Top Holiday Travel Tips for Dogs (and Win an Amazon Gift Card)

December 15, 2015 by 132 Comments

While the holidays are supposed to be full of peace, love, and fun, they can also be stressful, especially when traveling is involved at the busiest times of the year. It can be great to bring your dog along with you while traveling, but doing so also increases the things you must do and keep in mind to ensure a safe, happy trip. From packing a dog emergency kit to bringing along a DIY dog fence, there are many things you can consider ahead of time to help things go as smoothly as possible. Here are the top travel tips to keep in mind this holiday season with your dog.

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Keep Your Dog Safe in the Car

If you’re taking a road trip, you want to make sure your dog is as safe in the car as everyone else in your family. It’s a great idea to invest in a dog seat belt, which will keep your dog restrained in the car. If you don’t, at least place your dog in their crate during the ride. Not only is this safer for your dog, it prevents your dog from getting into the front seat and causing an accident by distracting the driver. Never allow your dog to stick their head out of the window of a moving car.

Contain Your Dog Wherever You Are

One of the worst nightmares you could experience would be to lose your dog while on a holiday trip. To avoid this, make sure your dog is contained at all times. While outside, if they are not in a fenced-in yard, they need to be on a leash. Of course, never leave your dog tied up unattended. If your dog is trained on an invisible dog fence, you can bring a portable version with you. It’s an excellent tool for containing your dog at rest areas, campgrounds, or in the yards of loved ones who don’t have a fence. However, it’s a good idea to supervise even the most well-trained dogs when in unfamiliar territory, even when using a wireless dog fence.

Pack Dog Emergency Essentials

If you have the extra money, it’s convenient to purchase a dog first aid kit to keep in the trunk of your car or bring with you on trips. If not, create your own. You essentially need to pack the same things as a regular first aid kit, but with some extra paw-sized bandages. Your car emergency kit should also include extra dog food, extra water, extra bowls, an extra collar and leash set, and an extra blanket for the furry member of your family. Also bring along a copy of your dog’s vaccination record and any necessary medical information, including medications.

Ensure Your Destination is Dog-Proof

Wherever you are staying with your dog, do some thorough dog-proofing before you relax and let your dog roam, especially if your loved ones don’t have a dog of their own. Make sure things like medications, cleaning supplies, candy bowls, and lit candles are out-of-reach. There are several types of common holiday plants that are toxic to dogs, too. Mistletoe, pointsettia, and holly should be moved to an area your dog cannot access, so you don’t even run the risk of your dog ingesting fallen leaves. Pine needles are also toxic, and the water from the tree stand can be, too. If there is a Christmas tree that your dog won’t stay away from, keep them in a separate room or position your electronic dog fence around the tree as a safety barrier.

Ask Others to Follow Safety Guidelines

Make sure whoever you are staying with is aware of certain safety concerns for your dog. For example, ask your loved ones not to feed your dog any table scraps unless you approve, and caution them not to leave their plates or drinks unattended. Alcohol, chocolate, and xylitol can be fatal to dogs, and other foods such as onions, raisins, grapes, nuts, bones, fatty foods, coffee, and tea can cause dogs to get seriously ill. If you are using an e-collar or electric dog fence, make sure others are aware. Also remind children that dogs don’t like hugs or kisses.

While traveling, remember to watch your dog closely for signs of stress. Signs of stress in dogs include pacing, panting, growling, freezing, staring, cowering, and hiding. Any behavior that’s unusual for your dog could be a sign they are overwhelmed, so try to give them a quiet, dark place that they can rest alone with plenty of water to drink. If your dog gets sick or injured, be sure to call your vet’s office or emergency number as soon as possible.

These holiday travel safety tips come to us thanks to the ongoing educational efforts of www.dogfencediy.com; Dog Fence DIY provides dog owners with an affordable alternative to pricey and complex dog containment solutions.
One of you can win a $25 Amazon gift card- use the RC form below to see how to enter.
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Preparing for Your Newborn During Surrogacy

December 14, 2015 by Leave a Comment

Preparing for the birth of a baby is an extremely exciting time in a parent’s life. When your child is to be born with the help of a surrogate, the process is a bit more complex, so it’s wise to learn what to be well prepared ahead of time. In addition to finding the right surrogacy candidate to carry your son or daughter to term, you want to make sure you’re creating a space in your home and life for your newborn.

Find the Right Candidate

You can find the right surrogacy candidate by going through a reputable agency, such as Growing Generations. These professionals will screen each potential surrogate with:

  • Blood tests to rule out contagious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis B and C.
  • Physical examinations including gynecological exams.
  • Obstetrical history to learn about past childbirth experiences.
  • Psychological evaluations to learn about motivations, feelings, and emotional stability.
  • Personality profiles such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2.

The Treatment Process

Once you and a surrogate have been matched, you will start the treatment process, which will include multiple steps, such as:

  • Synchronized menstrual cycles of surrogate and intended mother or egg donor.
  • Fertility drugs will be given to intended mother or egg donor.
  • Hormones will be given to surrogate to prepare uterus for embryo implantation.
  • Eggs from intended mother or egg donor will be fertilized with sperm from intended father or sperm donor.
  • Embryo implantation will take place.
  • Pregnancy will be confirmed by day 17 to 19.
  • Heartbeat(s) will be heard by day 31 to 33.
  • Continued care including ultrasounds, blood work, and maternity checkups will take place throughout the pregnancy.

The Nursery

During the nine months leading up to your child’s birth, it’s important to get your child’s room ready so he or she has a place to come home to. Some steps to turning an ordinary room into a soothing nursery include:

  • Paint the walls a fresh, calming color.
  • Install light-blocking shades or curtains to create a peaceful environment during naptimes.
  • Put a dimmer switch on light fixtures so you can alter the ambiance with a flick of a switch.

Furnishings

You will also need to assemble the furniture that is essential to raising a baby. If you are having twins, you’ll need two of some of these items:

  • Crib
  • Dresser
  • Bassinette
  • Changing table
  • Nightstand
  • Lamps
  • Stroller

In addition to these furnishings, you’ll want to assemble sheets, blankets, outfits, diapers, and wipes.

When you’re expecting a baby through surrogacy, you need to get ready, and not just medically and legally. You need to assemble the ingredients to turn your house into the home of your newborn son or daughter.

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Armitron Watches- Be on Time for All Your Holiday Happenings

December 9, 2015 by 3 Comments

With everyone carrying cell phones now, not everyone wears watches the way they used to.  When you ask what time it is, people grab for their pockets instead of looking at their wrists. Not only are watches functional and useful, they are a fashion statement as well.  Nice to look at, classic and classy- and ready to make a comeback.

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Armitron Watches are a great gift ‘for him’ or ‘for her’, the Armitron watches are polished, practical and functional timepieces. Made with genuine diamonds, different styles and colors, options of bands, materials, and more- there is an Armitron Watch for everyone.  There are so many selections to chose from, your biggest problem will be narrowing it down.

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These are really beautiful.  Some of them look more like bracelets then like watches- which, for me, is very neat.  They look very sleek, sophisticated- accessories that would really compliment an outfit.

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If you are looking for the perfect gift this year, something special, you will want to check out the Armitron site and see what they have. You can also use the coupon code HolidayTime to get %25 off any watch on the site.

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More About Armitron

For nearly sixty years, Armitron has embodied and nurtured the spirit of individuality.  Since pioneering many of the first affordable digital wrist watches, it has been Armitron’s mission to make stylish, functional timepieces accessible to every person.

Today, Armitron looks to advance this mission by sharing the stories of real people.  We want to celebrate the broad, hard-working, diverse group of individuals that are our brand.  Each of them with their own style, thoughts, and ambitions.  That is why we showcase real people in our imagery, not professional models.  These are the people who truly represent our brand, which is what you want in reputable watch brands.

Visit them at https://www.armitron.com/

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Amwell – a new way to see a doctor #getwellwithamwell #ad

November 23, 2015 by 10 Comments

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Amwell, otherwise known as American Well, is a new company which puts patients in contact with doctors with simply a few clicks.  Instead of leaving you home to see a doctor simply go online, or download an app and a doctor is a video chat away with a few clicks and registration.

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With all the modernizations around us, it is time to start modernizing the visit to the doctor.  Instead of driving to the office, waiting the waiting room, and seeing your doctor for moments of their time but hours of yours, try something different.  Try Amwell.  Amwell lets you video conference with one of hundreds of doctors of many different specialties who can help treat you of a variety of ailments including:

•             Bronchitis
•             Cough
•             Sinus infection
•             Sore throat
•             Urinary tract infection
•             Vomiting
•             Diarrhea
•             Fever
•             Pinkeye
•             Flu
•             Sprains and strains
•             Cold
•             Respiratory infection
•             Headache
•             Depression
•             Anxiety
•             Weight concerns
•             Smoking cessation
Doctors on Amwell can diagnose, suggest follow up, and prescribe, when appropriate.  In addition to be board certified doctors you can also see a description of each doctor before your visit and also be assured your privacy is in good hands and is secure and HIPAA compliant.
Amwell was created by actual doctors.  It is the most popular consumer telehealth app worldwide in 2014 according to App Annie.  As well as the first telehealth service awarded accreditation by The American Telemedicine Association Amwell is also the first telehealth platform to integrate with Apple’s Health App.  It also is the only service that allows you to select the doctor you want to see for an on-demand visit. You will have more time to spend with your family.
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I would suggest giving Amwell a try today.  It can help save time and money for a variety of people in a variety of situations.  I can see this being a huge help when someone is just so sick they don’t want to go to the doctor or their favorite doctor has just stopped taking their insurance and its time to find a new one.
Be sure to find out more today, you can use this coupon code for 25% off a $69 urgent care visit- Amwell25

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

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Why You Might Want to Consider a Winter Vacation

November 5, 2015 by 1 Comment

What’s so special about summer vacations? Why should summer get all the fun? If you really want to know the answer, it comes down to school scheduling. But schools have not always taken a break in the summer. Before the Civil War, school, such as it was, took place year round. Rural schools took to breaks in the spring and fall while city schools took breaks in the spring.

Now that the U.S. school system has largely agreed to take time off in the summer, it makes sense that family vacations would be scheduled during that time. The only vacation time we get in the winter is roughly the first two weeks of it, otherwise known as the holiday season. Even so, that time off is often spent preparing an elaborate staycation, or going off to see nearby relatives that are just over the river and through the woods.

There is something to be said for ditching the traditional vacation during the summer, and putting all your eggs in the winter vacation basket. Here are some reasons you might want to do that, and some places you might want to do it:

Not Everyone Has Kids

Summer vacation is all about the kids. But what if you don’t have any kids? Why should your vacation schedule be dominated by school scheduling? Even if you have kids, depending on age, going on vacation with the kids might feel a lot more like work than vacation.

By taking a winter vacation without the kids, you can go on a more adult-themed vacation. Leave the cartoon characters and talking animals behind, and enjoy something with a bit more sophistication. Cruises are considered to be one of the highest sophisticated forms of adult vacations. As for the best winter cruise? The Caribbean is always a great option. But really, almost anywhere makes for a great winter cruise vacation.

Because It’s Warmer Some Place Else

Why do birds fly south for the winter? The same reason you should. As a rule, it’s warmer in the south. Southern California is a popular destination for those who want to get out of the cold because it is 75 and sunny all year round.

Because of its popularity as a winter destination, make sure to do your hotel booking online and early. When taking your vacation at a popular destination, getting the best price for a room is not the primary concern. Getting a room at any price is the first order of business. Securing that room where you want, for as long as you want, at a price you are willing to pay is the reward for planning ahead.

Because You’ve Seen All the Summer Places

Do you feel like you are going to the same places year after year? Maybe that’s because you are going at the same time every year. It might even be worth going back to one of your favorite places at a different time of the year. Alaska is a good example.

There are some Alaskan sights and adventures that you can take in the summer that may not be available during the winter. But the reverse is also true. Because of the seasonal ice roads, there are some places in Alaska you can’t get to If you are not there in the Winter.

Whether it be the Caribbean, Southern California, or Alaska, there are good reasons and places to go in the winter. So the next time you here the now famous words, “Winter is coming,” think vacation.

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4 Things You Might Not Know About Home Security Systems

June 29, 2015 by 1 Comment

Home security goes a long way to protect the family as well as your possessions. Whether it’s used as a shield against the criminal element or assistance during a fire, constant monitoring can greatly reduce risks. While you may be aware of the traditional alarms that may go off during an emergency, you may not know how versatile today’s technology has made these systems. Some of the best home security monitoring companies implement the most up-to-date features to protect everyone under the roof.

Email Notifications

Some monitoring services will help you set up email notifications. As your smartphone may be utilized to access your email, you can receive messages pertaining to your system regardless of where you are. As long as you have cell service, you can be apprised at what’s going on at home. This is ideal if you’re on a business trip and would like to know when the children get home from school.

Live Cameras

Networking and Internet technology allows supported cameras to be viewed from virtually anywhere. A live feed can be easily accessed from remote computers and mobile devices. Although some monitoring companies can help you set these up, a compatible camera is needed in order to view your home in real time. Not all devices support this kind of versatile functionality.

While networking and internet technologies offer new possibilities for security services, sometimes you have to use manual security systems as well. Leaving the lights on when you’re away from home and looking out for your neighbors should be built into your overall plan. Also, consider some Expandable Batons Choices for home security.

Home Automation

One of the most useful implementations of home security is that of home automation. You can control lights, locks and even the thermostat without being on the property. In fact, a good security monitoring service can help you set up advanced controls for these devices and possibly more depending on the appliances that are on the premises. From saving energy to giving the appearance someone is in the house, the possibilities are great with the right system installed.

Individual Monitoring

Monitoring systems can be set up that will advise you when a specific person has entered the premises. You can be informed every time a specific person opens or closes the system allowing you to keep tabs on who is currently at home. Your monitoring company may even be able to help you assign guest user accounts when you have in-laws visiting for extended periods of time.

Home security has never been more elaborate and affordable as it is today. From live camera feeds to home automation, you may have complete control of your property. Equipped with the right monitoring service, you can rest easy knowing that your property is well protected.

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Smoothie Recipe For June’s National Fresh Fruits & Vegetable Month

May 31, 2015 by 3 Comments

 

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Trying to get your kids to eat more veggies and fruits? Here is a fabulous, healthy, tasty smoothie recipe from Vicki Marquez, author of Rootlets: Super Rootabilities. June is National Fresh Fruits & Vegetable Month.

About Rootlets:

The Rootlets: Super Rootabilities was created and written by Vicki Marquez and illustrated by Jeremy Russnak, introduces readers to the Rootlets – Brocc, Carrotina, Cornelius and Kaley – who live on Planet Planted in the town of VeggieVille with their dog, Basil, and their guardian and caretaker Yammy Grammy, who plucked them from the ground when they were just sprouts. Hilariously fun with bright, bold, colorful illustrations. The Rootlets: Super Rootabilities is a thrilling journey that showcases the super powers of plant-based foods and explores the magic of friendship and imagination.

This book is recommended for children ages 4 to 9.

This is the first product that is launched by The Rootlets brand, whose mission is to familiarize kids with fruits, veggies, and healthy eating. Future Rootlets products include apps, more books, games, toys, and an animated TV show. The Rootlets will be launching their website, which will be an interactive experience filled with games, activities, learning resources and exclusive content about the characters and their magical world.Rootlets

Smoothie Recipe:

Grandma’s “Cleaned Up” Greened up Milkshake

  • 1 Banana
  • 2 heaping handfuls of spinach
  • 2 to 3 pitted dates
  • 1 1/4 cup of almond milk (or coconut milk)
  • 1 scoop of maca powder
  • 1 scoop of cacao powder
  • 1 TB of raw crunchy almond butter
  • 3 ice cubes
  • A Sprinkle of love (optional but highly recommended)

Add all ingredients to a blender, blend until smooth and enjoy.

My daughters and I truly love smoothies and love to try new recipes. I try to sneak new ingredients into smoothies all the time for hope that they don’t know how good for them it is. I am looking forward to adding this great smoothie recipe to our list and I know that the girls will like it as much as I did.

Tip: Checkout kitchen ultimate website to compare best kitchen products and utensil required to prepare this milkshake recipe in your kitchen for buying at discounted rates.

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Family Friendly Travel Tips

March 2, 2015 by Leave a Comment

Traveling with your family in tow is one of the best experiences in the world. Getting to see your kid’s faces light up with joy when they see something amazing is priceless. Having our families travel with us and being able to share the experiences together is my preferred way of travel. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few handy tips for traveling with kids in tow. Hopefully, you will find a few of them useful.

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Getting there and long journey times: Long journeys are bad enough for us as adults. When you are a child, and you don’t fully understand why you’re cooped up in the car or on a train or a plane, then it’s worse. You could always fly private, if you have money to burn- and lots of it. You could always fly to London via private jet charter if you have a lot of money to burn. Take some time to explain to your children where they are going and what they can expect to see and do when they get there. Building a sense of excitement and making the whole trip an epic adventure is the key here. It’s not a chore for them to be traveling when it is part of this big, fun journey. Take plenty of things to keep the kids amused as they travel. Electronical devices such as Kindles, Nintendo DS, Playstation Vita and mobile phones are perfect. Anything that they can play games on is going to be a good start! If you want them to do something more educational, then invest in some new coloring books or activity books. These will keep their attention away from other things.
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