Archives for 2019

How To Know The Good Food For Your Pet: Dogs Diet

Many new pet owners are clueless when it comes to what types of food they should feed their dogs. Often, this stems from not understanding the nutritional needs of a dog. Unfortunately, many people wait until their dog looks sickly and experiences excessive hair shedding on the dog brush to change the diet. To avoid this, below are simple ways to figure out the best food for your pet.

  1. Proteins

Dogs require essential amino acids to help them function and stay healthy. For this reason, proteins, including cooked eggs, cooked chicken, and cooked red meat are the main foods that a dog should eat. Even though you can feed your dog on plant protein diet; animal protein is much more beneficial to dogs. When dealing with dogs between the age of 8 to 16 months, its best to avoid raw meat. This is because a pup still doesn’t have a strong enough immune system to fight off dangerous bacterial infections.

  1. Minerals

To keep your dog’s teeth and bones healthy and in top-notch condition, a dog needs to partake in minerals. Unfortunately, most minerals like magnesium, iron, and zinc that are sold as additional supplements are useless to the dog as a dog can not metabolize them. To give it the needed nutrition, ensure you feed your dog low-fat cheese or yogurt. However, be keen and note if your dog reacts to such a product because that suggests your dog pet might be lactose intolerant.

  1. Fats, salmon- omega 3 fatty acids- peanut butter, – vitamin B, niacin, and vitamin E

To ensure that your dog has healthy skin and fur, feeding your dog on healthy fats is vital to avoid saggy skin and excessive shedding. Foods that provide good fats include salmon and peanut butter which contains omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin E, B, and niacin. However, avoid giving your dogs foods that contain too much farm as they harm your dogs health. Additionally, ensure you do not feed your dog avocados as they are poisonous to a dog.

  1. Vitamins

For a healthy metabolic system, vitamins are essential as they are enzyme reaction catalysts. Foods that provide healthy vitamins include cooked green beans, apple, and pumpkin that contain vitamin A, C, and beta-carotene. As excessive fat-soluble vitamins can be dangerous, avoid giving your dog additional vitamin supplements.

  1. Carbs

Even though carbs has been eliminated in most human diets and given a bad reputation, carbs are still essential. Note, carbs are the primary source of fiber. Fibre keeps diarrhea at bay and helps avoid constipation. Additionally, they provide the dog with the much-needed energy to remain active. Goods carbs you can give your dog include pumpkin, oatmeal, and rise that prove invaluable in your dog’s diet.

  1. Water

Though water isn’t a food, many people put so much emphasis on the types of food a dog eats but forget to give it water. Unfortunately, this leads to many dogs being dehydrated and lacking the energy to move about. Just as humans, a dog’s body is comprised of 70% water and hence keeping your dog well hydrated is vital. For this reason, avail clean, fresh water to your dog so it can get a drink whenever it needs to.

Conclusion

As seen above, the first few weeks of a dog’s diet require a trial and error aspect to get to know how your dog reacts to different food types. As a dog’s nutritional needs change from time to time, keep a lookout for any physical manifestation that the current diet needs to change. Steer clear of feeding your dog onions and garlic, citrus fruits, chocolate, and raw yeast dough as they are toxic to a dog. Overall, if you are still unsure visit your vet for medical advice to ensure what you give your dog is the best diet for it.   

How Party Entertainers Can Bring Life to Your Kid’s Birthday Party

If your kid is celebrating their birthday, you will want to make the day as fun as possible. Some fun activities include games and crafts. However, if you’re going to take the party to a whole new level, you may want to add something special. Party entertainers such as clowns, magicians, and cartoon mascots will make the party memorable. A good entertainer will change things over to capture kids’ attention for long. Below are some ways in which party entertainers make the birthday party better.

1.      Entertainers keep the Guests Busy

Apart from food, drinks, and decoration, you need to keep guests entertained for a memorable event. Professional entertainers make your event fun and eliminate boredom. There is nothing worse than having a boring event. When kids are bored, they might resort to doing other activities that put their safety at risk. Yabadoo kids magicians and entertainers or any other professional kids entertainer group will run the party in a way that everyone will enjoy. Thanks to their experience in handling children, they know how to make each of them feel entertained. With good entertainment for kids, parents get an excellent opportunity to bond with each other without interruptions. Thus, ensure you choose the right entertainer to give your kids an unforgettable experience.

2.      Make children feel special

When you run the whole party, you may not get enough time to make your kid feel special. A party entertainer gives you enough time to spend with your child. An event that has activities and games will make your kid feel the event was all about them. An entertainer will make a difference in your party.

Similarly, parents are so much engrossed with visitors and tasks such that they will have little time for kids. This can make kids feel isolated. It is, therefore, essential to have an expert who is focused on your child as you run errands. Your child feeling neglected will be the least of your worries.

3.      Ensures Everyone Is Involved

When you do not plan your kid’s birthday party well, you risk making some feel left out. Entertainment keeps everyone involved. The right entertainers will ensure everyone is smiling throughout the party. They know how to brighten up kids who are bored or feel left out. Entertainers provide a perfect way to ensure all kids have an enjoyable time.

4.      Entertainers make the Party Memorable

Kids want a party that they will be talking about for days after the event. Activities such as face painting will ensure your kid and their friend treasure the event forever. When choosing an entertainer, ensure you choose an activity that your kid loves most. Also, ensure the entertainer will complement the theme of the party. The best thing at a party has an entertainer who the kids look up to. Entertainers can easily transform a simple party into a memorable day. A suitable entertainer is passionate about working with kids.

5.      Make organizing party easy

Involving professional entertainers reduce the stress of organizing a perfect birthday party. Professional entertainers bring a wealth of experience in hosting events such as weddings, birthday parties,  and anniversaries. Hiring an entertainer will ensure that you have a peaceful and more relaxed party. If you do not want the pressure of keeping everyone entertained, hire a professional entertainer. They take the burden from you and make your event even much better than it would have been. The only thing you have to do is welcome guests, serve them food, and see them out. Leaving the party to professionals will give you peace of before and during the party.

Conclusion

Hiring entertainment will make it easy for you to organize the event. It will also save you time and money. If you do not know where to look for decorations, an entertainer can come with all the required things. Ensure you take your time to hire an entertainer who will make the event perfect. Lastly, entertainers know what is needed for every party setting. The reason being, this is their profession and they have been to different party settings. Thus, if you have never organized another party, do not freak out, these groups can sort you out easily. The only thing you need to do is ensure you hire the best.

Last-Minute Gift Suggestions

Holiday shopping this month?  December can be a stressful time as far as finances go. Need some help with working on your gift-giving budget? Here’s a helpful tip! The monthly budget template we use will be quite helpful for this busy holiday season! Now on to the gift suggestions!

Looking for a fun game for the older kids? This is a game that is sure to be a great gift for them! Carpool Karaoke game from Big G is fun for ages 12+ and is a lot of fun! Using your favorite music app or streaming service, select a song and then duel other players in song, dance moves, or celebrity trivia for points.  It can be found at Target and on Amazon.com.

Is there someone on your list that loves Emojis?

The first emoji® bobbleheads feature four unique designs and come individually packaged in collector boxes. The bobbleheads are $20 each or $80 for the set of 5 and shipping is a flat rate of $8.

Today, there are over 17,000 official emoji® brand icons available from the emoji company.

The official emoji® brand icon library represents everything from objects, expressions, people and animals.

The emoji® brand has been depicted in a wide variety of merchandise items including apparel, stationary, home & living products and now emoji® bobbleheads.

Limited Edition emoji bobbleheads are now available exclusively from the National Bobblehead HOF and Museum

The next few gift ideas would be perfect for Mom! I had the opportunity to try them all and they are definitely on the top of my list!

Atmosphere Soy Candles  – Manage your environment. Manage your mood. Create your own environment with Demeter Atmosphere fragrances. Each day, everywhere. Set the mood with scents ranging from powdery soft to decadent chocolate, from floral to woody notes, from soft sea breezes to tropical fruits, alone or in combination. Demeter’s collection of scented travel candles offers long-lasting fragrances that envelop your space with candlelight ambiance. I recommend the Honeysuckle fragrance!
Holiday Classics Diffuser Set (MSRP $45.00) – Bring the holidays HOME and make everyday a warm, inviting, festive memory with these beautiful, holiday-inspired Demeter Diffuser Oils. Our set of three 4 oz Diffuser Oils will capture you with their individual allure, and enhance any atmosphere for months to come. Christmas Tree, Snow and Egg Nog
2019 Holiday Sampler Set  (MSRP $19.00) – Put a little holiday in your life anytime and anywhere with 8 great holiday inspired scents to enjoy and share. They’ve collected our favorite holiday inspired scents for you to enjoy and share in 5mL cologne sprays” Christmas in NY, Mistletoe, Frankincense, Myrrh, Christmas Tree, Sugar Cookie, Gingerbread, Sugar Plum
Bangle & Babe
A great gift or stocking stuffer, Bangle & Babe is a fun and functional gift. This bracelet key ring is designed to easily slip onto your wrist, while still being flexible enough to fit in your pocket or purse. The bangle is designed to hold its shape when in use and can easily be manipulated to fit in small spaces. Made of food-grade silicone, the durable nonporous material is easily wiped clean or sanitized. Bangle & Babe is perfect for everyone from tweens searching the bottom of their backpack for their keys after school to busy new moms to those with walking aids who need their personal items close at hand. Available in a variety of fun, trendy and bright colors, as well as a modern bamboo design. Less than $20; www.bangleandbabe.com.
Akita Watchdog – the first SMART gift you should give

Do you have smart devices? This next one would make the perfect gift! Smart devices are sure to be received this holiday so Akita Watchdog should also be included as a gift choice!

When hackers find their way into Smart devices, they have an open window to connect to bank accounts, computer files, financial information–all their complex IoT systems.  And you may not even realize it is happening.
The Akita watchdog device is the first gift you should give to people with smart devices.  It connects to a LAN port on any home router (not inline) and detects any unwanted crypto-activity or break-in attempts into the network.  It blocks them immediately so no hacker can exploit a home network.  It is available on Amazon and retails for about $135.00.

I had the opportunity to try this one out and it is a real relief to not be worried about hackers! Check it out at www.akita.cloud

Looking for something unique for the men in your life? SpenceUp – are suspenders made of silk ties!  Now, that is pretty unique!

Fan of Spence Up – Jason Priestley
The photo was provided for use in the post.


With the Holiday Season here there is always the search for what to get that special someone in your life.  We are always looking for something unique, something that has the wow factor and something that will not break the bank!  With that said; SpenceUp one of the coolest and trendiest but still classy and very fashionable new men’s accessories is on the scene.  SpenceUp – are suspenders made of silk ties!  One-of-a-kind and ideal for any man in your life (even women have fun with these), are truly fun to wear and talk about a conversation starter.  Made to be worn with or without a suit jacket or even with jeans and casual T-Shirt, these suspenders definitely have the wow factor and will impress.  They are ideal for holiday gift giving – boxed or in a stocking stuffer, you can’t go wrong with these.  Priced at $50 – they are budget friendly too.

This next one would make another great gift, especially for Mom! Lasso
Another great stocking stuffer…. Keep necklaces from getting tangled and save time thanks to Lasso. This smart product is perfect for safely traveling with your necklaces, storing your jewelry while on the go or organizing your necklaces at home. Lasso is a real problem solver and puts an end to this common frustration. It’s easy to use, accommodates a variety of chain lengths, can secure more than one necklace at a time, can store rings and small earrings inside the barrel and, as a bonus Lasso, it can be used to wrap your earbud cords and charger cords. Lasso easily fits inside purses and travel bags, is made of shatterproof, BPA-free Tritan and it is proudly made in the USA. www.shoplasso.com

Looking for the perfect watch for someone on your list? How about customizing a watch? Nixon Introduces New Custom Experience! They’ve taken their customization process and made you feel even more at home by bringing new experiences to our online Custom Shop. With two new models and additional new designs, you can now create your one-of-one even down to the second hand. I love all the choices and how easy the whole online process is. I had the opportunity to customize my own watch and I highly recommend! Find a store near you or online at Nixon.com.

Photo Credit: SoCal City Kids

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this holiday gift guide. Images and information were also provided.

Beauty Stocking stuffer!

Looking for a great beauty find that will be perfect in Mom’s stocking this year?  Refining Sugar Cleanser from MyChelle Dermaceuticals is at the top of my list!

Refining Sugar Cleanser is a natural sugar and intoxicating Vanilla-infused cleanser that gently exfoliates surface impurities as it transforms into a creamy, foaming lather—leaving skin radiant and refined. Boosted with anti-aging Matrixyl® Synthe’6™ Peptide, bioactive Plant Extracts, and Hyaluronic Acid to help keep skin hydrated. Best part? It’s made without GMO, Gluten, Parabens, Petroleum, Phthalates, Silicones, Sulfates, Ureas, Artificial Fragrances, and Artificial Colors. And it’s Vegan and Cruelty-free! $25

Self Disclosure: I received a free sample and images were provided.

Holiday Book Suggestions!

Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the books featured in this post. No other compensation was received and I only feature books that I highly recommend. Images were also provided.

ABOUT THE SERIES

 Playfully drawn collections of near-look-alike stuffed animals or robots invite young children to explore shapes, colors, and details until they can put their finger on the exact toy shown on the previous page. Close attention to detail, focus, and memory are developed through this seek-and-find book. Children can play by themselves or with friends and with family to see who finds the match first, or even upside down. On each page there is also a stray object that doesn’t belong—can you find them all? Each stuffed animal or robot is uniquely and vibrantly drawn. I received a copy of one of the books and I highly recommend!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Laurent Richard was born in Brittany, Saint Brieuc. He is a graduate of the Estienne School and the University of Paris 1. He lives in Binic at the edge of the sea, where he continues to develop his visual universe. He resides in Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, France. 

Also from Schiffer Publishing, Ltd this following book is just delightful!

The Lobsters’ Night Before Christmas

by Christina Laurie
Illustrated by Elizabeth Moisan

Creatures of the ocean celebrate Christmas Eve in an undersea retelling of “A Visit by St. Nicholas” by Rev. Clement C. Moore. Under the waves and surrounded by swaying ocean eel grass, Sea Santa makes his yearly Christmas journey. Pulled in his clam shell sleigh by his eight faithful minnows, beautiful watercolor paintings illustrate his visit to a family of lobsters. Told in sweet and clever rhyme, The Lobsters’ Night Before Christmas combines a holiday classic with delightful newness. After the poem, children can learn fun facts about lobsters, such as what they look like, what they eat, and how they molt. See if you can find the lobster hiding in the eel grass throughout the book!

This book has beautiful illustrations and a delightful story for all ages!

Celebrate the Holidays with Clever Publishing!

Looking for holiday books for younger children? These are a few more of my favorites for the season!

BUSY CHRISTMAS
9781949998351
US: $8.99 CAN: $11.99
On Sale Now!

This first book is really fun with the spinning wheel. Children ages 2+ will love the story!

Olivia’s Holiday Adventure is another delightful board book!

Max The Rabbit includes a puzzle which I think is really cool! Below are some more favorites and most of these can be found on Amazon.com!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, PIRATES
9781948418454
US: $12.99 CAN: $16.99
On Sale Now!
ARTHUR’S HOLIDAY ADVENTURE
9781949998085
US: $7.99 CAN: $10.99
On Sale Now!
MERRY MAZES FOR THE HOLIDAYS
9781949998238
US: $4.99 CAN: $6.99
On Sale Now!
OLIVIA’S HOLIDAY ADVENTURE
9781949998078
US: $7.99 CAN: $10.99
On Sale Now!
MAX THE RABBIT BUILDS A SNOWMAN
9781949998115
US: $7.99 CAN: $9.99
On Sale Now! I love that this one has a puzzle inside!

Here are a few more!

WARM & BUSY HOLIDAYS
9781948418256
US: $4.99 CAN: $6.99
On Sale Now!
WARM & BUSY WINTERTIME
9781948418263
US: $4.99 CAN: $6.99
On Sale Now!
HOLIDAY CELEBRATION STICKER BOOK
9781949998061
US: $9.99 CAN: $12.99
On Sale Now!








Universal Studios Hollywood Ushers in 2020 With EVE, Hollywood’s Biggest Party, Featuring Live Music, Dancing, Fireworks and a Night of Thrills on All Rides and Attractions

Photo: Universal Studios Hollywood’s EVE event, Monday, Dec. 31, 2018.

Universal Studios Hollywood Ushers in 2020 With EVE,

Hollywood’s Biggest Party, Featuring Live Music, Dancing,

Fireworks and a Night of Thrills on All Rides and Attractions

EVE is Included in Theme Park Admission or Guests Can Upgrade to the

Ultimate EVE Package, Offering Exclusive VIP Lounge Access,

Gourmet Buffet Dinner, Private DJ Entertainment, Reserved Fireworks Viewing Area, Preferred Parking and Unlimited Universal Express Access

Click Here to Purchase Tickets for EVE or Ultimate EVE

Annual Pass Members Can Purchase Tickets Here

 Universal Studios Hollywood invites guests to ring in 2020 with EVE, Hollywood’s biggest party of the year, on Tuesday, December 31, with extended theme park hours to 2:00 a.m.  EVE is included in the price of theme park admission, or guest can enhance their celebration with the popular Ultimate EVE package.

Guests can visit Universal Studios Hollywood on December 31, 2019 and leave on January 1, 2020 after enjoying a full day and night of fun experiencing the park’s many thrill rides and attractions, including the all-new “Jurassic World—The Ride.”

EVE officially kicks off with a special park-wide celebration at 9:00 p.m., featuring multiple DJs and live music areas, that culminates at midnight with a traditional New Year’s Eve countdown and spectacular fireworks display. Giant, spirited photo op locations add to the festive environment, offering bragging rights to share with friends on social media.

To purchase tickets for EVE or the Ultimate EVE package, guests can click hereAnnual Pass members can also benefit from a variety of special incentives devised especially for these valued ticket holders. To learn more and to purchase tickets, Annual Pass members can click here.

The Ultimate EVE package takes the celebration to a whole new level. Package highlights include theme park admission starting at 6:00 p.m., VIP Lounge access with gourmet buffet dining and cash bars with specialty cocktails, private DJ and dance floor, reserved VIP viewing area for the dazzling fireworks display, a complimentary midnight champagne toast, commemorative 2020 party favors, preferred parking and unlimited Universal Express access to all rides and attractions.

At a glance, EVE begins at 9:00 p.m. with Universal Plaza, Simpsons Plaza located in Springfield™ and an area near “Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride” transformed into three uniquely-themed party areas, featuring a variety of music, from rock ‘n’ roll to electronic dance music to Latin pop, and the celebration will continue with enhanced DJ shows and after-party entertainment until 2:00 a.m.

A selection of food and beverages, including desserts, champagne, beer, wine and cocktails, as well as 2020 memorabilia will be available for purchase.

More information, including special EVE Preferred Hotel Packages, is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

With so much to see and do at Universal Studios Hollywood, an Annual Pass makes the perfect holiday gift, providing guests with the opportunity to experience the theme park’s thrills and adventures again and again.  Visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com for more details and to save up to $60 on an Annual Pass when purchased online. Offer valid through March 2, 2020; restrictions apply.

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter. Admission to Universal CityWalk is free.

Credit: Universal Studios Hollywood.

Looking for Holiday Travel Snacks For the Family? Lance Sandwich Crackers will be a hit!

Lance Sandwich Crackers are a perfect choice – made with real peanut butter and available in their classic flavors, such as Classic ToastChee, as well as bite-sized ToastChee Peanut Butter Minis! These really taste great and I love that they are the perfect snack for on-the-go this holiday season!

These are my favorite!

Available at national retailers, these classic snacks are ideal for those long family road trips or travel days this busy holiday season!

Happy Holidays!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Images were also provided!

EDM Duo Young Bombs to Perform at the Queen Mary’s New Year’s Eve: Past & Present

(Image Courtesy of the Queen Mary, Credit: Mathew Martinez)

Cheers to 2020 aboard the historic Queen Mary with a full evening of dazzling entertainment at the Queen Mary’s New Year’s Eve: Past and Present on Tuesday, December 31, 2019. From strolling performers to dancing LED robots and flapper girls, holiday revelers can indulge in diverse styles of live music including main stage performances from Canadian EDM duo Young Bombs and Colombian cumbia group La Sonora Dinamita

Dance through the decks of themed festivities, ending the night with fireworks lighting up the Long Beach sky directly over the Queen Mary’s stern. The Past & Present celebration offers an evening of Art Deco glamour with a nod to the over-the-top Roaring Twenties, but with a modern twist found in some of its themed ballrooms and incomparable live performances. 

Canadian EDM duo Young Bombs will captivate the crowd with their adventure pop remixes at the Live Wire Quay party on the Verandah Deck, as strolling LED hula hoopers, cryo robots and dancing bots mingle with the crowds and dance to the EDM beats.

Colombian cumbia group, La Sonora Dinamita, will bring the Latin heat to Casa Nueva in the Grand Salon with a colorful, Cumbia-style party complete with samba dance performances and a lit dance floor. 

As attendees roam through celebrations of the past and present they can step into the Queen’s

Salon, transformed into The White Canary for a glittering champagne party, or paint the night neon at the Cat’s Meow in the Royal Salon, both of which will showcase a balloon drop at midnight. Partygoers can also try their hand at finding the hidden speakeasy, and VIP guests can revel in a tantalizing burlesque show in the Britannia Salon or gain access to a nightclub experience like no other. The exclusive Boiler Room VIP Experience welcomes guests to adventure to the ship’s most secretive and historic area for an intimate gathering complete with a live DJ, steampunk mixologists, and more!

To cap off the celebration, the Queen Mary’s iconic 15-minute-long fireworks display, seen from miles away, will light up the Long Beach skyline at the stroke of midnight on the Verandah Deck. New Year’s Eve Past & Present aboard the Queen Mary runs from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Guests must be 21 years or older to attend. Early Bird Tickets are on sale now through November 2, General Admission tickets are $100 and VIP tickets are $200. VIP tickets include a champagne toast, access to all parties and main music stages, as well as access to exclusive VIP areas and premium fireworks viewing. Private cabanas with bottle service are available. For more information, pricing, hotel packages and more, visit queenmary.com or call 877-342-0742. 

Credit: The Queen Mary.