itchy, and I probably sneeze 100 times a day.   Oh, and then there's the non-stop blowing of my nose which results in it getting all red and irritated.  I don't know about you but my life is so busy that I can't just put everything on hold to deal with my allergies. I mean I have a full time job, a blog to run, dinners to cook, a house to clean, and plenty more responsibilities.  I have to keep going and keep moving forward.  So here are 5 tips that I use (and you should too) to successfully win the yearly battle against allergies, including using Xyzal® Allergy 24HR.

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*Tip 1* Recognize Allergy Triggers
Allergies can be caused by different things.  For some people it's pollen, but for others it could be something like mold.  I'm kind of a combination of those two things.  So I know that a few days of rain is a good time for me to avoid going outdoors since that's when the mold seems to be at its worst.   If pollen is your worst enemy, then try to avoid the outdoors when the pollen count is high and beware of windy days.  Seriously, have you ever stood outside on a windy day and watched the pollen just blow around in the air?  Scary!    
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*Tip 2* Keep a Clean Home
Just because your allergies may be caused by an outdoor trigger doesn't mean the triggers can't be brought indoors.  During allergy season it's crucial to keep your home as tidy as possible.  Pollen and mold can actually be tracked into your home from your clothing, the breeze when you open the door, and your shoes.  So make sure you vacuum on a regular basis, dust all the surfaces of your home, and keep counters clean and wiped down.   Bonus points if you have hardwood floors since they are easier to clean than carpets in most cases.  There's nowhere for the allergens to hide!
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*Tip 3* Keep A Clean Workplace
This is especially important if you work in an office because, once again, you and others around you are tracking allergens in on your clothing and shoes.  Make sure you dust your desk and any shelves you have.  I also give my desk a scrub down with disinfectant wipes once a week.
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*Tip 4* Keep A Clean Car
I sound like a broken record but your car is a huge trap for allergens.  If you know your allergies are acting up, keep your windows closed when you drive.  Make sure you regularly wipe down (dust and scrub) the dash of your car as that's a HUGE culprit of collecting dust and allergens.  I also vacuum the seats and carpet in my vehicle since I know that I'm constantly bringing allergens in from the outdoors.
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*Tip 5* Use the Right OTC Allergy Treatment
This is one of my most important tips because this tip has been my saving grace.  It's important to use the right OTC allergy treatment and that's why I highly recommend Xyzal® Allergy 24HR.  It gives me 24 hour relief from all my annoying symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and itchy throat! It even helps my watery eyes so I don't look like I'm crying all day!  The best part is that it's full prescription strength and it's now available over the counter at CVS.  It comes in 10 count as well as 35, 55, and 80 counts.   
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Xyzal has really improved my day to day life.  I can go to work and focus on what I have to get done instead of constantly sneezing and trying to get my nose to stop running.  I even sleep better at night not having to deal with my allergy symptoms when I'm trying to drift off to dreamland.  And when I wake up I'm still ready to take on the day.
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Xyzal is an antihistamine product designed to provide continuous all night, all day allergy relief and is as effective at hour 24 as it is the first hour you take it.   Speaking of hours, it starts working in 60 minutes!   Continuously taking it once a day, right before bedtime, means that Xyzal is relieving symptoms while I sleep.  I love that it's conveniently found at CVS so I can get in when I'm there running errands to pick up groceries!

Xyzal gives better symptom relief when taken continuously and it relieves indoor AND outdoor allergy symptoms.  Make sure you read and follow Xyzal product labeling and use it as directed!

You can find Xyzal 10 count in the allergy section of CVS.
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So, which of these tips are you most looking forward to trying in order to take back your life during allergy season?






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There's A Secret to Why My Shoulders Don't Get Tense.....

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I used to be the most anxious and uptight person EVER.  I would walk around so stiff in my shoulders and neck that I was basically hurting myself.   Being relaxed is a conscious effort, not just a physical thing.  It's a state of mind.  So I'm going to let you in on a few tips for how I manage to keep my shoulders relaxed therefore allowing myself to feel good all day long, no matter what I'm up against.


1. Being Mindful.
The first step to knowing how your body is feeling and reacting is paying attention to it.  Anytime I feel that my shoulders hurt, I notice if I'm tensing them up or not.  And actually, it always ends up being that I'm tensing them up.  Just being aware of it has become a habit for me which means that it's easier for me to correct the problem right away.

2. Breathing.
Yep, it's as simple as that.  I mean I don't walk around meditating or anything  but I do pay attention as I said above to WHEN I'm tensing up. Then the next step is to make myself relax. So I take a deep breath and when I let it out I let my shoulders relax as well.  Then I try to remember how they feel and the exact position they are in when they are relaxed.  Then ANY time that I notice myself tensing up I just breathe and relax them.  It actually helps and over time having my shoulders relaxed is the more "normal" way for me to be.


3. Massage
No I don't have the money to get a crazy massage every week but I am able to invest my time and energy into doing it for myself with a handheld massager.  






Seriously this thing is a gem.  The truMedic InstaShiatsu+ Handheld Percussion Massager helps me when I am just too sore or tense and I really need to help my muscles. There are 3 different heads with different textures and styles based on your needs.  






And there's a simple up and down button to help adjust the intensity.  It just feels so amazing and all I have to do is hold the handle.  I don't have to put any pressure on myself.  Even the hard to reach areas of my back and shoulders are easy to reach.  The massage heads all feel so good too! I seriously can save so much money with this personal massager rather than schedule a spa massage every few months.


Make sure you put this on your gift list this year.  Trust me when I say it's the gift that keeps on giving!









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