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

I've been a very busy bee around our new house lately and I wanted to share the personal touches I've made.

We will start with the kitchen...

I've really been stepping up my kitchen game, ensuring I have the right tools to get the job done.   I have a lovely supply of kitchen goodies from Dexas that are a MUST HAVE for any home.

This Over the Sink Contour GrippBoard is my favorite! It makes cutting fruits and veggies so much easier. I can just push them into the little basket and let them drain.  It's really made a difference when it comes to messes and having to clean up after myself.

I love my Strainer, Spoon Rest, Spoonula, and Spatula! As if the colorful silicone on the Spoonula and Spatula weren't  enough, the stainless steel handles and the ability to pull the tops off to clean them better make a huge difference for me.   The strainer is so nice because you can collapse it to store away so it takes up less space! The spoon rest is great when I'm trying to not make a mess while serving food to guests!

I am in love with these Collapsible Kitchen KlipScoops! They easily clip and hold bags together like my rice and pasta but it makes measuring super easy and there's one less step  have to make over to the drawer with the measuring cups since these are already on the bag. 

We all know how much I love Quesadillas so this Tortilla Warmer comes in SO HANDY!  Not only can I stack several tortillas in it to keep them warm but I can do it with pancakes too! I love this thing!

This Turbo Fan Collapsible Salad Spinner is so easy to store and barely takes up any room.  I have lots of space but I try to utilize it all in the best way possible.  This is so nice to have when guests come over. I just pull it out, pop it up, use the push touch to make it spin quickly, and then I can rinse it, collapse it back down and VOILA!

I also spruced up the walls....

Above the bed in the master bedroom is a set of square decals from Dali Decals.   This decal came with 192 different shaped squares. I thought up the pattern all by myself which was definitely time consuming but it was still fun.   The wall above the bed was too plain so this really helped to spruce it up.  I really loved a lot of the decals on Dali Decals.  Decals are a great way to spruce up your home without a lot of effort.

In the area of the kitchen leading down to the basement AND

in the kitchen along the cityscape wall I added these signs...

These Downtown and Brooklyn Subway Signs from StickerBrand give it a nice urban feel.   I love the clean design. They were SO easy to apply and the perfect size for the walls.   This is one of my favorite minor touches I've done lately!

And finally - the screened-in porch!   I added some decorative lighting in the form of little mini green paper lanterns from Hometown Evolution.

These give a little color to the porch during the daytime and at night they are so beautiful when lit up. There was a nice selection of lighting on the Hometown Evolution Website with even bigger lanterns and more colors. Adding some décor to a porch setting like this really improves the feel when you are entertaining guests!


And there's more....One lucky winner will get $25 to Dali Decals.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Instagram

It's A Chihuahua Fall Fashion Show

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

Before you laugh at me for dressing my dogs up you have to understand that small dog breeds, especially Chihuahuas are so short and close to the ground that not only does the cool pavement affect them quickly but it's breezier when you are closer to the ground.  Also this is a breed that originates in Mexico where it's warm.  So no wonder my dogs get chilly.  But have no fear - Boscov's Fall Pet Apparel line is (almost) here.     

How adorable is this Eddie Bauer plaid jacket?!     The Eddie Bauer Apparel line will be arriving in October at Boscov's and has 4 styles in small to large sizes.  It's easy to get this on and off and I love the Velcro.  And yes, cats technically can wear this.  This is an easy little item to slip on Rocky so he can go out in the morning without shivering.  It's easier for him to relax and do his business so we don't end up having any accidents inside.

Such a handsome fella!

Next on the runway is Grace in her Eddie Bauer Hoodie!   It has a faux fur lined hood which is great in the wind!   It's super easy to slip on and off and it's nice and lightweight in the body so it doesn't add too much extra bulk. The fit is so true to size! This is a medium.  

Such a gorgeous gal!

And don't forget about toys.   Fall weather gets chillier so dogs get cooped up in the house all too often and they get bored which means they can get into trouble.  That's why I love toys that also keep your dog occupied mentally by stimulating their brain.  The Furchun Treat Toy arrives in Boscov's in September and is a rubber toy that has a special section to hide treats in.  You can even put peanut butter inside. It keeps my babies distracted and busy for hours on end even if there is company over.  I'm also going to use this on Trick Or Treat night to occupy Grace since she gets nervous when there are lots of strangers at the door. 

Be sure you check out Boscov's this Fall!

Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Instagram

How to Relax AND Stay in Touch with Loved Ones Going Back to School

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and Walmart Family Mobile.  All opinions are mine alone. #JustACallAway #CollectiveBias

It's time for kids and teenagers and even some adults to go back to school.   For many people that's time to celebrate as they will have more free time during the day while their children are at school but for others it can be totally nerve-wracking.  Take a deep breathe though because I'm here to help you cope!!

The one thing you have to tell yourself is that your loved ones are just a phone call away.  Seriously!   In fact, you can take advantage of Walmart Best Plans for cell phones and the Lowest Priced Unlimited Plans.

Walmart Family Mobile is here to help you with their new 4G LTE service so that you and your loved ones can keep in touch.  For $29.88/month (for the first line) you can get Unlimited Talk, Text & Data which includes up to 1G of 4G LTE data.  This is a great back to school gift for your loved ones too!  The Samsung Grand Prime with the Walmart Family Mobile Plan are a great addition to any school supply list.

Disclaimer: All prices for phones and plans included in this post are accurate as of the date of posting; however, these prices are subject to change.  Please refer to http://cbi.as/kxt3 or your local Walmart for current pricing.  

Here are a few things you can do to enjoy yourself with your loved ones being just a phone call away!

|1| Run Errands
You can run errands as often as you please without having to worry about missing a call since you can take your phone with you.   And don't worry about the minutes because you will have an awesome Unlimited Talk plan.  And since it's only $29.88/month you will actually have extra money to put towards your errands.  And what better way to give them a ring when you see something they may like for their locker or dorm? 

|2| Exercise
Blast the music and get pumping iron because your phone can sit within reach so you won't have to worry about missing a call from your kid, friend, or sibling when they are back in school. They need to focus on their education and you need to focus on your fitness and well-being. 

|3| Enjoy a Drink
Enjoy a drink after a long day and scroll through your social media feeds to make sure you don't miss any back to school photos!   Remember that 1G of 4G LTE data you have for this!  What a great way to just kick back and relax and feel as if your loved one is right there with you if you need to reach them. 

|4| Enjoy a Cookout
Enjoy time with friends or just yourself with a cookout and some good food.  And if the phone rings you can pass it around so everyone can say hello to your back-to-schooler! It's always important to enjoy a little social time as an adult!


See? There are so many things you can do while keeping in mind that your loved one is just a phone call away!  

So how do you plan to keep in touch with YOUR loved ones?

Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Instagram

So Your Dog is Lost... Now What?!

Many years ago, my beloved Pixie was actually stolen.  I learned a lot about how well I handled the situation but I noticed that some people didn't think of all the things I did so I wanted to post something to help anyone now and in the future!


One day, your life is going smooth and just like it always does and then all Hell breaks loose when you realize your beloved dog is missing!    What do you do?  

1\\ Keep Calm
It's easy to get into a panic but once you do that, you can't think straight.   Instead of freaking out, take action - RIGHT AWAY! Take a few deep breaths and sit down and make a plan of action.

2\\ Look Inside
Sometimes pets can freak out during a storm, a break-in, or any other weird situation.   Before you assume your pet is lost - search high and low. I literally crawled around the house on my hands and knees looking for Pixie.  Call their name, shake their toys, put food out, but whatever you do don't let them hear the panic in your voice.  Look at all possible hiding spots you know of and even ones you never thought of before. 

3\\ Look Outside
Sometimes dogs are just a few yards away so make sure you walk around the perimeter of your yard and through your neighbor's yards.   Ring their bells and ask them if they saw anything. Drive up and down your street and all around your neighborhood calling your dog's name. 

4\\ Make Some Calls
If you still haven't found your dog, it's time to make some phone calls. Notify the police and local animal shelters. Sometimes when someone spots a runaway pet they call the local police to notify them.  Describe your pet in detail.   Also call the local vet offices to let them know your dog is missing.   That way, if someone finds your dog and brings them in to a vet's office (which they often do to scan for a microchip) they can call you.

5\\ Make a Poster
Whether you make one to print out or to share on social media - it's important that you have a one page information sheet with everything about your pet and you.  Include name, description, a recent photo, any unique markings, the personality of your pet, instructions for people if they do spot your dog (don't approach, approach slowly, etc.), as well as a name and phone number to reach you at.  Also, don't forget to include the area your pet was last seen.

6\\ Spread the Word
Get on Social Media and share that poster.  Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are great places to start.  Post on Craigslist and any local Facebook groups.   Ask people to repost your photo.   

7\\ Enlist Help
You may want to drive around constantly looking but what if your dog comes home and you aren't there? Enlist a friend or some neighbors to assist with foot patrol while you man the headquarters. 

8\\ Entice Him at the Homefront
Set a bowl of food, water, a bed, toys, and some articles of your clothing or blankets from inside your house. Often, the smell can entice a pet to come back home.  If you know your dog was spotted nearby in a field or park and he tends to run because he's nervous - then head to that area and put some of the above items.   And then make sure someone is nearby so that if he comes over to them, you can start to call him over.

9\\ Be Patient
When you have exhausted all possible options, sometimes the only thing left to do is wait.  Keep checking social media posts and answer any questions that people may have. 

10\\ Notify When Found
When/If you find your baby, make sure you let everyone know the search is off. Delete your social media posts or update them to show that your dog is found.  Take down any Craigslist or internet listings as well.   And whatever you do - don't punish him.  Dogs can't reason. They don't understand the dangers of the world like humans do. Just give him lots of love and be grateful because some people don't get so lucky.

Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Instagram

Chihuahua Cribs - Check Out My Dog's Home Style

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

I've already done a house tour but I neglected to showcase how my Chihuahuas live in style.  In an effort to keep up with the brown and neutral tones throughout my home, I like to keep the living room all uniform even when it comes to the pups.  

My dogs still need a place to sleep when they want to be where I am so I am loving their new Boscov's dog beds.  Pixie loves the plushy brown quilted bed.  It's so soft and comfy!   I love the size and I love the color.   Normally I want to put away pet items when guests come over but I always leave their beds out now!   

It's important for pets to be comfortable so they are just as happy as their human counterparts which is why I like my babies to sleep on something super soft. Sometimes I lay down next to Pixie and even rest my head on her bed! It also gives her plenty of room to snuggle with a toy like her beloved Teddy bear that she's had since the first day I brought her home.  This bed is also machine washable and is ideal for small dogs.  The Oval Pet Bed will be arriving at Boscov's in November! Add it to your dog's Christmas List!

Stella loves her little pet cave because she can tuck herself away from any noise and chaos going on in the living room, but she can still peek her head out to see what's going on.   This bed is so lightweight so it's easy to move from room to room.  This type of bed is great for dogs that like to shield themselves away from noise both inside and out (thunder and fireworks!) because it lets them go away into their own little comfort zone.

Pixie even has a houndstooth bed in the office so she can see what I'm doing.  I can't even believe how fancy these beds are.  Boscov's really knows how to give the customer (and their pet) want they want with their pet beds.


The Pet Cave Small pet Beds will be arriving in September at Boscov's and there will be a plaid print available in November.  These are fantastic for both small dogs AND cats.  The bottom is removable so it's easy to wash and it comes in 3 colors.  


As much as I love my dogs I have always struggled to find functional pet beds that don't take away from the look and décor of a room.  Boscov's has done it again by combining both so it not only benefits humans but pets as well!   

Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Instagram

Meet Bobi - the Newest [ROBOTIC] Member of Our Family

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

That's right - you read correctly the title of this post.   Ladies and gentleman - I'd like to introduce you to the newest member of our family - BObi Ross!  BObi is amazing and is from bObsweep - a line of robotic vacuum cleaners.   When BObi arrived she came with all her parts and replacement parts.   I was afraid it would be difficult to put her together but it literally took a few minutes and only involved inserting her battery pack and screwing a few things together.  And all I had to do with her charging station was plug it in. Oh and she even came with her own little birth certificate from the company. BObi was born on July 7th and weighs 7 pounds and is 3.2" tall!

So who is BObi?  BObi is a sleek and modern looking robotic vacuum cleaner that uses state of the art technology to do the hard work while you stand by and relax.

How does BObi work and what does she do?  BObi is a quiet little thing that simply hums as she works.  She comes with a remote for anytime you want to manually assist her and she even has a programmable schedule.   

She has 3 modes - Go, Juice, and Waffle.  Go is what you use when you want BObi to do her thing and clean.  She uses some sort of algorithm I could never understand to maneuver around the house and cover all the ground while avoiding any obstacles.  You have to make sure you put cords up and any loose clutter that she could get stuck on.   The majority of our home is hardwood floors and BObi did an insanely fabulous job on them but even on the area rugs and the carpeted porch and dining room she was a pro and didn't get stuck on anything. 

When you hit Juice BObi begins to look for her charger.   She will hook herself back up to charge.   And when you hit Waffle BObi knows she needs to spot clean a small area, which makes this the perfect setting for any spills.  

Does BObi really do a good job? Yes! We even had lines left behind in the carpet which means a thorough job was done!   Her sensors help her avoid any objects that she could crash into but she also is able to get into corners and around the base of furniture.  She even went under our couch.  It's super easy to empty her bin and she even comes with little tools to help brush her HEPA filter and bin clean.   She also has a main brush and come with mopping pads and a little connector arm.  That's right - BObi mopped our kitchen floor and WOW it was seriously what we needed.  When I used a wet mop before it still just seemed to push the dirt around but BObi went ahead and did the hard work without me having to get down on my hands and knees.   And her mopping pads are machine washable.

BObi's wheels help her go off-roading - Just kidding but they do help her get around and up small inclines like the little hump we have between our dining room and living room.  BObi will pretty much last a lifetime with us as long as we take care of her which means emptying her bin and keeping her brush and filter clean.  I love this thing so much that it's not hard to keep her clean at all!  I also love the design of BObi and the modern white color. I love her little rubber bumpers and I love that she's easy to hide away when you don't want her seen.  I also love her UV light that kills bacteria.   I have 4 dogs so who knows what kind of bacteria is in my home.   But who needs to worry about that when you have BObi around!?

So what can you do while BObi cleans?

Relax.  Since BObi has a remote control it gives me peace of mind when I want to sit and enjoy the day and let her clean. If she comes in the room and I don't want her there I can just steer her away.  I am able to enjoy my free time now and read magazines or play on my iPad, instead of sitting down and then thinking "Shoot, I should be cleaning".  I don't feel stressed about how BObi is doing or if she's stuck because not only would she beep if that were the case but she is pretty darn independent.  They aren't just making that up when they say that about her!

Entertain.  Can I just tell you that the most enjoyable part of my get together with friends at our new house the other week was sitting around, drinking wine, and watching BObi? We could barely even talk because we were all in awe with our jaws wide open as she did her little thing.  

Get Ready.  While BObi cleaned the house before our guests came over, I was able to take my time and get ready. I picked out an outfit and accessories and even took my time doing my hair and makeup.  I didn't have to run around multitasking and breaking a sweet tidying up last minute!

How Can You Get Your Own BObi?   You can order BObi here for $749. You can also order replacement parts for her at anytime on the website.

Is it worth it?  YES! I seriously am attached to BObi and I am thoroughly impressed with all she does.  I have yet to be let down and yet to have to fill in because she missed a spot! Also, don't make fun of me but I'm oddly attached to my BObi.  If she cries in distress I run to her side just as I do with my dogs.  It really does feel like she's a member of our family and it is seriously AMAZING to have our very own robot!   This was honestly a big deal to me because I've dreamed about having a robotic vacuum cleaner for years and years.    

You can keep up with all the latest news on BobSweep on social media on their Facebook and Twitter.

Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Instagram