Today is National Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day! #AskYourVet

This post is sponsored by Pet Health Network® and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated to help create awareness for the importance of the IDEXX SDMA™ kidney screening test for pets, but we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. Neither Pet Health Network® or IDEXX is responsible for the content of this article.

I know what some of you are thinking – time is money, and money is time. Maybe you yourself haven’t had time to fit in a check up for yourself in awhile (if so, stop what you are doing and make one now. You’ll thank me later). But just like our check-ups, and our kids check-ups are important – so are our furry friends.

Did you know 1 in 3 cats will develop kidney disease? The worst part is, most likely your cat won’t show any signs of illness until their kidneys have already lost most of their function – permanently. Now losing a pet is hard enough on a family – but losing a pet to a disease you could have known about, and taken action on? Now that’s really tough.

Take your pet to get the IDEXX SDMA™ kidney screening test. This test can help you and your vet take action sooner to give your cat a better, happier, longer life – even with kidney disease.

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If you aren’t familiar with the SDMA test from IDEXX let me tell you: its revolutionary. Veterinarians are able to screen for and spot early signs of kidney disease in your cat – while there is still time to do something about it!

It’s just like any type of preventative testing that you or I may get – if you’re at risk, your Doctor sets a plan into motion. It’s the same with kidney disease in your cat and your vet. If the SDMA levels are elevated, your vet can prescribe a plan to help preserve your cats kidneys.

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If you love your cat keeping them happy and healthy is important – if you are like me, you will do what you can to make sure your pet lives a long happy life (hello 3 a.m. emergency vet appointments – been there, done that when little Ms. Alley Cat (pictured above) decided she was a bit too curious about the fishing poles sitting in the corner of my basement – and tried eating a hook! Thankfully surgery was able to get it out of her lip, and she’s a happy sassy cat!

My kids are young and our cats are their best friends – their confidant, cuddle buddy, and favorite part of coming home. Whatever I can do to make sure that they are around for my kids, I will do. So really taking them in for a kidney test seems kind of a no brainer.

Be sure to take your cat to the vet today so you can help them live a better- longer – life!

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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of IDEXX. The opinions and text are all mine.

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Beautiful Decor That Can Help Keep your Home Clean And Tidy

If you are a busy mom like me, then anything that will help you in keeping your home clean and tidy is a bonus. It’s a double bonus if its actually looks good too! So let’s forget all the faddy home decorating trends that are doing the rounds at the moment. Ignore the brass pineapples,  the rose gold terrariums and the hot pink flamingos. Let’s look instead at some simple and stylish elements that will not only make your home look good but make it easier to clean as well!

 

Patterned Surfaces

 

In the kitchen and the bathroom, you’ll want to go for a pattern worksurfaces. This is because they show the marks and dust a lot less that a block colour. Avoid gloss finishes on worktops and cabinets doors. Yes, these look lovely and sleek and modern, but they show marks and fingerprints so easily, especially if you have kids! This will take up valuable time cleaning and polishing. Speckled patterns are also good. Go for the lighter colours too; that will help disguise any mess that you haven’t got round to tidying yet.

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Shower Screen

 

Many people perfect to use a shower screen instead of a curtain in their bathroom. You can choose decorative options or plainer ones depending on your own sense of personal style. They don’t get mouldy like a shower curtain would, so it means that they have to be replaced less often, and they look much cleaner when in use too. To keep them sparkling and hygienic; spray with a leave on shower cleaner after each use.

 

Blinds

 

I always find that binds like these bali roller shades are a good choice when decorating. They look neat and tidy, and they are mush easier to manage and care for than full-length curtain or Venetian blinds, which can attract a lot of dust. All they need it a quick dust and by rolling them all the way up, the entire window and frame are easily accessible for cleaning and dusting regularly.

 

Easy Iron Duvet Sets

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One of the best investments you can make for a more beautiful and a cleaner home is an easy iron duvet set. They come in all sorts of patterns and colours like these. The great thing about them is that because they are so easy to iron, it makes getting them washed and put back on the bed a quick, and simple process. You don’t dread it as much because they are so quick to do, and that mean you’re more likely to keep up to date with it. Why make things harder than they have to be?

 

Rugs

 

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Rugs are another home decor element that can enhance the look of a room. They can give it a cosy, homely feel, perfect for the cold weather. They also serve a practical purpose as they stop the carpet underneath getting dirty. This makes them ideal for a high use area such as a hall or walkway. To clean them you can beat them out regularly, use the vacuum or even get them cleaned like carpets which should make them look as good as new.

 

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ONE DAY ONLY! Join Planet Fitness for $1 down and then $10 a month

It’s Back to School – which means it’s time for you to get back on track! I always have a hard time sticking to my schedule when the kids don’t have a routine for the summer (that’s why they call it lazy summers right?) But it’s August and it’s time to start thinking about getting into shape and being prepared for all those holidays that are right around the corner. Personally, I prefer just to walk around with weighted clothing, but I should also exercise more.. I don’t know about you, but I’m already thinking about next summer! Right now is the perfect time to start preparing for next years summer bod!

With three kids in school – this Mama doesn’t have a whole lot of money or time for herself. With school supplies, school and sports fees, not to mention backpacks, tennis shoes and fall clothes – my budget is pretty tight. That’s why I love Planet Fitness.

planet_fitness12 On August 15, new members can join any Planet Fitness location for just $1 down and then $10 a month with no commitment.

The low monthly charge fits right into my budget – and with over 1,100 locations across the US, you are bound to find one near you.

Not to mention Planet Fitness fosters a Judgement Free Zone® – a non-intimidating, hassle-free, welcoming environment that makes everyone feel comfortable. AND.. wait for it…there aren’t any high pressure sales people. (I think that alone makes this membership worth its weight in gold!) I love my local Planet Fitness – there are gym buffs that I see almost every time I go (I think they might live there!) But there are also regular everyday people like me – working on or making sure, they stay healthy.

Most clubs are open 24/7 – so no matter how busy your schedule might be – they are there for you! My favorite time to go is after the kids are in bed, the dishes are done, and lunches are packed. I can relax and concentrate on me for a bit. Some time on the treadmill, the bike and sometimes the weights – and I come home to sleep like a baby!

planet_fitness_gymIf you have a bit more budget to spend, the PF Black Card® membership, is $19.99 a month and includes additional amenities such as the ability to bring a guest every day at no additional charge, use of massage chairs and tanning beds, and more. (I think it’s worth the extra $10 bucks – I bring a friend to help keep me on track!)

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Help Kings Island Kick Cancer – Plus Get a Chance to WIN

This is a sponsored post; all opinions are my own.

If you’ve followed me for awhile you know that I love a good adventure; my family loves all the fun we have at Kings Island, and we are lucky enough to live close enough to visit whenever we want! What makes it even better is when places I love support causes that are close to my heart.

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This August Kings Island is helping fight the good fight against cancer during the park’s “Kick Cancer” Days!
From August 1st through the 21st tickets to the park are only $38.99 – and a portion of the online tickets sales go towards the cause. (Also if you buy 4 tickets and get 1 free FunPix Pass!)

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Also during this time you can purchase a soccer ball for just $5 and kick it into the fountain for a chance to win a 2016 Honda Civic, courtesy of Performance Kings Honda.

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Net proceeds benefit The Dragonfly Foundation, Pink Ribbon Girls, and Melanoma Know More. The amazing work that these foundations do makes me want to help as much as I can – read some of the survivor stories here.

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Though summer is starting to come to an end, Kings Island still has a ton of fun left to send summer out with a bang! Kings Island Fire and Safety Days, Run & Ride Race, and my favorite – the Glow Run 5k! See you there!!

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Follow These Rules to Go Veggie or Vegan Without Giving Up

Making a major diet change is something a lot of people do. Some do it for their health, while others make a choice based on their morals. The two things can also be interlinked. Some of the most common diets to attempt are vegetarian and vegan diets. Not everyone is successful when they try to cut out meat and other animal products. It can be very difficult, especially if you want to eat out or buy ready-made items, such as sandwiches. It’s a learning process, and it can take a while to find a new normal. If you want to become vegetarian or vegan, try these tips to help you transition.

 

Start Off Gently

 

For some people, the best approach to becoming a vegetarian or vegan is to dive right in. It’s easier for them if they just cut themselves off completely. However, that doesn’t work for others. Suddenly eating a vegan or even vegetarian diet can be very hard. All of a sudden, you can’t eat a huge amount of things you ate before. Starting off slowly can help you out. You might cut out one type of meat at a time, or perhaps stop eating meat for certain meals. If you currently eat meat but want to be vegan, try transitioning to vegetarian first.

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Don’t Rely Too Heavily on Substitutes

 

One thing many new vegetarians or vegans do is try to swap out their usual foods for “fake” versions. So they will buy meat substitutes and vegan cheeses, making them a primary part of their diet. These foods can be a great addition to what you eat. There are lots of useful dairy substitutes, for example. However, it’s important not to rely on them too much because they can be expensive. It’s much more sensible to make the bulk of your diet healthy, natural foods that are vegetarian/vegan. Pulses, beans, and grains are all healthy, filling, and cheap.

 

Find Recipe Inspiration

 

Making a significant dietary change can get you down when you see all the things you can eat and recipes you can’t cook. Trying to adapt things so that they’re vegetarian or vegan isn’t always easy. The best thing to do is to be on the lookout for healthy recipes that are designed for your diet. For example, if you look at Hampton Creek on Instagram and YouTube, you can find delicious and healthy vegan recipes. Don’t make the mistake of getting stuck eating the same three meals over and over again.

 

Experiment with Eating Out

 

Eating out can be tough when you have chosen to cut things out of your diet. It’s especially hard when you go out with other people who do eat meat or dairy products. You don’t want to end up eating a salad or pasta with tomato sauce every time. As well as looking for vegetarian and vegan restaurants, search for those that offer tasty vegan and veggie options.
You might have times when you want to give up on your new diet. Remind yourself of why you made the change to help you keep going.

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