Groupon Goods and Luggage

Hey neighbors!

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are mine.

Some of you may know already, but I am going on a Southern Gospel Cruise in February with my daughters.  Of course I want to be sure to have some sturdy luggage that meets my needs, and it would be nice if it looked pretty too!  So, I decided to check out Groupon Goods.  If you have used Groupon Goods before, I am sure you can imagine the amount of listings that showed up.

I LOVE it!  They had everything luggage in one place.  I am able to choose from hard side, soft side, wheeled etc.  Not only did it pull up suitcases and duffles, but I was also able to browse through bathroom and cosmetic bags.  I saw at least one dog carrier, but of course the dogs are staying home on this trip!  Oh, and there was a luggage scale.  Our bags can't be over 200 lbs. combined.  I don't think I will have a problem there, although one of my daughters might!  LOL!

I am going to have to start using Groupon Goods more often when searching for items.  I appreciate, that you can purchase items right there.  You have reviews, so you can compare items and get the best deal, while still purchasing a quality product.  And of course they have customer ratings on the products.

I think I am going to go with a rolling duffle, and another suitcase with wheels.  My daughters, who have been on a previous cruise said that there is not a lot of storage space for your luggage.

Luggage is not all you will find on the site, so when you need to purchase something, try checking out Groupon Goods.  I know I will!

Thanks for stopping by today!  See you soon.

CrossTimber Personalized Gifts Review

Hey neighbors!

Here is a unique gift idea for family, friends or even something special for yourself.  CrossTimber sent us a Personalized Framed Plaque with Name Meaning and Bible Verse.  They also offer many other gift ideas with the name meaning and Bible verse printed on them.



First off, let me tell you here, they are super friendly and helpful.  You can even contact them ahead of time and ask the meaning of a name.  They were more than happy to share what my name meant and offered to tell me others if needed.  The very first thing I had to do was decide who was going to be getting the plaque.  With a husband and 6 children, it was hard to decide.  Finally, since I usually have all personalized items done as a gift for a family member, I chose to do my name this time!  I am glad I did.

When you visit the site you will have a choice of different backgrounds.  I am not talking a few choices, I am talking MANY choices.  I just kept scrolling through all the different designs.  I would choose one I liked and then find another, then another.  I finally settled on Jewel and Ruby.  It has pretty pinks and reds for color and has a necklace and some jewels.  Very feminine looking.  And yes, they have many available for the males too!

Lori comes from Latin and means: Honor and fame: She who is crowned in victory.  The verse is 1 Chronicles 19:13 - Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do that which is good in His sight.  I had them choose the frame.  It turned out simply gorgeous.

Your frame is designed to sit on a desk, or to be mounted on a wall.  I hung mine directly above the mirror in my bedroom.  It looks beautiful there!  Now I see it every morning when I do my hair.

A 7x9 framed print is $25 plus shipping and any extras.  You can choose different frames, a message on the back, along with other small gifts.  They do have a larger frame/name available it is 10x12. Or they can send you just the print minus the frame.  Other gift ideas include coffee mugs, music boxes, bookmark, pocket cards, and greeting cards.  Any of these items would make a beautiful name meaning gift.

CrossTimber has a giveaway going on right now, so be sure to click the banner below to find out more and enter.


Be sure to visit the CrossTimber site and take a look around.  They also have some discounts and specials, that enable you to purchase a little more.  And if you follow them on their social media, you will know when they have other specials going on.


Social Media:
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/meaning.name/
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/crosstimber 

Also, click on the banner below to see what other Homeschool Review Crew members had to say about their experience with CrossTimber.

Ditch the Itch for Dogs

Hey neighbors!

You all know, that we own a few Shelties and now a German Shepherd has been added.  Maybe you did not know though, that one of our Shelties suffers from severe itching.  It started out seasonal, which makes us think it was a skin allergy of some sort.  She itched quite a bit, and then would stop after a few weeks.

Earlier this year, around spring when it started again, we received Ditch the Itch from Natural Paws.  Natural Paws has several very good products, that we have tried before, like their EARoma thEARapy.  Now, what do I like best about Natural Paws?  It is that they use natural ingredients in their products.  I am all for the natural products!

Ingredients:
Nettle Leaf, Oatstraw, Marshmallow Root, Pau D’ Arco Bark, Goldenrod Herb, White Willow Bark, Siberian Ginseng Root, Ashwaganda Root, Colloidal Oatmeal, Zinc Oxide, Allantoin, Panthenol (provitamin B5), Vegetable Glycerin, Aloe Powder, Leuconotoc Radish Root, Flax Seed Oil, Capric Triglyceride, Squalane (vegetable) Oil, Vitamin E Oil

So back to our story, Pansy was really suffering this year.  She was scratching a lot and chewing on herself.  That is when we decided to try Ditch the Itch.  It actually helped.  Her itching slowed down. Areas that she had scratched raw began to heal.  Yes, Ditch the Itch helped.  My daughter could tell at night that Pansy was not scratching as much.

And, it works on our other dogs as well, when they just seem to have an itch that won't stop.  You can use this spray all over your dogs.  Obviously do not spray in the eyes, nose or mouth, but you can literally spray their entire body.  You can treat the entire dog, or if they only have a spot or two, just apply to those spots.  And it won't harm your dog if they lick the spot after it is applied, because it is natural and not harmful to dogs.

So do we recommend Ditch the Itch?  Yes, and Pansy does too!

Keeping Your Dog Safe: Four Top Tips To Protect Man’s Best Friend

When we get dogs, they become vital parts of our families almost immediately. With their big hearts and unconditional love, our canine companions are often just as important to us as our two-legged friends and family. It’s important, then, that you make sure to keep your dog safe. Here are some top tips about how best to do it.

Dog-Proof Your Home

First of all, make sure that your back yard is fully enclosed. Dogs can dig under fences or jump over them so make sure that your fence’s foundations extend some way underground and that it’s tall enough to prevent your dog being able to leap over. Make sure that there are no holes or weaknesses in the fence. You can also pet-proof the inside of your home in a similar way to baby-proofing it. Make sure there are no medications or toxic substances out on worktops – remember that for your dog, chocolate is toxic! Use childproof latches and make sure you put away your children’s games with small parts in case your dog swallows or chokes on them. Make sure that all your dog’s toys are high quality that will not disintegrate when being chewed.

Image Pixabay

Keep Safe On Your Daily Walks

You should be walking your dog regularly so he gets plenty of exercise. On dark winter nights, this gets a lot more dangerous. Although people often remember high-visibility jackets for themselves, they often leave their dogs unprotected. Attach some LED lights to your dog’s collar, and invest in a dog coat or collar with reflective patches, so that if he dashes into the road or, worse, runs away during your walk, he’ll be seen by passing cars. You should also make sure that your dog’s microchip is working correctly – these can migrate, so have your vet check it annually.

Image Pixabay

Keep Your Dog Protected From The Elements

You might think that your dog’s furry coat will protect her from the worst of the weather, but that isn’t actually true. Invest in a warm coat for the winter and booties if there’s snow, ice or salt around on the sidewalks, and if your dog is an outdoor dog, make sure that she has adequate shelter. An insulated kennel works best, along with plenty of blankets. You could also provide a heater for your dog to keep her cozy. In the summer time, protect your dog from the sun with canine sunscreen, and make sure the sidewalks aren’t so hot that they’ll burn the pads of her paws. Most importantly, remember to never, ever leave her alone and unattended in your car. Temperatures can rise incredibly quickly and your dog could get heatstroke and die.

Image Pixabay

Train Your Dog Well

Obviously accidents happen but if your dog is well trained, he’s less likely to run away on your nightly walks or to try to jump over your back fence. If you’re having problems with your dog, take him along to obedience training classes and research an online guide to train your dog. He could be bored, so teach him some new tricks, walk him more frequently, and try to spend more time with him during the day. Keep an eye on his health and take him for regular vet check-ups if his behavior changes or he becomes lethargic. A happy, well-trained dog is generally a safe one.

Even though you may have welcomed your dog into your family as a safety measure - they make excellent additions to your burglar alarm! - it’s important to remember that they’re vulnerable animals who you need to protect too. A dog will give you its heart and infinite loyalty: it’s important that you pay that back by making sure of his or her safety in return.

Breast Cancer Awareness and Fundraising

Hey neighbors,

I am sure most of you are already aware that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  I know I have seen a lot of fundraising activity going on, both on the internet and when out and about.  Breast Cancer affects 1 in 8 women in their lifetime.  That is a lot of women.  Almost everyone knows someone who has battled with breast cancer.

I personally have noticed the knights at Medieval Times are wearing pink and participating in events to raise funds.  Since so many women are dealing with this disease I wanted to share a link here, where you can see just what some companies are doing to help fight breast cancer.  Check it out HERE.  They aren't just holding 5K runs or walks or one time events, they are driving pink vehicles, selling pink products and donating a portion of the funds, or lighting up a skyline in pink.

We need to do what we can to help support research and encourage women to take preventative steps.  Do you know someone that has been affected by breast cancer, or perhaps you have been affected yourself?  Are you doing something special this year to help raise awareness?  If you are, please feel free to share it here in the comments.

Thank you for stopping in today!

Say Hello To Frost! Fun Things You Can Do With Your Family During Winter Weekends!

It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is next month, but winter is truly on its way! And although the season has some benefits, it can be a struggle to keep the kids entertained during the weekends. After all, they can’t play in the garden when the grass is covered in frost. And it’s hard to go for days out when the roads are covered in snow. But there is plenty your family can do without leaving the front door. Here are some fun things you can do with your family during winter weekends!

Get cooking some winter treats

Cooking is not only fun, but it’s educational for your kids. They get to learn valid skills that they can use at school and in later life. Therefore, for something fun you can do during winter weekends, you should get cooking with the kids. You should look online for some delicious winter treats you can make. You could make a pumpkin loaf which will be fitting for the season. Or a scrumptious soup full of delicious winter vegetables would be an excellent choice. Here are some other great comfort foods you can make with the kids this winter.

   Pixabay

Watch some movies

To keep the kids entertained, you should stick on some great movies during winter weekends. You can find some old classic DVDs which you can put on for them to enjoy. Make them a few snacks and bring down some blankets to keep them warm. If you have no good films at home, you could stream some movies online on platforms such as Netflix. There will be so much choice that there is bound to be something the kids will love. If you are streaming a film, make sure you have great internet to ensure the film runs smoothly. Otherwise, it will keep freezing halfway through the movie. If you do have slow internet, winter is the best time to get it updated. After all, you are going to spend the next few months in front of the TV! You can check online for the best internet in your area such as verizon internet availability. Therefore, you can watch several movies without any trouble!

Make some early Christmas cards

It’s never too early to start making Christmas cards. After all, if you are anything like my family, you will have a million to write before December arrives. Therefore, get out some card and let the kids get creative with some glitter glue. You can also get some fun stickers and coloring pencils so they can make the cards unique. You can then use these as cards for your child’s classmates at school! It saves you spending a fortune on cards from the shop.

flickr

Play an old fashioned board game

As much as kids can play on a computer game during the winter months, it’s not great for bonding as a family. Therefore, you can have some fun as a family with an old fashioned board game. As it says in this feature, let each child choose one game they want to play. That way, you will have variety during the weekend; Risk and Battleship always go down well with our family!

Remember to keep your home nice and toasty during winter!

Is Your Little Pooch Sick? The Warning Signs

Like people, dogs get sick from time to time. But unlike people, they don’t have the most sophisticated ways of letting you know they’re feeling a little under the weather.

This is why it’s imperative that owners learn the various warning signs that could mean that your dog is ill. Let’s take a look at some of the most common, and when you should call the veterinarian.

Pixabay

You Notice Your Dog Is Dragging Her Rear

A healthy dog’s rear end is always perky. If it’s not, it can mean trouble. A dragging rear can mean that your dog has worms, a blocked gland, kidney problems or even diabetes. (Yes, dogs can become diabetic too if they’re fed the wrong food or their pancreas packs up). If you see your dog’s rear dragging at all, get in touch with a vet, like veterinarian. It could be serious.

You See That Your Dog Has Cloudy And Red Eyes

Pixabay

If you notice the color of your dog’s eyes changing suddenly, it could be a sign of infection. Red eyes are a tell-tale sign that your dog has some kind of bug and needs medication. Also, make sure that you check that there is no discharge around the eye. Excessive discharge is, again, a common indicator of infection. Don’t worry, most problems with eyes are easily cured with a round of antibiotics.

Your Pooch Suddenly Looks Oh So Bony

Wikipedia

Sudden weight loss can be a sign that a dog is in serious trouble, even if the dog still looks overweight. Losses of ten percent or more can occur when the dog’s bowels have been blocked because they swallowed something they shouldn’t have. Or when a dog has diabetes, which results in a slow wasting until they get a shot of insulin. If you notice a sudden loss of weight, bring it to your vet’s attention immediately.

You Notice Unusual Droppings

Most dog owners are familiar with their dog’s dropping. So if you notice any changes here, take note. Healthy stools are small, firm and moist. Unhealthy stools can be loose or excessively hard and dry. Sometimes, it can be a sign of dehydration, in which case make sure that your dog is well supplied with fresh water. But other times it can indicate worms, especially if there is blood in the stools.

Suddenly Your Dog Is Lethargic

Pixabay

You know your dog. It’ll never turn down a walk or a chance to play in the garden. But one day, your pooch doesn’t seem so interested. In fact, it’s just lying there on its bed, not wanting to do anything.

If you notice that your dog suddenly doesn’t want to do the things it always used to, you could have a problem on your hands. Sometimes dogs don’t want to get up because of sore muscles or heat. But if your dog remains lethargic for more than a couple of days, visit the vet. It could be a sign that there’s more wrong with it than meets the eye.

Staying Healthy In Later Life

As we grow older, our bodies naturally undergo various changes. Therefore, it’s arguably more important than ever to treat it with care. But how can you go about ensuring that your health stays in the best condition possible? Here’s all you need to know.

Eat Well

A healthy diet will keep you in great shape while helping your body perform better too. Meanwhile, great hydration will aid your physical appearance too. Quite frankly, it should be considered the foundation of a happy lifestyle.

Exercise

Getting older may leave your body unable to cope with strenuous exercise. However, light activities like swimming and yoga can work wonders for mental health as well as physical health. If nothing else, it’s a great way to socialize with others too.

Sleep Well

Aging doesn’t need to stop you from enjoying all the things that you love in life. On the other hand, it’s important to accept that your body may need more time to recovery. Getting a better night’s sleep will bring ample benefits as it gives you a chance to rest and recuperate. A comfortable mattress is key.

Listen

The human body is the most advanced machine in the world, and it will let you know when something is wrong. Leaving an issue won’t make it get any better, it will just allow things to worsen. Acting quickly is the only answer.

Accept Support

We all need a helping hand from time to time, and nursing homes are an increasingly popular option among the older generation. If this solution is right for you, don’t be afraid to grab it. Just make sure that you are receiving the level of service you deserve.

Infographic Designed By McDivitt Law Firm

Special Giveaway Update #1

Hi Neighbors!

Let's see what we are adding today!  One Nail Color - Ballet Slipper.  Next a Creme Eye Shadow in Peach Petal.  Then a loose shimmer Eye Shadow in Peach Glow.  Last addition today is a StyleSetters Eye Shadow Trio and Lip Balm Stain Palette, called Enchanted Evening.  Are we getting excited about the giveaway?

We are still going to add a couple more items before the giveaway ends, so please enter and share as often as you can.  Go to the original post HERE to enter!

Have a GREAT day!

The Benefits of Using a Pet Resort

It is not easy to leave your pet home alone when you have to spend the day running errands or working. It is even harder to leave them alone when you are going on vacation. You can always ask a friend to check on your pet, but a visit is not always enough for your furry friend. The best choice is to look into a reliable doggie day care in Michigan. The following benefits of using a pet resort can help you make the best decision for your four-legged friend.

The Staff Is Trained: You are not dropping your beloved pet off with just anyone at the pet resort. Your pet is under the care with trained professionals who are ready to give your pet plenty of attention. The staff is also trained to take care of pets who need additional care, such as extra feedings, extra potty breaks and owner-provided medications.

Constant Supervision: You do not have to worry about your pet feeling lonely or frightened during their stay. Your pet is under constant supervision to ensure he is receiving the care he deserves. There are even pet resorts that feature cameras so they can keep an eye on your pet around the clock. The resort may even offer a web camera that allows you to check on your pet while you are away.

Your Pet Is Always Comfortable: There are plenty of pet resorts that feature cushioned play areas, soothing music and a climate-controlled environment. There are even outdoor potty areas with soft grass. When your pet is ready to rest, he can stretch out on an orthopedic pet cot.

They Stick To A Routine: Whether your pet is staying for several hours or days, the staff does their best to keep him on a regular routine. The routine usually morning and afternoon play, meals, potty breaks and naps throughout the day. You can also request the staff to administer the medications you provide during their stay.

There Is Plenty Of Space: Your dog will have plenty of space to run around and play during their stay at a pet resort. You can usually find exercise pens and play equipment inside and outside the facility. The exterior usually features soft K9 grass for playtime and potty breaks.

You May Find Extra Features: There are plenty of pet resorts that offer extra features to their four-legged guests. The pet resort you choose may offer a grooming and spa salon, boutique and hospital.

Leaving your four-legged friend at a pet resort is a great alternative to leaving them home alone. Your furry friend will receive meals, potty breaks and plenty of love during their stay.

Educeri Lesson Subscription Service Review

Hi Neighbors!

Here is a resource we reviewed from Educeri .......  Educeri a division of DataWORKS .  It is the Educeri Lesson Subscription Service.    This is a subscription service, of course, that has such a varied amount of lessons available, over 1,000 and they are adding more as they become available.  This is a place where you can use lessons for some of your regular curriculum, as extra study, or for a refresher class.  So, let's get started.



First of all you need to sign up for a subscription.  After you are subscribed, take some time to look around and see just what courses are available that might work for your needs.  You can search by subject, grade, or even put a word in the search box.  Subjects included are: Math, Science, English Language Arts, History, Art, P. E., Music, Spanish,  English Language Development, and other resources.  Grades include kindergarten to high school.  As you can see there is a lot of information on this site.  Do take note, that the majority of courses have to do with Math and English.

I did notice that most of the courses available are aligned with Common Core standards for classes, so if you are like me you can look over the course ahead of time, and find out if you will have issues with anything in the lesson, or if it affects the way the lesson is taught.

Each lesson can be done online, sort of like a powerpoint or slideshow that you control.  You read the page/slide that appears, do the work and click the next arrow.  There is a pdf. download that you can use on the computer, or print off if needed.  I liked that the lessons allow the use of a "pen", "highlighter" and "eraser" for marking important sections of the lesson on each slide/page.  The last couple of slides are a review of sorts.  Depending on the age of your child, these classes can be used independently, which can free up some of your time.  These lessons of course are perfect for a subject the parent does not feel they are knowledgeable enough about.



My daughter is in high school, so she was able to do most assignments on her own.  We would only use these as extra assignments or to work on areas she needed a little more help in.



Educeri has a FREE 30 day trial, that requires no credit card information, so you can see if this program would work for you.  Educeri is $7 a month, or $75 for the year.  When you register, you can choose which method you prefer.

Find Educeri on their social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/educeri/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/teacheduceri   @educeri
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Educeri/

Please take a moment to see what other Homeschool Review Crew Members have to say about their experience with Educeri by clicking on the banner below.

PetSafe and Collar Safety Awareness Week October 16-22

Hi neighbors!

As you all know, we have pets!  So, when I was given the opportunity to work with PetSafe for the Collar Safety Awareness Week, October 16-22, I said YES!  We received three of the PetSafe KeepSafe Break-Away Collars.  It is estimated that there are 26,000 collar strangulation cases each year.  I was amazed at the number.

“A survey of veterinarians, trainers and doggy daycares found that more than 50 percent have experienced a collar-related accident with a dog. The number one most common way collar accidents occur is when dogs are playing together and one dog gets snagged in the collar,” said Toni Mark, KPA-CTP, MA, Training and Behavior Education Specialist for PetSafe Brand. “By sponsoring Collar Safety Awareness Week for the second year in a row, we’re hoping that we can reduce the number of these tragedies by educating pet owners and professionals about the danger and frequency of collar strangulation accidents.”

We generally have a collar on all our dogs, 24/7 even though they pretty much remain only in our home or yard.  We have not had this issue come up, but I got to thinking and remembered a horrible accident that occurred when I was in high school.  We had a neighbor who raised show dogs (Shelties).  She had several champions, and I was often allowed to help her with their care.  She had one female, that she was selling to a man from Japan.  He was flying over to pick the dog up.  The day before he was to arrive, someone accidentally let the dog out their front door.  She took off and ran.  Several of us got together and searched the woods for several days, calling her name.  Finally we gave up, assuming someone had found her and kept her for themselves.  A few weeks later someone found the remains of this Sheltie, and her collar was stuck on a branch.  Apparently her collar caught and she could not get loose.




PetSafe has a collar designed to prevent accidents like this.  It is their KeepSafe Break-Away Collar.  I really like the design.  It has the regular sturdy snap buckle, but it also has a break-away buckle that will pop open if to much pressure is put on it.  Now, of course the next question is, what about on walks when Honor (our German Shepherd) decides to chase a rabbit or a squirrel?  Well, on each side of the break-away clip are two metal loops that you snap your leash through, preventing the clip from breaking away.  This is a really great idea!

The collar comes in five different colors.  You can choose from Black, Orange, Red, Purple or Blue.  It is available in 5 different adjustable sizes, so it should fit just about any size dog you might have.

By using this collar, you can be pretty sure that should your dogs collar snag on a fence, catch on the crate, maybe on your deck, the break-away collar will pop apart allowing you dog to be released.  And the collars are reasonably priced too!  So don't take a chance on your pet becoming one of the statistics.

One neighbor will receive a PetSafe KeepSafe Break-Away Collar for their four legged friend.  Enter this giveaway and be sure to share about Collar Safety Awareness Week.

Get Off Broadway With This New York Travel Guide

Lots of people head to New York with a Broadway show in mind. But New York has so much more to offer than that! And if you’re a 90s sitcom fan, New York is more than just trendy coffee houses as well. There is so much more to see than you may think. Of course, with such a big city, you need a big plan in place so you don’t miss any of the best bits of New York. Time to get packing for the greatest city break in the world!

New York is quirky. New York is fun. And New York is the best place in the country to find good American food. Of course, you’ll find Indian food, Thai food, Italian, Chinese, French. In fact, any flavor you fancy is available. The city that never sleeps could have just the dish you want at almost any hour of the day. And yes, you can still get great coffee in one of the hundreds of coffee houses all over the place.

Thanks to Flickr.com for the photo

Living in New York means living a busy life. But when you’re on vacation, you might fancy a slower pace. Fortunately, New York is home to some excellent spas. You can indulge yourself for just a few hours or spend the whole day with luxurious pampering. There are plenty of gorgeous hotels that will treat you like royalty too. Of course, most of us are looking to make our vacation more affordable! Why not search for new york vacations rentals online that can suit your budget? It will also give you a taste of living like a New Yorker for a while. Some are pet friendly too.

Thanks to Flickr.com for the photo

Shopping is hugely enjoyable in New York. There are department stores and malls to tantalize and easily empty your wallet. It’s worth spending a day shopping here, though. You may be pleasantly surprised with a mid-season sale, or find something unique and special. Personal shopping is very big when it comes to the fashion stores. Let someone dress you up for an afternoon and negotiate a deal on a full outfit.

Thanks to Flickr.com for the photo

There are plenty of very important and very grand sights to see in New York. Perhaps one of the least ventured is the New York Public Library. This is an extraordinary architectural delight but also houses some of the greatest and notable collections in the world. Whatever your interest, you’re bound to find a rare book to offer even greater insight. Why not have a research area in mind and make an enquiry to spend time with the best of the archives?

New York also has one of the longest and most fascinating histories in America. Ellis Island should be your first port of call. You can turn this into an entire day, or just pop along for an afternoon. If you’re happy with the boating side of things, then don’t miss the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty up close. The NY pass can fast track you and can be used for other things too. What will you see in New York?