Zuke’s Skinny Bakes for Dogs

October 7, 2015 by 3 Comments

My dog Cooper is big on treats.  What dog isn’t, right?  They are perfect for training, rewards, and just because you want to show them that you love them.  Apparently, half the dogs in America are overweight.  While Cooper is not one of them, it doesn’t hurt to keep an eye on his weight.  Overweight dogs have the same health concerns as overweight humans, including joint problems, heart issues, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and respiratory disease, kidney disease, cancer, and more.  These aren’t issues that you want for your pet, so watch what he eats, and try to keep him or her at their healthy and ideal weight.

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Zuke’s®, a natural pet treat company leading the way in pet nutrition, has expanded its lineup of crunchy 10-calorie Skinny Bakes® treats to include more low-calorie options with new 2, 5 and 20-calorie count varieties. The perfect reward for a healthy dog looking to stay lean or for those wanting to get fit, Skinny Bakes® are made in the USA from natural, whole food ingredients that provide high-quality nutrition. The absence of wheat, corn and soy also makes this treat a good fit for dogs with common allergies.

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According to the Association for Pet Obesity and Prevention, more than half the dogs in the U.S. are overweight, and one out of five is obese. Also, October 7th is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day! Visit www.zukes.com for more info on these low-cal treats for your favorite pup.

Filed Under: animals, review Tagged With: ,

Fun New Video Games

October 7, 2015 by 5 Comments

As the days grow shorter and chillier, we look to some games that can be played indoors and well as some that can taken with you on the go for travel fun.  Check out these fun new video games, perfect for kids (and the kid at heart, too).

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Animal Crossing Happy Home Designer

In the newest incarnation of Animal Crossing called “Happy Home Designer”, players help design their very own Animal Crossing town, including exteriors,  interiors, and even gardens.

In beautifying your town, you are also helping the locals of Animal Crossing with various deign challenges.

Each challenge is different and requires the player  to use their own personal style and incorporate the clients requested items into the design.  With hundreds of clients to work with, the game is quite long.  Another great aspect of this game is its amiibo support.  Home Designer uses the new amiibo cards (similar to the figurine amiibo but these are cards, not toy-like figures) to unlock special characters in town who will give you unique design challenges.  Once the design challenges are complete you move on to the next one.

Animal Crossing is a great way to get into gaming.  The concept is understandable and easy to pick up . If you are in the mood, players can also explore and share their creations.

Animal Crossing Happy Home Designer is available in fine stores everywhere.  It is available by itself or as part of a bundle which includes a specially designed 3DS XL.

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Chibi Robo Zip Lash

In the world of Chibi Robo, aliens have invaded and stolen all the snacks.  Your job as Chibi Robo is to zip and whip obstacles at enemies.  Game play is mostly of the 2D platforming variety.  As Chibi,  you can quick throw and power throw through obstacles and enemies.  Plug in and Power up into both Fire Chibi-Robo and Ice Chibi-Robo.  These both add new gameplay elements to the game, and are fun as well.  Chibi also has amiibo support, and my son loves it.  When you Chibi Robo amiibo is tapped against the game, it unlocks Super Chibi Robo, collects in-game figurines, and unlocks bonus levels.

Chibi Robo is available in an amiibo and game bundle.  The bundle retails for $39.99, while the game by itself retails for $29.99.

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Skylanders SuperChargers

How do you put a new fresh face onto a game which has been updated four times now?  Easy- introduce Super Chargers.  Super Chargers includes vehicles which are used to traverse levels and race tracks.  Tracks also have puzzles and boss battles in order to win each race.  Vehicles can be upgraded with collectibles called Gearbits.  Also, if you purchase Skylanders for the Wii U, you can play as Donkey Kong and Bowser of Super Mario fame.  These figures also double as amiibos in other games, so it is almost as if you are getting 2 toys in one. My son absolutely loves the vehicle aspect, and was so excited about them being added.  I guess there is no bad thing about autos (and etc) in gameplay, is there?

The new Skylanders Superchargers start set sells for $74.99  and is available at stores everywhere for the Wii U, Playstation 3, Playstation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.

Super Mario Maker

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One of the most recent trends in gaming is the so self creation, where users are the ones who make up portions of the game for either other people to play or just to share with friends to show off their building prowess.  On this same thread of games comes Nintendo’s Super Mario Maker.  In this game, users can either create new levels using components of various Mario games, or play levels made by other players.  The presentation is easy to understand and get into, but to make that perfect level will take practice.  A great way to get into the game is by first trying the level creator and messing around a bit, then trying other people’s levels to see how creative all those Nintendo fans really are. The answer is- incredibly.  From speed runs to super difficult to artistic expressions, all are present and its only getting better as people learn more.

This game also supports amiibo figures, where each figure unlocks a new power up for Mario to use in the level.  So if you put your Sonic The Hedgehog figure on the controller, Mario changes to Sonic and even the background music changes to reflect this as well. Super Mario Maker is available now for the Wii U and retails for $59.99 and is available at retail stores and also the Nintendo eShop.

Filed Under: technology Tagged With: ,

Join Me for a #FamTimePV Family Travel Twitter Party

October 6, 2015 by 2 Comments

Please join me for a TMS Family Travel Twitter Party! @TMSFamTrav and Family Travel Consulting (@FamilyTravel4um and @Takingthekids) are cohosting an hour Twitter chat with Visit Puerto Vallarta (@PuertoVallarta) on “Food & Fitness for Healthy Family Travels”. The chat will take place on Thursday, October 8th, from 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM ET. The chat will use hashtag #FamTimePV.

Panelists: make sure you follow!

– Lois Alter Mark – Midlife at the Oasis – @loisaltermark

– Heather Delaney Reese, It’s a Lovely Life – @itisalovelylife

– Samantha Feuss – Have Sippy Will Travel – @havesippy

– Dave Parfitt – Adventures by Daddy – @adventuresbydad

– Carrie Robinson – The Frugal Foodie Mama – @FrugalFoodieMama

Prizes:

Chat Participants will have the chance to win 1 of 6 prizes!

We will be giving away 4 Visit Puerto Vallarta Swag Bags as well as 2 Grand Prizes! The Grand Prizes are a 3 night stay for 2 at the Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta (@HyattPVZiva) and a 3 night stay for 2 at the Hilton Puerto Vallarta (@HIltonVallarta). Both properties are all-inclusive. *Trip does not include airfare.

To enter the prize giveaways, participants must follow @PuertoVallarta, @HyattPVZiva, and @HiltonVallarta.

Swag Bag winners will be announced at the conclusion of the Chat on October 8th.

Trip prize winners will be announced on Monday, October 12th.

Here’s how the chat works:

  1. Log in to Twitter at http://twitter.com before the chat starts at 8:00 PM ET.
  2. Enter the hashtag #FamTimePV into the search bar and select the “All” search option to follow the chat in real time (you will see all of the tweets coming in that incorporate that hashtag).
  3. Remember to always add the hashtag #FamTimePV to your tweets.

Good Luck!

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Award Winning Products #POYUSA2015

October 6, 2015 by 2 Comments

You only want the best for your family.  It can be hard to wade through all the mess and figure out what that is sometimes! Check out this link, where you can see all the products that won the 2015 Product of the Year Award.

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Some of the products we were sent to try out include;

–   Dial Greek Yogurt Body Wash (which smells great and doesn’t leave any residue on your body)

–   Dial for Men Power Scrub (my son and husband both like it- and I like the smell! It has all these little tiny “scrubbers” in the gel, which helps get the “gross” off.  Most men don’t love loofahs.

–   Purex Crystals Aromatherapy (adds a nice touch to the laundry- and lets that “clean” smell last longer, which any mom will appreciate)

–   Werther’s Original Caramel Popcorn (Delicious!  If you haven’t had this yet, go pick some up.  It wont’ last a day, and I can pretty much promise that, LOL.  We don’t all agree on much, food wise- we all loved this.)

–   Sensodyne Complete (great for sensitive teeth, and recommended by dentists. My own teeth get weird sometimes, and this was good to try out- there are many kinds of Sensodyne toothpaste, you can find one for your teeth.)

–   ProNamel MultiAction (great for the whole family, this toothpaste protects your teeth and so much more.)

Make sure you check out the link above for all the info and all the products that won awards this year- everything from kids to pets and more. You can get the best without having to guess- someone else did all the trial and error for you.

Visit productoftheyearusa.com for more. You can also check them out on  Facebook: facebook.com/productoftheyear and Twitter: @POY_USA.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

#ExploreMore with the 2016 Ford Explorer

October 6, 2015 by 11 Comments

Just recently, I had the opportunity to drive from Montana to Wyoming in the new 2016 Ford Explorer. It was a beautiful car, with plenty of room and a smooth ride.  We had a pleasant trip through some very scenic states and areas, and had so much fun getting to take this auto on quite the test drive.

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Taking a little break to enjoy the scenery.

The new Ford Explorer has lots of updates and improvements, but the most noticeable thing about the new Explorer is its ease to drive and fun to get behind the wheel.  From an ecologically minded engine, to many places to plug in your devices and music players, to all the “extras”, there is so much that will make you fall in love with the Ford Explorer.

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The road trip begins! We all get into an Explorer and go exploring. Fairly apt, don’t you think?

The vehicle itself sports new lift gate, new tail lamps, new fascia and new exhaust tips,Redesigned hood, headlamps, grille, fender and fog lamps,Five all-new wheel designs and three new colors, Unique interior and exterior and premium appointments on the new Platinum series,Nirvana Leather with perforated and quilted seats on Platinum model.

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Plenty of room for 3 people’s bags and computers with lots of spcace to spare.

The engine is a 280 hp beats which delivers 310 lbs of torque using its twin turbochargers which give the engine faster pickup and enhances acceleration.

The hands free parking is a thing of wonder.  It helps keep the guess work out of weather you are in the spot or not. The Explorer uses its available ultrasonic systems to help you in nearly all parking situations – park out assist, perpendicular parking, and Forward and Side Sensing Systems.  While the car is large, you wont’ feel like you are parking a boat.  It is also really nice to be able to see behind you easily via screen while you are backing up.

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The navigation system was super easy to use, and very accurate. It was even great when we had to take a route we didn’t know, after a road was closed and no “alternate route” was posted at all. No problem!

Available enhanced active park assist adds the ability for Explorer to help you with perpendicular parking. Utilizing the vehicle’s 12 ultrasonic sensors, Explorer will scan for suitable parking spaces and will assist in backing the vehicle into the spot. All you have to do is shift, accelerate and brake, and active park assist will take care of the steering.

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 The audio/phone system is also neat its call SYNC and lets you listen to music make a phone call and use voice controls to select apps and tons more.  Including:Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Phone Book Download, Music Search and Control, SYNC® AppLinkTM and No-Extra-Charge 911 Assist.
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Gone Exploring…..So much to see! How beautiful is this scenery?

 

The radio was fun, and had SO MANY options.  It took a hot minute for this not-so-techy chick to figure it out, but it wasn’t too long.  It was fun to explore the stations- there were so many to choose from, which is perfect for a road trip.
The whole “road trip” experience was really enhanced in the Explorer- the seats were comfortable (and had warming options), you could all choose your ideal temperature so no one has to have the heat or AC blasting at you if you are chilly but your partner is not, and there were cup holders galore.  Anyone who has ever taken a family roadtrip can tell you that those are so very necessary, and there are never enough.  Guess what?  There totally were- and there were spots for your keys, sunglasses, and more to be held, too.  Nothing not to love- I was a little too excited about this aspect.  But you know what?  It’s the little things that matter most when it comes to comfort, and I can tell you that I was comfortable the entire time.
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Overall the new Ford Explorer is a blast to drive no matter your expertise or comfort level and will be a favorite for everyone in your household.
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Filed Under: lifestyle Tagged With: , ,

Sprout® Organic baby food

October 6, 2015 by 4 Comments

Disclosure- This is a sponsored post.  All opinions are my own and honest.  For more, see “I Disclose”.

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Recently, there is a new cultural swing in food.  From fast, cheap to make and easily dispensed, to organic and more wholesome foods that have that extra nurturing touch and are better for your and yours.  It is now time to make things healthier, specifically for your little guy or gal.  This includes (or course) baby and infant food.

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We are looking at the new Sprout Organic baby/toddler foods today, which come in several varieties and quite a few flavors.  Sprout’s mission is to create delicious and nutritious foods for the entire family using the finest organic ingredients. Three guiding principles help shape all that they do: “we believe in nourishment without compromise; empowering people with transparency; and a better future through organic whole foods”.

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In regard to the food itself, each variety is naturally sweet and wholesome. Sprout recipes are made with certified organic ingredients and contain no preservatives, artificial colors, flavors or other additives. Sprout is also pleased to be able to offer a selection of recipes suitable for those with allergies and food sensitivities as well.

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Growing up, our little guy had few food sensitivities, but it is scary to think about how difficult it would be trying to keep a balanced diet for your little ones while keeping them safe from common allergens and preservatives.  Our little guy has always had such a big personality, even as a toddler.  Always babbling about something or another, even if it made no sense to the rest of us.  To keep that energy going he needed to be best nourished with real, honest, pure ingredients.  It’s not worth messing around with what you feed your child- even a kid with no allergies or health issues can only benefit form eating proper foods not filled with garbage, fillers, byproducts, and chemicals.  Those are not meant to be in anyone’s body- keep them away from your most precious love. Check out all that Sprout Organic has to offer, and see if your little one likes it.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Sprout® Organic Baby Foods. The opinions and text are all mine.

Filed Under: baby, food, kids, review Tagged With: ,

Win Halloween PEEPS Prize Pack #PEEPSONALITY

October 1, 2015 by 67 Comments

Disclosure- The PEEPS® and PEEPS & COMPANY® products, information, and additional gift pack have been provided by PEEPS® and PEEPS & COMPANY®. All opinions are my own.

While PEEPS are usually thought of as an Easter treat, they are available year round. They chance themes and often colors with each holiday and season, but the fun #PEEPSONALITY is there year ’round. My son is a PEEPS fanatic, and there is never a bad time for PEEPS.  He especially loves when I put some into his lunchbox as a surprise treat. This year there are some fun new flavors available in three packs as well, like Carmel Apple and Candy Corn.   Those are perfect for snacks, and for lunchboxes too.  My husband loves all sorts of candy, and especially the Hot Tamales. This time of year is perfect for these sweet treats, make sure you get what you like best while they are still available.

PEEPS®

  • NEW PEEPS® Tombstones: These fun and frightening PEEPS® marshmallow shapes are sure to be gobbled up this fall. The scary grave markers include silly epitaphs that will grab fans’ attention. The new shape is perfect for recipes and crafting spooky décor for Halloween festivities! SRP: $1.49 – $1.79 for a nine count package.
  • PEEPS® Chocolate Mousse Flavored Marshmallow Cats: A black cat crossing your path is usually a scary sight around Halloween time, but these chocolate mousse cats are sure to delight. Any child would be happy to get these yummy cats as a Halloween favor. SRP: $0.79 – $0.99 for four count package, $1.39 – $1.69 for eight count package.
  • PEEPS® Marshmallow Ghosts: Boo! These white ghost-shaped marshmallows adorned with spooky faces can be enjoyed in a package size of three or nine. These marshmallow flavored ghosts are perfect for decorating and crafting throughout the Halloween season. SRP: $0.79 – $0.99 for three count package, $1.39 – $1.69 for nine count package.
  • PEEPS® Marshmallow Pumpkins: Have fun with Halloween pumpkins without all the carving mess! These orange pumpkin-shaped marshmallows decorated with jack-o-lantern faces come in a delicious marshmallow flavor. SRP: $0.79 – $0.99 for eight count package, $1.39 – $1.69 for 24 count package.
  • PEEPS® Milk Chocolate Dipped Marshmallow Orange Chicks: Indulging in this package of three delectable marshmallow Chicks dipped in milk chocolate is a perfect way to reward yourself with a sweet treat this Halloween. These Chicks are a representation of iconic Halloween colors with the orange marshmallow and deep chocolate color. SRP: $1.99 for a three count package.
  • NEW PEEPS® Pumpkin Spice Flavored Chicks Dipped in White Fudge: With the arrival of fall starts the pumpkin spice craze! Now PEEPS® is joining the highly anticipated trend with new marshmallow Chicks in a pumpkin spice flavor that are dipped in white fudge. SRP: $1.99 for three count package.
  • NEW PEEPS® Caramel Apple Flavored Chicks Dipped in Caramel Fudge: Caramel apples now come in a cute and quirky Chick shape! PEEPS® captured the taste of this fall tradition with marshmallow Chicks that are apple flavored and dipped in caramel fudge. SRP: $1.99 for three count package.
  • NEW PEEPS® Candy Corn Flavored Chicks Dipped in White Fudge: Orange, yellow and white, these PEEPS® Chicks are sure to delight! PEEPS® is now making Chicks that are candy corn flavored that will be gobbled up this fall. To really give your taste buds an extra treat these festive Chicks are dipped in white fudge. SRP: $1.99 for three count package.

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MIKE AND IKE®

  • Mummy’s Mix/Vampire Variety Snack Pack: When you can’t decide between the two delicious varieties, what do you do? MIKE AND IKE® won’t make you choose and wants you to have both. This variety bag comes with MIKE AND IKE® pouches of both the Mummy’s Mix and the Vampire Variety flavors. SRP: $5.00 – 5.50 for 45 count package, $7.00 – 7.75 for 72 count package.
  • Original Fruits Snack Pack: MIKE AND IKE® Original Fruits has been loved by kids and adults alike for 75 years. This fall you can enjoy the mix that started it all and give out the perfect treat to trick-or-treaters. This variety comes in both a snack pack and a new Halloween theater box. The Halloween theater box is available exclusively at Walmart. SRP: $2.50 – 3.00 for 21 count package, $1.00 – 1.50 for theater box.

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HOT TAMALES®

  • Fierce Cinnamon Snack Pack: Want to give your trick-or-treaters something extra spicy for Halloween? This HOT TAMALES® snack pack is perfect for party favors or Halloween lunchbox treats. This variety comes in both a snack pack and a new Halloween theater box. The Halloween theater box is available exclusively at Walmart. SRP: $2.50 – 3.00 for 21 count package, $1.00 – 1.50 for theater box.

GOLDENBERG’S® PEANUT CHEWS®

  • GOLDENBERG’S® Original Dark and Milk Chocolatey PEANUT CHEWS®: Just in time for Halloween, you can now buy Goldenberg’s® Original Dark or Milk Chocolatey Peanut Chews®. A monster’s favorite kind of Halloween candy is a combination of chewy chocolatey bites loaded with crunchy peanuts! This bag is perfect for handing out treats to all the neighborhood children. SRP: $2.99 – $3.49 per 12oz bag.

You can find PEEPS on social media as well- here are a few of the ways you can follow them;

One of you can win a PEEPS prize pack.  Please feel free to enter using the RC form below. Ends Oct. 24, 2015.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: giveaway, holidays, review

7 Tips for Safer Drinking

October 1, 2015 by Leave a Comment

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying an evening on the town, but if you aren’t careful, you could wind up sick, dehydrated or worse after an overindulgence of alcohol. If you want to avoid this fate, here are seven tips for drinking in a way that you won’t regret in the morning.

1. Hand Over Your Keys

Give your keys to the bartender as soon as you walk in the room. This is more effective than giving them to a friend because a bartender won’t be swayed by drunken protests that you aren’t “that bad off.” If they don’t believe you’re capable of driving, you won’t be able to, and that’s that.

2. Try Hydration Mixers

There are certain low carb alcoholic mixers out there that also double as great sources of hydration. This is because they contain electrolytes, so you aren’t just drinking alcohol, water or orange juice. You’re drinking energy.

3. Know Your Limit

This is easier said than done, of course, but if you’re serious about not drinking too much while you’re on the prowl, this will help you both figure out your limit and enforce it. Try videotaping yourself one night as you drink at home. Watch the tape and see where you go from tipsy to completely intoxicated.

4. Know When Not to Drink

You shouldn’t drink when you’re sick or taking medication. You’ll also have to avoid those screwdrivers when you’ve been appointed the designated driver. Get familiar with your local bar’s non-alcoholic options just in case you’re ever in a position where you can’t drink.

5. Eat Between Rounds

Peanuts are a particular favorite at bars and nightclubs because they contain protein that slows down the absorption of alcohol in the bloodstream. If you can’t find a bag, however, any food is better than nothing. Drinking on an empty stomach is a bad idea.

7. Sip Instead of Gulp

In a world of jello shots, sipping your drink is a lost art, but it can help you stay sober even when everyone else around you is falling down. Consider sipping your margarita instead of gulping it down immediately.

These are just a few tips for drinking responsibly. Remember, it’s up to you to take precautions when you know you’ll be partying hard. No one else can monitor your drinking habits for you. You have to be alert, and you have to be personally accountable for your actions.

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