Holiday Gift Guide for Pets

The Holidays are here and there is a family member that we don’t want to ignore. Your pet shouldn’t feel left out of the celebration! Here are a few functional luxuries that you can add to your ‘To Buy’ list this Holiday Season.

The High 5 Dogs Clic Leash – This item is a great addition for anyone that goes out and about with their dog. We reviewed it here on Have Sippy and were impressed with the quality and innovation of this leash and their over the shoulder option for hands free walking. After writing the review I was in a restaurant and saw no less than three dogs tethered to tables and realized just how great a product this is. Read out review here.

 

Green Goo – Fur & Feathers Homeopathic Care – by Sierra Sage – If your pet has any issues like dry, cracked paws, cuts, scrapes, or skin irritations here is a natural option to treat them. Avoid chemicals and consider this herbal remedy. We tested it on a dog with a scrape and were really happy with the results. It does have a nice but strong scent and works like a balm so firmer than a cream you just spread on. I like the fact that it can even be used on humans, because that is the standard I want for anything going on my pet.

Elf Pet Pajamas – At Target – These aren’t just cute for your pet. They have matching pajamas for the whole family! Kids, parents, and pet can walk around this Holiday as elves. They have more than just this design in pet night wear so take a look here or elsewhere on line but imagine the fun family pictures this can make.

Convertible Igloo Pet Bed – This 2 in 1 pet bed is a great option for anyone interested in the Igloo bed but might not want to use it year round. My dog loves it in the winter when my room tends to get cold. In the summer I can use it just as a regular bed. The only thing is it seems to only come in a small size so good for small dogs and cats. You can check it out on Amazon.
Convertible 2 in 1 Dog or Cat Pet Bed, Chocolate

#SubwaySurfers Twitter Party

Promotional Post

Join Bloggin Mamas as we host the #SubwaySurfers Twitter Party on December 7th, 2017 at 9pm EST/ 6pm PST! We’ll be chatting about the Subway Surfers and their new Winter Mystery Advent Calendar mini-site. Plus, there’s a chance to win prizes too!

Date: Thursday, December 7th, 2017

Time: 9pm EST / 6pm PST

Hashtag: #SubwaySurfers

Presented by: @BlogginMamas

Featuring: @SyboGames

Moderators: English– @HeLoEnterprises Spanish– @BBabushka

Co-Hosts: @EnzasBargains, @HaveSippy, @DonnaHup, @CoolChillMom, @DarciBean

About Subway Surfers & the Winter Mystery Advent Calendar

Subway Surfers is one of the most successful mobile games of its genre, being crowned the number one most downloaded game across all platforms of 2017. Each day throughout December, Subway Surfers fans can experience the fully interactive online holiday calendar which offers first-look peeks of the brand new artwork from the hugely anticipated Subway Surfers animated TV series – currently scheduled for Summer 2018. The calendar can be experienced at: wintermystery.subwaysurfers.com. The animated series will premiere summer of 2018 with 10 x 4 minute episodes, followed by a long form series of 22 minute episodes. It will give fans a chance to delve into the lore of the Subway Surfers universe as they follow the adventures of the characters they have grown to love. The TV series and calendar are based on the Subway Surfers game – a slick, exciting, endless runner where players swipe as fast as they can to dodge oncoming trains! Help Jake, Tricky & Fresh escape from the grumpy Inspector and his dog. How long can you keep surfing in this slick, exciting endless runner? Available on Google Play, Apple’s App store, Windows 10 and Amazon

Follow Subway Surfers/ Sybo Games

Like the Subway Surfers on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SubwaySurfersSybo;

Follow @SyboGames on Twitter: www.twitter.com/sybogames;

Follow @sybo_games on Instagram: www.instagram.com/sybo_games;

Follow the Sybo Games on Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/SyboGames;

#SubwaySurfers

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Prizes

3- Prize Packs- $100 Amazon Gift card (1 per winner)

First Prize

1- Prize Pack- $150 Amazon Gift card

Grand Prize

1- Prize Pack- $200 Target Gift card

RSVP Prize

1- Prize Pack- $50 Amazon Gift card

RSVP Below!!

Terms and Conditions

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING.

By RSVP’ing to this event and utilizing the #SubwaySurfers hashtag, the attendees acknowledge having read and agreed to these terms and conditions.

Twitter Party Prize Giveaway begins December 7th, 2017 at 9:00 pm ET and ends no later than December 7th, 2017 at 10:30pm ET (the “Twitter Chat Entry Period”). Entrants enter via following @SyboGames, @HeLoEnterprises & @BlogginMamas, and posting a tweet with the #SubwaySurfers hashtag during the Twitter Chat Entry Period. Five (5) Winners will be drawn randomly by random.org at approximately 12 minute intervals during the Twitter Party Entry Period. One (1) Winner will be drawn randomly via random.org from the event RSVP’s on the Mr. Linky widget.

Prizes include:

One (1) prize pack, including one (1) $100 Amazon Gift card. Total approximate retail value (“ARV”) $100, to be awarded to each of three (3) winners. One (1) First Prize pack, including one (1) $150 Amazon Gift card. Total approximate retail value (“ARV”) $150, to be awarded to one (1) winner. One (1) Grand Prize pack, including one (1) $200 Amazon Gift card. Total approximate retail value (“ARV”) $200, to be awarded one (1) winner. One (1) RSVP Prize pack, including one (1) $50 Amazon Gift card. Total approximate retail value (“ARV”) $50, to be awarded to one (1) winner who RSVP’s via the Mr. Linky widget.

Each winner receives one (1) prize pack. Entrants who fail to complete said actions will be disqualified and an alternate winner will be selected from all entrants who entered during the Twitter Party Entry Period. Winners will be notified via Twitter Mention & will need to complete a claim form. Winners will have 48 hours to complete the claim form including providing shipping info, or a an alternate winner will be selected from amongst all entries received during the Twitter Party Entry Period. All prizes will be awarded provided they are validly claimed by December 12th, 2017 at 11:59AM EST.

Entrants agree to release and hold harmless the Bloggin’ Mamas, Heather Lopez Enterprises, LLC, GennComm, Sybo Games, Subway Surfers, Amazon, Twitter, and any other organizations responsible for sponsoring, fulfilling, administering, advertising or promoting this giveaway, and their respective parent, subsidiaries, and affiliates and each of their respective officers, directors, members, employees, agents and subcontractors (collectively the “Released Parties”) from and against any and all claims, expenses, and liability, including but not limited to negligence and damages of any kind to persons and property, including but not limited to invasion of privacy (under appropriation, intrusion, public disclosure of private facts, false light in the public eye or other legal theory), defamation, slander, libel, violation of right of publicity, infringement of trademark, copyright or other intellectual property rights, property damage, or death or personal injury arising out of or relating to a participant’s entry, creation of an entry or submission of an entry, participation in this giveaway, acceptance or use or misuse of prize. Entrant agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any and all claims, expenses, and liabilities (including reasonable attorney’s fees) arising out of or relating to an entrant’s participation in this giveaway and/or entrant’s acceptance, use or misuse of prize, including, without limitation, liability for personal injury, damage, or loss.

The Released Parties make no warranties, and hereby disclaim any and all warranties, express or implied, concerning any prize furnished in connection with the giveaway. WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE FOREGOING, SUCH PRIZES ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND THE RELEASED PARTIES HEREBY DISCLAIM ALL SUCH WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND/OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.

 

Disclosure: Bloggin’ Mamas is managing this Twitter Party. Individual co-hosts are receiving compensation for their participation. All prize fulfillment is the responsibility of the sponsor.

A Visit to Catalina Island

It begins with a boat ride…

Located off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island is a vacation destination and adventure start to finish. From the beautiful vistas to the quaint town of Avalon, Catalina is worthy of its hundred plus years as a travelers’ oasis. To get to the island you have two options, boat or helicopter. Most of the islands visitors go by way of ocean travel which takes a little over an hour.

There are two major towns on the island but Avalon is by far the most popular and iconic. Much of the island is undeveloped and now home to herds of bison, wild foxes, and deer. You can even catch sight of a bald eagle if you head out on one of the nature tours of the island.

JazzTrax Festival. Hearing live music where Hollywood stars of the Golden Age partied is a thrill. Or you can catch a movie downstairs in the art deco theatre. Taking a Casino Tour to learn the building’s history is a great way to get a look at everything as well.

Another adventure on Catalina Island is the underwater activities. Swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling are a big draw.  One option to see the abundant sea life is to get in and get wet, but certain months of the year that is less enticing than others. If you want to get up close and personal while staying dry give the Glass Bottom Boat Tour a try. You can go out and give catching your dinner a try too. The island is known for its great fishing.

Even if you don’t reel anything in you won’t be short on seafood to enjoy. There are restaurants all over Avalon serving fresh fish and other delicacies. With so many options to chose from a Taste of Catalina Food Tour is a way to get started. Visit some Island hot spots on this guided tour which blends Island history, and I spy into a drinking game of Bingo.

The Catalina Island Museum is not to be missed. Learn the history of the island from the first people to live there, through the Spanish explorers, to the purchase of the land by the Wrigley Family. Sports fans will appreciate the ties to the Chicago Cubs who came out for spring training from 1921-1951. Not to mention the art at the museum. Their Chihuly Glass exhibit is stunning.

There are plenty of hotels and Bed and Breakfasts to chose from for your stay. A couple days is perfect to see the island. Our ride back was at sunset and it could not have been a lovelier end to the trip. Overall we loved the island so much that we are planning another trip back to visit again and take part in even more of the activities offered there. My snorkel gear will be packed next time for sure!

Find out more about Catalina Island – Catalinachamber.com

High5Dogs Leash and Harness Review

Innovation from High5Dogs

There are a ton of options out there for pet owners these days when it comes to leashes and harnesses, but most of these are pretty standard. I mean a leash is a leash right? I confess that has been my belief for some time, but not any longer. High5Dogs has opened my eyes to features I never knew I was missing out on. Their leashes and harnesses have a variety of options for you and your furbaby.

High5Dogs has a two great products for dog owners on the go, their CLIC Leash and CLIC Shoulder Leash. On the most basic level these two leashes are made up of two ropes connected by a clip. If you find yourself needing both hands or at a cafe and want to hook your dog up this is unbelievably convenient and can be done one handed. It is also safer than unhooking your dog to loop the leash or tying one end up. This is a great option for anyone that frequents dog friendly eateries or has their pet with them running errands.

The CLIC shoulder leash has a segment long enough to lope around you and allow for hands free dog walking. This same easy to clip system makes it convenient to switch from hands on to hands free. I can not tell you the number of times I wish I had this option or just that the leash loop was not on my wrist and my dog pulling while I tried to carry something two handed. For anyone that has arthritis or other issues when walking their dog this is a great choice and easy to loop on and off with the center clip.

High5Dogs also offers harnesses to match their leashes. These are high quality and durable rope topped harnesses that are easy to put on and quick to take off. If you use a harness you know that those two things are not often true. The dual adjustable clips are speedy to undo but there are adjustable straps that have their plastic adjusters under your dogs chest so this is not something you want to leave on as that might be uncomfortable while your dog is resting.

There are two lines to pick from at High5Dogs, the Metropolitan Collection and their new Leisure Collection. The products are basically the same but the Metropolitan has leather details. With both you can pick three different sizes of rope to decide how heavy a leash you are looking for. They are offered with suggestions based on size of dog and then your preference. Some of the details they have added like a metal hook by the leashes handle is great for attaching a dog bag holder. These products are a high end option for pet owners.

Find out more at High5dogs.com or on Social Media – TwitterFacebookInstagram – Pinterest

Be Part of Space Nation #orbitlaunch

Space is not as far away as you may think.

We have all been fascinated with the idea of space travel. Seeing the Earth from above and being closer to the stars is an experience only a handful of humans have had the opportunity to achieve. There are places on earth where travelers might feel like they are on the moon, but to truly make that trip is more than most people can imagine. Just because space is far away doesn’t mean we can’t be part of a community that reaches for the cosmos. The Space Nation Astronaut Program.

What does it take to be an astronaut? Now with just a smartphone and the Space Nation App that launches  February 2018 you can find out. Astronauts have special skills that go beyond formal education. There are characteristics both physical and mental that all of us have and have the potential to develop. Space Nation approaches training on three fronts, Mind, Body, and Social. All three of these are important to success as a space explorer.

Space Nation is offering you a mini space camp with their app and more space adventures for the most successful participants. An on-site Astronaut Bootcamp is just the start, finalists will take part in a reality competition, then the winner will be sent on a mission to space. Yes, actually space travel!

When we reach for something greater than ourselves we grow and learn about our true potential. The Space Nation Astronaut Program is for anyone looking to push themselves to do and be more. Adventurers of all ages and living anywhere in the world can participate. Space Nation’s goal to make space discovery, education, and wellness available to everyone is something you can explore for yourself.

Visit their site at spacenation.org to find out more and join the movement.

 

Dia de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Day of the Dead LA style!

Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday celebrated Oct. 31-Nov. 2nd to remember friends and family that have passed away. There are many traditions and cultural influences on the Day of the Dead which were all on display at this year’s event located in the Los Angeles Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The history of the festival has found the perfect setting in this historic memorial park and they have crafted a day to honor the dead that the whole family can enjoy.

Held this year on Oct.28th from noon till midnight the 18th annual Dia de los Muertos was a musical, colorful, and heart warming experience. Whether you are a local or visitor for the holiday taking the time to walk through the decorated lanes of the Hollywood Forever Cemetery and watch the performances staged there is a must. The costumes by participants and enthusiasts of all ages crowd the grounds making a beautiful display of life and death at every stage.

Band: Pilgram performing at Dia De Los Muertos

Images of skeleton’s and faces painted as stylized representations may be familiar, but there are many more personal touches to this spiritual holiday. Graves become tributes, shrines to loved ones that have died. They are decorated with flowers, pictures, candles, and even the departed’s favorite food and drink. It is done in an effort to lure the souls where they can hear prayers offered and stories told in remembrance of their life. Some of the influences go even further back to the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas. Aztec dancers in traditional garb put on displays and paraded through the grounds to pay tribute to their history.

Shrines to some of the famous celebrities buried at Hollywood Forever like Johnny Ramone lined the roads while smaller family displays popped up across the grass fields. Some were dedicated to the artist José Guadalupe Posada or influenced by his artwork and printmaking. Tributes to beloved pets left no one out. Bands played and stands were set up for face painting while everywhere you looked skeletons watched.

It is possible to find the whole event a bit creepy, but my experience was just the opposite. I have never understood going to the cemetery as anything other than a “thing we did” a few times a year to care for my grandparents’ graves. At Dia de los Muertos my eyes were opened to cemeteries as a place of gathering and celebration of those you love that are no longer with you and those that still are. It is a time to find joy in remembering and sharing those memories. The holiday embraces both life and death in a way I wish my culture growing up had.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery has created an event that represents the tradition while making it accessible to the entire community. I am so glad I was able to take part in this beautiful event.

Find out more at ladayofthedead.com

On Social Media – TwitterFacebookInstagram

Destination LA: McCabe’s Guitar Shop

Santa Monica California has sun, surf, and music…

One of this L.A.’s treasures is McCabe’s Guitar Shop where you can expect to find more than just stringed musical instruments and lessons on how to use them. People come to hear from those that have mastered their craft. Concerts at McCabe’s are an intimate small stage affair that feels like what it is, getting up close and personal with an artist. Whether you are a fan of the performer(s) or just looking for a destination to hear live music, this is the place to keep an eye on with a history of greats going back five decades.
For my experience I was lucky enough to catch an all time personal favorite, Langhorne Slim, in a pared down solo performance in the back room. Telling stories and singing from a single chair, which at times could barely contain his energy and need to move, Langhorne entranced fans and first timers alike with a mix of folk, rock, and country twang. How do I know? I’m a fan from back before his first album Electric Love Letter came out in 2004. The couple next to me had been tracking him for a few years, since they first encountered him as an opening act. The group behind me were new to the experience of seeing Langhorne Slim on stage just like my date, and by the end they were total converts.

There are artists that exactly repeat their albums when they perform live, those that sound nothing like it without a sound engineer, and those that transcend recordings of their work when you experience their vitality in person. Langhorne Slim is definitely the third. Don’t get me wrong, he is in all of my playlists and his most recent cd, The Spirit Moves, has a permanent home in my car, but there is nothing like being there. I have caught three performances in LA over the last few years, the most recent which lead to my discovery of McCabe’s Guitar Shop as a venue, and each time I brought a newbie as my guest. All three are now on notice for the next concert and ready to buy their tickets.

The experience was enhanced by the atmosphere at McCabe’s. Wood paneled walls covered in every type of strummable guitar, ukulele, banjo, and more that I don’t have names for, come together to create a world transported back and steeped in history. With tickets running between $20-$30 and affordable afternoon shows for families as well as their night time events McCabe’s Guitar Shop offers a taste of the now while surrounded by the history of the music played there. Come during the day or slip in at night for a show, either way visitors can feel the notes that have sunk into the walls as greats play skillful chords, and newbies their first notes.

Check out the Concert Calendar at McCabe’s Guitar Shop and keep your eyes open for Langhorne Slim’s Tour Schedule for local appearances.

Coastal Country Jam in Huntington Beach

Coastal Country Jam LogoAs if the beaches of Southern California aren’t enough on their own, events like the Coastal Country Jam, held this year on September 23-24, should lure you from near and far. With a great line-up that included such bands as Lady Antebellum, Brett Young, Eli Young Band, and Old Dominion, this two day festival is a must for country music fans or just music lovers. And yes, in case you were wondering, there were plenty of cowboy boots in the sand at Huntington Beach.

Coastal Country Jam in Huntington Beach CaliforniaThe Coastal Country Jam was a small village of interesting shops, food vendors, music stages, and a giant ferris wheel over looking the ocean along Huntington Beach California. Days in the sun, colorful sunsets, and crescent moons were an added appeal to the quality music that blasted from the main stage. This concert brought the best parts of laid back beach life to entertainment. Loads of beach chairs, giant beanbag chairs for two, and hammocks were set out for comfortable listening. A plus being that all seats had to be low so even from the ground the views were great.

If you wanted to dance your heart out and get up close and personal with the stars there was plenty of standing room right up front. The stage was complete with runway so even if you couldn’t get right in there early next to the main speakers, you could get great shots when the musicians made there way out into the crowd. I loved being able to go back and forth between my beanbag and the “front row”.Lady Antebellum at the Coastal Country Jam

The highlight of the night for me was Lady Antebellum. The band has personality, a kicking brass section, and familiar tunes. They also did some amazing cover songs as part of their act. Some you might expect like    Still the One by Shania Twain, others might be a surprise like Take It Easy by the Eagles and Honky Tonk Woman by The Rolling Stones.

Overall Coastal Country Jam was a beautiful setting, gorgeous SoCal weather, and top notch talent. The artists were a treat to listen to for two days and I can’t wait for the series to come around again next year!

Follow Coastal Country Jam on Social Media to keep up with future events on Facebook and Instagram,

Check out the full Concert Lineup:

Coastal Country Jam Saturday Lineup

Coastal Country Jam Sunday Lineup