Tips on how to care for you dog this Holiday Season.

*Sponsored by dogfencediy.com

I am such a Holiday lover and a dog fanatic.  But along the joy of the Holiday festivities I feel as a responsible dog owner I must touch on the topic of Holiday Safety tips for your dog.

As, if you dog is not safe and happy...the Merry will not be in your Christmas this year.

So I figured the best way to share some of my personal tips on how to care for your dog was to list them below.

1)  Make sure your Christmas tree is in a safe location (protected with a safety gate) or even anchored to something sturdy.  This will protect your dog from knocking it off and causing them injury or injury to someone else.

2)  The Holidays brings along many different types of gift wrap, strings, bows, ribbons and other beautiful decorations.  This eye catching decor can also get your dogs attention, which in turn if eaten can cause serious internal problems.  So keep en extra eye on your pet and make sure they stay safe.

3)  If you are celebrating the Holiday at your home a dog containment system can be very helpful.  That way you do not have to worry about your pet escaping from your yard, if your guest accidentally let your furry friend outside.  Just make sure you have your dog's collar receiver on.

4)  Speaking on Holiday guests....along with the guests comes many different types of food and desserts.  Make sure your company knows not to feed your dog as it could cause stomach upset and a huge mess.  And certain types of food can create medical problems.  So keep an eye out on your pooch and make sure you know what he is eating.


5)  Make sure you have a dog friendly area that you fury friend can retreat if the Holiday get to be too much.  As a person I can totally relate.  It is better to have this location pre-planned so if and when that time comes you are ready and so is your dog.  


Have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays with a safe and joyous dog this year.  I would love to hear if you have another other tips of tricks to make this time of the year successful for your pets.

Become an Urban Crafter, buy Locally Made Goods!

*sponsored post but all opinions are mine.

How often have you heard the phrase, “Shop Local”?  I know in the community I live that phrase is over used.  As I believe that phase needs to be redefined.  It needs to be transformed into “buy locally made goods”.

And even better than buying locally made goods; how about purchasing locally made goods that are created from re purposed materials.  Ah, it feels so good saying typing that.  I feel empowered as we all can make a huge impact in the world we live if we could see the beauty around us and become an urban crafter.

What you have never heard the term urban crafter?   I think many of you reading this already are one and just didn’t know it.  An urban crafter is a word used to describe those who love buying locally made goods or even better create these items themselves.  I also feel urban crafters somehow incorporate handmade products that are unique and created with passion.

Last weekend our community had a Holiday Craft Fair.  This fair allows local artists, cooks, bakers, trades people and more to come together, under one roof to sell their wares.  It is amazing to see and experience the variety of items that are for sale.  I love the re purposed vehicle license plates that are used to make bird houses and even journals.  Who would have thought something that everyone sees every day on a car could become so use able and unique.  I love it! 

Another item that we see almost every day is plastic water bottles.  I know I am guilty of purchasing these bottles as they are very convenient when I am on the go.  But what can you do with a water bottle?  How can you re purpose them? 

I would love to be able to take credit for the urban crafter idea I came across when it comes to these water bottles, but I can’t.  How about making unique bags out of water bottles?  It has been done and they are called Rickshaw Bags.

What a genius idea.  A bag that can be used and even recycled; don’t worry if you are wondering how they could make a great bag from such a disposable item.  Just watch this video.

http://marker.ly/b/rickshaw5098/10201/19

I think local manufacturing is so cool.  And urban markets are revitalizing our society, environment and selection of products.  When I think of local many times I find myself looking beyond my community barriers.  I like to think of local as USA made.  And that is why I am actually researching Rickshaw Bags more.  I am drawn to their customizable features and stylish looks.

Truly I don’t think a person would have any idea you are sporting water bottles, but what a great conversation starter.  I am passionate to make a different in the world today.  I believe you need to think outside the box and make the choice to be an urban crafter.  Why not start by showing your support with a Rickshaw Bag, they offer many different sizes and styles to meet your needs.

So next time you are able to throw something away, look for the beauty in that item.  Do you see the beauty?  What kind of potential might this thrown away item have?  Let you creativity and imagination run wild.  Who knows you may come up with a great idea and then in turn a product you could sell to others.  How how do you make this work?  Why not learn from others.  What a great way to show off your potential and inspire others to make a difference today.

Embrace the meaning behind being an Urban Crafter!  Become an Urban Crafter today.          

*sponsored post but all opinions are mine.

Win a $25 iTunes Gift Card - Perfect Stocking Stuffer! Happy Holidays. 12/1

Hello my faithful friends and new acquaintances..

I am thrilled to be personally giving away a $25 iTunes Gift Card to one lucky person.

This is a just because Giveaway.  It would make a perfect stocking stuffer.

Thank you everyone for your continued support through the years and many more to come.

Happy Holidays!!!

Pear Tree Greetings Holiday Photo Cards $40 Giveaway / Review

Disclaimer: Pear Tree Greetings provided me with a gift code to purchase a product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product and giveaway.

Are you ready for the Holidays?  How about Holiday Cards?  But, not just any Holiday Cards!  Personalized cards that you can send to your loved ones and friends.

I am thrilled to be working with Pear Tree Greetings again this Holiday Season.  In years past and this year again they will be making our family's personalized greeting cards.  Cards that I simply create on line.  It is truly that easy.

But, to be honest I think the most challenging part is to select the type of Holiday card you want to create.  Pear Tree offers so many different types of cards.  Holiday Photo cards, Christmas Cards and Photo Christmas Cards to name just a few.

We love the photo cards as it helps keep us in touch with all our family and friends.  It is a simple way to personalize greeting cards.

 

So many choices this year Pear Tree Greetings!!!  Where do I begin?

I love that when I look around at all the selections, they are clearing marked how low the price per card can be. 

And then after selecting your perfect Holiday card.  Pear Tree Greetings walks you right through the customizing process.  You add your photos that you simply upload (even from Facebook) and then add your own words (text).

So make your Holidays as stress free as possible.  Use Pear Tree Greetings to solve and customize your photo card needs.

And enter below to win a $40 Gift Code to help you purchase your cards from the Pear Tree's holiday collection.

Good Luck and Happy Holidays!
 

Disclaimer: Pear Tree Greetings provided me with a gift code to purchase a product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product and giveaway.

 

Crunchy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe Enter to #Win $250 Thanks to the Anthony's Pasta Recipe Contest

Disclaimer: I was provided compensation to help create my recipe and if I win the recipe contest I will receive additional compensation..

Thank you Anthony's Pasta for allowing me to be faced off with a fellow blogger in a fun tug-of-war recipe contest.  (And for each vote given during this months contest (Voting ends December 1st, 2013...you the voter are entered to win a $250 Visa Card...you can vote every 24 hours on Anthony's Pasta Facebook page!)

The Contest challenged me to share a home-cooked recipe using Anthony's Pasta for the "Tastes Like Home" Comfort meal.  I was limited to use around 5 to 8 simple pantry staples.

There was no doubt in my mind what family beloved recipe I would share. 

My husband says my Homemade Crunchy Baked Mac and Cheese "tastes like home".  He grew up with his mother making her own recipe for Mac and Cheese. She passed this recipe down before she went to play with the Angels.

I have since kept her comfort recipe true to is roots, but made a simple and healthy adjustment.  Instead of plain elbow noodles, I now use Anthony's Hidden Veggie Twisted Elbow Pasta to make it better for my family without changing the flavors.


Here is our family recipe for Crunchy Baked Mac and Cheese.
(passed down by my Husband's mom - Marge)

Ingredients:

1 pound Anthony's Hidden Veggie Twisted Elbows Pasta
6 cups Sharp Shredded Cheddar Cheese
3/4 cup skim milk
(salt and pepper to taste)


Prep time 15 minutes

Cook time 30 minutes to 45 minutes

Serving size - 12 servings per 9 X 13 pan

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a 9 X 13 glass pan.

Boil the Anthony's pasta until it is al dente (almost cooked all the way).

Drain and place 1/2 the Anthony's pasta in the lightly greased pan.

Top the Anthony's pasta with 3 cups of the cheese.

Place the other 1/2 of the Anthony's pasta on top of the cheese.

Add the rest of the cheese on top.

Pour milk over the top and salt and pepper to taste.

Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, until top is as "crunchy" as you like.

I hope you enjoy our comfort food as much as we do.

Please take the time to vote for our Crunchy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe!


Vote here....

 

And the best part is everyone that enters a vote via Anthony's Pasta Facebook page is entered to win a $250 Visa Card.  And you can vote daily! 

Thank you!



 

Baby Shower Gift of Captured Wishes and Other Special Occasions - Unique and Chic

 I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Can you say Unique and Chic?

How about the perfect gift for a New Baby, Baby Shower and other Special Occasions?

Okay, one last thing to have you say....Hand made special wishes from Captured Wishes.

Shout Captured Wishes from the roof tops and don't forget this amazing hand made company for your next special occasion gift giving needs.

I know when I had the chance to receive of of their Baby Gift Captured Wishes, I couldn't wait to see and hold this gift.  A gift that has a huge impact on your heartstrings.

I picked a Captured Wishes gift for a baby girl, as one of my very good friends is expecting her 2nd baby and 1st girl.  Their baby shower is only a few weeks away and she is going to be blessed this is amazing and heart felt gift.

Are you wondering what is in this perfectly packaged little gift of wishes?

It is a magical vessel...that is packed full of perfect wishes, charms and a verse that is meant for a new baby and mother.

I feel this is the ultimate expression of love for a new baby being welcomed into this world.  The Captured Wish even comes with its own hook with a suction cup so this wishful vessel can be safely displayed.

I am in awe with the detail and care that went into create this one of a kind wishful gift.  Look at the top of the cork.

And the included elegant card describes what each glittery layer in the vessel represents.

 

I think my favorite color of glitter and its meaning is purple which stands for "Appreciation for family & tradition".

What a perfect and personal gift.  The charms just add to the "charm" of this Captured Wishes present.

And with the Holidays around the corner Captured Wishes also offer their Unique and Chic gifts for Hostesses, Friendship, Thank you....along with many other occasions.


 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

NOVICA $25 Giveaway Association w/ National Geographic Handmade Goods and Fair Trade Artisans

Disclaimer: NOVICA provided me with a gift card to purchase a product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product and giveaway.

Just in time for your Holiday Shopping....

A wonderful new website that offers Modern and Fast products yet still holds true to the artisan crafted roots.

A site that offers the best of all Fair Trade Missions to help undiscovered artists around the world.

This site is called NOVICA and it is associated with National Geographic.  I was thrilled to have to chance to select an item for myself and giveaway a $25 Gift Certificate to one lucky person. 

When I looked around NOVICA's site I could believe all the offers in many different price ranges.  The best part is all the items for sale are sourced from around the world.  Each item is handmade and goes through a certification program.  This program guarantees that each product is 100% premium quality.

Novica practices fair trade which means none of the artists are charged any fees for listing their items on the Novica website.  I love that the artists are fully independent and can raise or lower their prices and even remove times from Novica.  So by doing this it adds to the value of both the artisans and the customers.

I know when I searched to find what I wanted to order I used a few different ways to locate the perfect hand crafted item.  I started with Unique Gifts and then went on to Gifts for Mom. 

And knowing I had a budget on what I could select I finally used the search feature Unique Gifts under $25.  And I found the most amazing handmade bowl I decided to treat myself to.

Look at it!!

It's it beautiful??  I can't wait for it to arrive and the shipping and handling was under $5!

Is is called the Spicy Blue Dip Painted Hand Carved Wood Bowl (Small).  And since the artist can select his or her own price....This beautiful bowl was suppose to be $50.95 but only currently cost 24.99!  I was lucky to get this great deal as there were only 2 more bowls left for order.

The Spicy Blue Dip Hand Carved Wood Bowl highlights the natural grain of palo blanco with its modern design.  The bowl is carved by hand and finished by dipping it in deep blue for a whimsical spot of color.

Feel I need to share a little about the artist who hand crafted my bowl.  His name is Victor Hugo Lopez.

This is some of what I found out from NOVICA about Victor. 

"Developing a new design is like planning for the birth of a baby. I draw, cut the wood, carve it, sand it and take it apart until I have a finished piece that makes me happy."

"I work in wood. Like many people who work in this craft, I had a difficult childhood that helped me become a man who… Read more strives to get ahead. I'm a hard worker, and I've worked on my own for around 40 years.  I'm grateful to Novica for the opportunity to have a window to the world through the web page. I'm also grateful to you, the shoppers, for making your homes a cultural showcase for artisans like me, who live and dream of our work."

And I love that when you purchase an item through NOVICA some offer free gift packaging and even a free gift message plus artist storycard.  I know it is included with my bowl. 

What a perfect idea to treat yourself or others!  You can even check out Vases, Pearl Necklaces and Sculpture.  What would you select if you won the $25 Gift Card?  Quick go over and check out NOVICA as that is one of the entries below.

Good Luck and Thanks for supporting Artists Worldwide with the help of NOVICA.

Disclaimer: NOVICA provided me with a gift card to purchase a product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product and giveaway.

Love my new Stainless Steel Earth Pan by Ozeri, with a 100% PFOA-Free Non-Stick Coating

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
Just in time for all my Autumn and Winter Cooking; an amazing new frying pan.

As anyone that follows me knows, I am such a foodie and of course own a ton of pans.  But, my new one I received for a review is fantastic.  And so far so good, it has held up to many different types of cooking and washing.

 

It is the Ozeri Stainless Steel Earth Pan. (You can purchase you own Ozeri Earth Pan from Amazon).

When it arrived I knew I was in for a high quality cooking pan.  It was so heavy.

I read the instructions and it recommended before using it to take all the tags and labels off. 

Then clean it with a soft cloth or sponge.  That was simple!  The next suggestion was to lightly season the pan.  It only took me a minute to rub olive oil on the pan with a paper towel.  And that was it, my new frying pan was ready to use.

I was amazed at how well it cooked ground beef.  The pan was so slippery and nothing stuck at all!  No wonder as this Ozeri 10" Stainless Steal Earth Pan has a 100% PFOA-Free Non-stick Coating.  Which by the way was developed in the USA.

In case you are not familar with what PFOA is....is a harmful chemical used in all tradition cookware.  It helps these pans achieve a non-stick performance.  And the EPA has classified PFOA as a persistent pollutant of the environment. 

So I was thankful that Ozeri doesn't use PFOA.  So how do they make their pans Non-stick.  They use ETERNA.  It is a safe and natural non-stick product developed in the USA.

And let me sing the prasies of ETERNA it works fabulous and has continued to hold up after many, many uses and washes.  Yes, I said washes....but this Ozeri Earth Pan cleans up in just a second.  Everything just wipes right out.  I love it!!! 

As a foodie I highly recommend this pan and it would even make a great Christmas Gift!


 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Quest for the Perfect Smile - Cosmetic Dentist or not?

*sponsored by LinkVehicle I will be the first to admit I have such a teeth phobia!!!!  My kids continuously tease me about it.  But, honestly even though I may dislike the thought of wiggly or missing teeth; I still want nice looking teeth. I know a person's smile is one of the first things I notice about them.  I my first impression goes a long ways in what potential relationship I may have with that person.  And I know if I feel that way, I am certain many others do. I do like my smile, but I feel it can always been a little better.  My teeth could be whiter and maybe a tad straighter?  That is why I have been looking for a dentist to evaluated my situation.  But not just any dentist.  I actually found a cosmetic dentist in montreal. I couldn't believe all the services that they provide; including the two I am the most interested in.  And they incorporate a new patient appointment which gives a person the chance to learn about the dentist montreal has to offer. So, now I just need to get the courage up to make my smile the best it can be.  I need to take the advice I give my children about their visits.  It is necessary to take the best care of our teeth as they are suppose to last a life time.

*sponsored by LinkVehicle

Perfect Stocking Stuffer for the man in your life a TolietTree Nose & Ear Trimmer.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Stocking Stuffer Time Everyone!!!

Is your hubby or boyfriend, Grandpa, Father.....etc.... in need of a useful gift this Holiday Season?

If so, after having the opportunity (or should I say my husband) to review a great product by TolietTree.

I would highly recommend the TolietTree Nose & Ear Trimmer.  But this is not your ordinary trimmer. 

Let me tell you more about it....

It is a Professional ...Water Resistant...Heavy Duty Steel Nose and Facial Hair Trimmer with LED light by ToiletTree Products.

And I think the best part is that this product is backed by a Lifetime Guarantee!  It is not very often you find items are are guaranteed for life.

I don't know if you or a loved one owns a nose trimmer...but if you do...go take a look at it.  I bet that is probably is made with a cheap plastic body.

Well TolietTree Products has created such a high quality trimmer it is made with a steel casing.  We were amazing on how sturdy this trimmer felt.

My husband really loves the water resistant feature.  So he is use it in the shower and it is easy to clean and rinse off.  It even comes with its on little cleaning brush.

And the super bright LED light that is built in is genius! 

My husband has only had praises for the TolietTree Nose & Ear Trimmer. 

It think one of the reasons is the rotary cutting system which allows hairs to enter the trimmer tip from the top and also from the sides which is very helpful for stray hairs not only in the nose but also on eyebrows, beards and ears.

The blades are made of high quality stainless steel.  They allow for a clean smooth cut.  So no more pinching and pulling.

The trimmer only takes one AA battery. 

So if you are wondering where to get your TolietTree Nose & Ear Trimmer...Don't fret!

Just head on over to Amazon and order your stocking stuffer today.

You can also learn more about TolietTree Products via Twitter and Facebook.

Happy Holidays! 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.