Monday, December 31, 2018

Chewy.com December Pick: Purina Beyond Wild Prey-Inspired Beef, Liver & Lamb Recipe Canned Dog Food #spon

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Chewy.com for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Chewy.com is your one-stop shop for all things cat and dog! One of the fantastic products you can find at Chewy.com is from Purina:


Tend to your pal’s unique needs with Purina Beyond Wild Prey-Inspired Beef, Liver & Lamb Recipe Canned Dog Food. This recipe features real beef as the #1 ingredient, along with nutrient-rich organ meats to satisfy your dog's natural craving for nutrient-dense foods. High protein in every serving helps to maintain his lean muscles, so he can keep up with his daily adventures both indoors and outdoors. The delicious taste and tempting texture keep your canine companion engaged during feedings, while the grain-free formula lets you serve him meals that meet your ingredient criteria. Rest easy knowing he's getting a wet dog food made without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, and without any poultry by-product meal. Help your dog to be his best while giving him the energy to live wild with this Purina Beyond wet dog food recipe.


Harley absolutely LOVES this canned food!  We use canned food as a special treat or as a topper for her dry kibble, so we are always on the lookout for tasty options that use natural ingredients and no preservatives.  Purina Beyond Wild definitely fits the bill!  Wait a great way to spoil our fur baby:)


You can find Purina Beyond Wild Prey-Inspired Beef, Liver & Lamb Recipe Canned Dog Food at Chewy.com.  A case of 12 13 oz cans is $24.47.


Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Chewy.com December Pick: Nutro Ultra Field & Coast Variety Pack Grain-Free Adult Filets in Gravy Dog Food Trays #spon

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Chewy.com for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Chewy.com is your one-stop shop for all things cat and dog! One of the fantastic products you can find at Chewy.com is from Nutro:


Your dog deserves to enjoy their food as much as you do, so feed him Nutro Ultra Field & Coast Variety Pack Grain-Free Adult Filets Gravy Dog Food Trays and make your dog’s mealtime a moment worth celebrating. With recipes inspired by the best ingredients, these grain-free meals serve up an elevated recipe made for your pup’s refined taste. Featuring a perfect pairing of high-quality protein and pieces of real vegetables, plus a hint of basil or parsley, the appetizing entrĂ©e gives your dog the ultimate flavor experience. An adult wet dog food, it’s made with quality ingredients, carefully sourced from a trusted network of farmers and suppliers and have no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives.


I love using these little trays as an incentive for Harley to eat her dry kibble.  They are also great to take along while traveling for small, enticing meals while on the road.


These trays seem to be pretty appetizing to Harley since she snarfs them down in just a couple of bites!  I love knowing I am serving her tasty food full of real, high quality protein and healthy veggies!

You can find Nutro Ultra Field & Coast Variety Pack Grain-Free Adult Filets in Gravy Dog Food Trays at Chewy.com.  A case of 12, 3.5 oz trays is $22.49.




Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Holiday Treats for Pups: Evanger's Organics Canned Dog Food #spon

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Evanger's for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 


We love Evanger's dog food products and recently Harley Mae got to try out a few flavors from their Organics line of canned foods:


Family owned and operated for over 80 years, Evanger's utilizes high-quality, inspected meats to make highly palatable and nutritious foods that will satisfy even the most finicky eater.


Harley tried the Organic Beef Dinner Dinner and the Organic Turkey with Potato & Carrots Dinner.  Both varieties are formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages.


She really enjoyed both flavors, though I think the beef was her favorite.


Evanger's Organic canned foods make tasty gift ideas or stocking stuffers for your fur babies this holiday season!






Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Against the Grain One Ingredient Canned Dog Food! #spon


*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Against the Grain for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 


Harley loves canned dog food and she recently had the chance to try out a selection of meals from Against the Grain.  


These cans are labeled as "Nothing Else Grain Free One Ingredient 100% Canned Dog Food" so I was pretty happy to be feeding her such high quality canned food.  They come in several flavors like Beef, Chicken, Salmon, Duck and Turkey and use just one ingredient – nothing else. 

This made-in-the-USA food has a loaf-in-gravy texture and is offered up in BPA-free cans.  

Harley was definitely a fan!


She inhaled every single variety!  Treat your pups to Against the Grain canned food this holiday season.







Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.


Friday, December 14, 2018

Loved + Blessed: A Christian Faith-Based Subscription Box December Edition #spon


*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Loved+Blessed for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own.


We recently had the chance to review the December box from Loved + Blessed:


Loved + Blessed is a Christian faith-based subscription box service that delivers a box of encouragement right to your door each month.


Each box revolves around a central theme and comes with a mini poster, a sticker, a purse-sized scripture card and a gift.

The theme for the December box was Community:


 The scripture card this month featured Proverbs 27:9 "Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice."


The special gifts for December included two beautiful Pen Pal Sets full of stationery and a lovely pen:



I definitely think there is room for Loved + Blessed in the subscription box market and I love that their mission is to deliver encouraging products that support a fantastic message!

If that wasn't enough, Loved + Blessed gives a portion of the proceeds of each box sold to Union Rescue Mission, a charity that offers hope and healing to the homeless.  What an amazing cause!

For just $15.99/month + $4 shipping and handling in the US, you can get your Loved + Blessed box or gift someone else with this monthly dose of encouragement today!



Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Gift Idea for Beauty Product Lovers: Cannabis Beauty Defined Anti-Aging Serum #spon


*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Kannaway for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 


If you are looking for a unique gift for the lover of beauty products on your list, check out Cannabis Beauty Defined Anti-Aging Serum:


Cannabis Beauty Defined Anti-Aging Serum is expertly formulated with hemp-derived CBD and herbal blends, which features White Peony, to nourish and protect skin from daily damage and the aging effects of environmental free radicals. 

A study conducted by the Journal of Investigative Dermatology revealed that the endocannabinoid system is critical to the life cycle of basal cells, which make up around 90% of the cells in the epidermis. CBD can be used to affect the output of oils in the skin. Specifically, CBD inhibits the lipid production in skin cells, making it an effective preventative for acne.

This serum is easy to apply and I'm loving the results so far!  My face is less dry and always perks up when I apply the serum.  It goes on smooth and leaves my skin feeling soft and looking radiant!

Cannabis Beauty Defined Anti-Aging Serum would make a lovely gift for the beauty product lover on your gift list this holiday season (or an indulgent treat for yourself:)





Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

GoDog Plush for the Holidays! #spon


*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to GoDog for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 


Don't forget your furry friends this holiday season!


GoDog is your one stop shop for all of the goodies to get your pup active and keep them entertained all season long!  Check out a few of our favorites from GoDog's holiday plush product line:

Santa Dragon Plush

Santa Plush

Both of these plushies are made using Chew Guard Technology, which means they last longer than standard plush toys.


Harley loves her new GoDog plush friends.  


 Get your pup in the festive spirit with these fun toys from GoDog!





Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Holiday Gift Guide Scholastic Book Roundup for Grades 3-12! #spon

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Scholastic for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 


  We love getting and gifting books as gifts and Scholastic has tons of books for readers of all ages. Just in time for the holidays, we'd like to share a few of our favorite books from Scholastic.  My kiddos are 10 and 12, so the books featured below would be great for middle grade readers!

Mac B., Kid Spy: Mac Undercover
Author: Mac Barnett; Illustrator: Mike Lowery

AGES
7 - 10 
GENRE
Comedy and Humor, Adventure

From the esteemed New York Times bestselling and multi-award-winning author Mac Barnett comes a thrilling, hilarious fully-illustrated new spy adventure series!
Before Mac Barnett was an author, he was a kid. And while he was a kid, he was a spy. Not just any spy. But a spy...for the Queen of England. 
James Bond meets Diary of a Wimpy Kid with this groundbreaking new fully-illustrated chapter book series Mac B., Kid Spy. The precious Crown Jewels have been stolen, and there's only one person who can help the Queen of England: her newest secret agent, Mac B. Mac travels around the globe in search of the stolen treasure...but will he find it in time? 
From secret identities to Karate hijinks, this fast-paced, witty and historically inspired chapter book will keep readers guessing until the very last page. With full-color illustrations and fascinating historical facts masterfully sprinkled throughout, this series offers adventure, intrigue, absurdity, history and humor. Discover this totally smart and side-splittingly funny new series, and experience what it's really like to be a kid spy.

Clementine for Christmas
By Daphne Benedis-Grab

GRADES
3-5,  6-8

GENRE
FICTION

The holidays are Josie's favorite time of year. She and her dog, Clementine, volunteer at the local hospital. Josie dresses up in silly costumes, sings carols, and helps to prepare for the big Christmas Festival. That is, until this year's festival gets canceled.
Meanwhile, Oscar's parents are fighting more and more, and so is he. He gets into trouble at school, and his punishment? Volunteer hours at the hospital.
Gabby's life seems perfect. She's stylish and smart, and everyone looks up to her. But Gabby has a secret, one that could ruin everything.
Then Clementine disappears, Oscar's parents separate, and Gabby's secret is uncovered. Together, can Josie, Oscar, and Gabby find a way to save the holiday, or will this be the worst Christmas ever?

Snow in Love
Author: Nic Stone, Aimee Friedman, Melissa de la Cruz, Kasie West

AGES
12 - 18 
GENRE
Romance, Young Adult, Short Stories

What's better than one deliciously cozy, swoon-worthy holiday story? Four of them, from some of today's bestselling authors.
From Kasie West, a snowy road trip takes an unexpected detour when secrets and crushes are revealed.
From Aimee Friedman, a Hanukkah miracle may just happen when a Jewish girl working as a department store elf finds love.
From Melissa de la Cruz, Christmas Eve gets a plot twist when a high school couple exchange surprising presents.
From Nic Stone, a scavenger hunt amid the holiday crowds at an airport turns totally romantic.
So grab a mug of hot cocoa, snuggle up, and get ready to fall in love...

Impostors
By Scott Westerfeld

GRADES
6-8,  9-12
 
GENRE
FICTION

Frey and Rafi are inseparable, like two edges of the same knife. But Frey's very existence is a secret.
Frey is Rafi's twin sister, and her body double. Their powerful father has many enemies, and the world has grown dangerous as the old order falls apart. So while Rafi was raised to be the perfect daughter, Frey has been taught to kill. Her only purpose is to protect her sister, to sacrifice herself for Rafi if she must.
When her father sends Frey in Rafi's place as collateral in a precarious deal, she becomes the perfect impostor, as poised and charming as her sister. But Col, the son of a rival leader, is getting close enough to spot the killer inside her. As the deal starts to crumble, Frey must decide if she can trust him with the truth, and if she can risk becoming her own person.
With Impostors, master storyteller Scott Westerfeld returns with a new series set in the world of his mega-bestselling Uglies, a world full of twist and turns, rebellion and intrigue, where any wrong step could be Frey's last.

Both kiddos enjoyed these awesome new books thanks to Scholastic!  Get your munchkins excited to read this holiday season with Scholastic's amazing selection of books for all ages!



Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Monday, December 3, 2018

National Geographic Kids Books Make Great Gifts! + Giveaway #spon


*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to National Geographic Kids for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 


I love giving books as gifts, especially when they are awesome educational books!  


National Geographic Kids has a great selection of amazing books to choose from...here are some of our favorites:

Explorer Academy: The Nebula Secret
by Trudi Trueit

  -- NEW FICTION SERIES! -- ($16.99, hardcover, ages 8-12)
Adventure, danger, and a thrilling global mission await 12-year-old Cruz Coronado as he joins an elite school for explorers. Cruz leaves his tranquil home in Hawaii to join 23 talented kids from around the globe to train at the Explorer Academy with the world's leading scientists to become the next generation of great explorers. But for Cruz, there's more at stake. No sooner has he arrived at the Academy than he discovers that his family has a mysterious past with the organization that could jeopardize his future. In the midst of codebreaking and cool classes, new friends and augmented reality expeditions, Cruz must tackle the biggest question of all: Who is out to get him, and why?


Readers can get in on the excitement with puzzles and codes embedded throughout and book two in this seven book series, The Falcon’s Feather, comes out this March!

This is a great series for older readers.  I love that there are Nat Geo pics throughout the book!

Just Joking Jumbo 2

  - GREAT STOCKING STUFFER! - (ages 7-10, paperback, $14.99) Kids will laugh their tail off with a jumbo-size, jam-packed joke book featuring 1,000 jokes and 1,000 photos. With silly facts that are strangely true, laughable lists, conversation jokes, and long-story jokes with hilarious endings, this full-color, supersize book include funny stuff about pets, technology, spooky sensations, adventures, around-the-world wonders, animals, myths and legends, dinosaurs, music, and treasure hunting. It's the perfect combination of laughing, learning, and maybe jump-starting a career in comedy!


So many fun jokes packed in this book along with amazing photos!

To the Moon and Back: My Apollo 11 Adventure A Pop-Up Book 
by Buzz Aldrin with Marianne J. Dyson

Pop-Up Fun! (ages 8-12, hardcover, $32.00) -- In celebration of the Apollo 11 Mission's 50th Anniversary and punctuated by intricate pop ups and paper folds, in To The Moon and Back Buzz Aldrin shares his personal stories and reflects upon what historians call "humanity’s greatest adventure.” Never-before-published anecdotes from Aldrin and his family run the range of emotions — funny, sad, dangerous, hair raising, heartwarming and inspiring — and provide a truly unique, behind-the-scenes look at the mission to the moon.


Additionally, vivid photos, clearly marked diagrams and elaborate pop ups illustrate and explain the fascinating science behind this incredible story of human achievement and a build-your-own Apollo 11 lunar module is also included.


Fly With Me: A Celebration of Birds Through Pictures, Poems and Stories

  This gorgeous book (ages 4-8, $24.99) is a family affair, created by the iconic Jane Yolen and her three adult children, Heidi, Adam and Jason Stemple.  This thoughtful and beautifully curated collection of our flying, feathery friends highlights the role birds play in human life from centuries ago to present day. While it's beautiful and contains many original poems, it's also full of valuable real science about these wondrous creatures. From history and behavior to spotting and photographing, there's something for every bird fan in the flock. Young birders will learn all about migration and the importance of habitat conservation. They'll find stories about bird rescues and fun facts about the fastest, strongest, and tiniest fliers. They'll also discover the best bird nests, sweet songs to sing, ways to listen for and identify the birds around them, and more. Written by Jane and her children to honor the late David Stemple, a loving husband and father and avid birder, this treasury is  sure to become a classic for bird enthusiasts of all ages. Additionally, the release of Fly with Me is timed to Nat Geo's celebration of the Year of the Bird, their 2018 initiative to bring awareness to  the plight of birds around the world.


This beautiful book would make a lovely gift for bird lovers!

Dog Science Unleashed: Fun Activities to Do With Your Canine Companion 

  Dog Science Unleashed (ages 8-12, paperback, $12.99) shows kids how they can learn about science with the most faithful lab partner they'll ever have, their dog! Twenty-two safe and pup-friendly activities let young scientists discover how their canine companions think, move, drink, stay warm, get clean and cool off. From determining your dog’s favorite smell, to figuring out if your dog is a righty or a lefty, to making a stethoscope to listen to your hound’s heart, Dog Science Unleashed explores the science behind dogs’ senses, how they move, how they learn and much more.   Each activity is paired with step-by-step instructions, clear and interesting scientific explanations, and photographs that illustrate important elements of the experiments and observations. Hands-on activities and fun information for budding scientists prompt further learning and offer a look at current, groundbreaking canine research.


Dog Science Unleashed is a Hands-on Science Book finalist for the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science.  I love that it encourages hands-on, investigative experiences.

Ultimate Predatorpedia: The Most Complete Predator Reference Ever

 (ages 7-10, hardcover, $24.99) -  Welcome to the amazing world of creatures who prey on others for their survival: from high-profile sharks, lions, tigers, and bears to the tiniest ants, mites, and spiders. Every animal in this book is ferocious, fierce, and fantastic in its own way! With colorful photographs and fun facts, this easy-to-use encyclopedia features profiles accompanied by Did You Know details, and fast facts (including scientific name, size, diet, and habitat), as well as thematic spreads covering topics from predatory techniques to defenses and communication, and much more. Fans of Ultimate Dinopedia, Ultimate Bugopedia, and Ultimate Reptileopedia in the same series, will want to find a place for Ultimate Predatorpedia on their bookshelves.


This book was a huge hit with my kiddos who are super interested in predator/prey relationships.  Another amazing collection of pictures!

National Geographic Kids Why Not?: Over 1,111 Answers to Everything

(ages 8-12, hardcover, $19.99) - The concept is simple. Got a question? Boy, do we have answers! Over 1,111 of them. Why don't you keep growing your whole life? Check out the human body section. Why aren't we traveling by jetpack yet? Tech has your answer. Why aren't school buses red? Flip to the pop culture chapter. Why aren't dinosaurs still alive? Why can't you walk on clouds? It's all there! With hundreds of topics ranging from silly to serious, we've got the expert information in a fun Q&A format that will keep kids digging for answers. Answers include all kinds of fascinating extra info like top 10 lists, weird-but-true facts, explorer profiles, and cool activities. Now, go stump your parents!


This is a super fun resource book that would be great for road trips this holiday season!

 Ultimate Secrets Revealed: A Closer Look at the Weirdest, Wildest Facts on Earth  

 (ages 8-12, hardcover, $19.99) -- Did you know that caterpillars liquefy when they turn into butterflies? That humans shed eight pounds of skin every year? That there's a funky forest in Poland where all the trees are mysteriously crooked? That space smells like burnt plastic? Our world is filled with strange, bizarre, and weird realities. But what do they mean? WHY are they important? And what exactly is the secret behind them? With Q&As with in-the-field experts, fantastic infographics and exciting stories, this book takes readers behind the scenes of the  truly bizarre, to reveal the truth behind our planet's wildest and wackiest. Meet the mind-boggling bacteria that make Yellowstone National Park's Morning Glory Pool pop with radiant color, discover the mysteries behind the Sphinx of ancient Egypt, learn how tornadoes are so powerful, and so much more!


Another book full of amazing information and pictures!


We loved these books so much, we have partnered up with National Geographic Kids to give one lucky reader a prize pack including a copy of every single book above!  That's a $152 ARV!
 (U.S. only please) 
Enter below: