How to Give Your Pet a Perfect Life

Posted on September 28, 2018 by Krissyar

A pet is part of the family. In fact, pet owners commonly accommodate their pets even if it meaning going out of their way, spending extra money for toys and supplies, and some people might even move locations for a better environment for their pet. Different pets require different accommodations, however, so what’s does yours need for maximum happiness? Give your pet the best with this simple guide.

Dogs

Your dog will always think you’re the best person in the world, even if your cat doesn’t. For this loyalty, your dog should be rewarded. Whether you have a Pomeranian or Rhodesian Ridgeback, all dogs deserve their own bed. Pamper your dog with top-tier dog food as well. Make sure your pooch is fed with grain-free food; grain-heavy food can cause weight gain in your pup. Top-tier brands like Acana Regionals Dog Food and Holistic Select Grain Free provide great options for both dry and wet foods respectively.

When it comes to fun, your dog is probably a pro. A ride in the car with the windows down, a walk in the park or along the beach, maybe some frisbee or stick toss, will always keep your dog entertained. Many dog breeds require space to roam and run, which may necessitate a move for a larger yard or regular trips to the dog park.

Cats

Your cat may sit across from you in the morning with a scowl on her face, but when you’ve had a hard day at work, she also wastes no time on curling up in your lap as you binge your latest Netflix obsession. Make sure your cat gets the exercise she needs while you’re gone all day with a cat castle, tree or condo. Cats have a natural instinct for heights that lets them survey the lay of the land.

For a treat, get your cat organic catnip and a feather dangly. Similarly to dogs, cats shouldn’t be fed grain-heavy foods, as it can increase their weight. Feline Natural and Orijen are two of the top cat food brands of 2018.

Rabbits

Rabbits are a more uncommon pet due to the fact they are prey animals. Rabbits can be afraid of anything, so it’s paramount that you provide safe places for him to hide. Cardboard boxes with two exits can work well indoors. If he is an outdoor rabbit, a thoroughly fenced yard coupled with a tube system he can hide in will also make him happy.

Rabbits graze, and they don’t do well with specific eating times. Rather, rabbits do best when they can nibble on grass, lettuce, carrots, etc. all day long. However, rabbits can be beggars when it comes to pellet food. Resist his cute wiggly nose, as overfeeding will cause weight gain.

Dogs, cats and rabbits all have special needs. Dogs typically require more outdoor time, while cats are self-sufficient when given enough food, water and litter. While rabbits will fend for themselves if left outside, it’s important they are given the shelter they need to hide from potential predators. Take the steps above to ensure your pet is happy, healthy and leads the best life it possibly can.

 

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How To Care For Yourself As A Carer

Posted on September 28, 2018 by Krissyar

Many of us spend so much time looking after others that we have little time to look after ourselves. This is particularly the case with parents, carers of elderly relatives and carers of the sick/disabled. Looking after yourself is just as important as looking after other people – you could be jeopardising your health by not giving yourself the TLC you deserve. Here are just a few ways in which you can start caring for yourself whilst caring for someone else.  

Consider what you’re financially entitled to

Caring for someone else is enough of a struggle without also having to worry about your finances. Make sure that you’re getting all the money that you’re entitled to, whether it’s government funding or even charity funding if your finances are particularly suffering. One study found that 35% of carers weren’t getting the benefits they deserved, simply because they weren’t aware that they were eligible. Make sure to go online and do your research or talk to someone from the citizen’s advice bureau.  

Share the responsibility with someone else

Being a solo full-time carer can be exhausting – don’t be afraid to share the load with someone else. If you’re a new single parent, don’t be afraid to ask someone to babysit now and again whilst you socialise, pursue hobbies or simply get some rest. It could even be worth looking into childminding services. As for caring for elderly or disabled relatives, consider looking into the option of hiring a carer to help. Home care costs can vary depending on the level of care you need – if it’s only an hour or two a week you could find it to be fairly affordable. You can also hire help as a way of allowing you to work, but this shouldn’t be the only time that you call for assistance as work is not the break that you need from caring.

Reward yourself with a break

A longer break could also be necessary in some cases. This could be anything from a day trip to a holiday. A relative could look after your kids whilst you are away or you could invest in respite care for an aging or disabled relative. Don’t feel that this is selfish – a break could be just what you need to give your body and mind a rest.

Look into counselling when you need it

If you’re struggling with the duties of being a carer and feel you don’t have anyone to talk to, don’t be afraid of looking into counselling. This could be a one-on-one counselling session or a counselling group aimed at other people that are also carers. Counselling doesn’t work for everybody but it’s worth trying.

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: GET INVOLVED!

Posted on September 27, 2018 by Krissyar

This post is sponsored by ValPak.

In case you weren’t aware, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual international health campaign that is organized by major breast cancer charities every year to increase awareness of the disease – and raise funds for research, prevention, diagnosis, treatments and cures.

The Susan G. Komen foundation has always been a cause close to my heart. My Grandma was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was just a little girl – and since I was about 12 years old my Dad and I have participated in the Race for the Cure; which is the largest and most successful education and fundraising event for breast cancer ever created. The series of 5k runs and fitness walks raises significant funds and awareness for the breast cancer movement, celebrates breast cancer survivorship and honors those who have lose their battle with the disease.

That’s why I am proud to be a part of the ValPak community, who has partnered with the Susan G. Komen Foundation this year -sharing the vision of a world without breast cancer.
To help amplify awareness for this vision, Valpak will turn its Blue Envelope PINK this coming month to bring awareness to the communities. ValPak will donate over $50,000 this year to Komen and encourages you to donate too!

 

Not only can you donate, but you can get involved! Find your local Race for the Cure here. (If your local, be sure to join me at Coney Island Park in Cincinnati this weekend!) People of all ages and fitness levels are welcome – walkers, elite runners, and everyone in between!

You can save $5 OFF your registration using the code DEALPRO

A handful of locations across the country are participating in a new Susan G. Komen MORE THAN PINK Walk event. Along with a new name, it will include a fresh new look and experience. The biggest difference is it doesn’t have a run element. Focusing on the walk everyone can focus on maximizing the amount of funds raised by the event. I’m proud to say Cincinnati is a pilot testing center for this walk – and I couldn’t be more excited!

Also – be sure to enter the KitchenAid Giveaway from Valpak by telling them about a More Than Pink hero you know, and how they’ve taken action in the fight against breast cancer!

 

 

 

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Not Your Typical Soccer Mom SUV: The Mazda CX-5

Posted on September 26, 2018 by Krissyar

So a few months ago I was given the opportunity to take The Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring for the weekend. My husband and I took a long weekend up to Columbus (read more about that later this week) and we cruised down the interstate in a smooth, sleek and stylish ride in the Mazda CX-5.

The CX-5 is a 5 passenger crossover and Mazda’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S. It’s loaded with power, a rear liftgate, navigation, heated leather seats, a moon roof – and more.

It seems like most mid-level SUV’s lack on power – though most older CX-5 models followed this trend, I felt the 2018 Grand Touring had plenty of pick-up and I didn’t need to turn down the AC or worry about putting the petal to the metal to pass anyone on the highway.

A lot of concerns I’ve heard is the cost of fuel in any type of SUV – but with Mazda’s cylinder-deactivation tech which is included in the 2018 CX-5 model, fuel mileage is increased significantly. The Cylinder-Deactivation shuts down two of the engine’s four cylinders at cruising speeds in order to increase efficiency (I have to admit though, it’s a bit hard to get used to! You can feel the drain of power, at least I can, especially when you speed up. But still a great feature in my book, especially for highway travel).

Now what impressed me about the Mazda CX-5 was the sleek tech – I’m not easily impressed, as I have worked my way around some pretty nice SUV’s in the past few years. The navigation system was amazing, allowing us to toggle back and forth between seeing what was coming up and listening to the radio. It also gave us alternative routes when there was construction or upcoming traffic.

Mazda clearly is all about safety. With the traffic sign recognition option which which will show you the upcoming signs on the driving display,along with the  Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, it’s no wonder the Mazda CX-5 was the 2018 IIHS Top Safety Pick.

Ok so back to the infotainment screen which gives you your navigation/radio/cam, etc. This is something that blew my mind, but it TOTALLY makes sense – the CONTROL for the screen is actually on the center console. So you don’t have to worry about reaching forward across the steering wheel to mess with the radio or navigation, it’s literally just at your fingertips. It’s convenient, and probably also a great safety feature considering.

The only negative thing I have to say about the Mazda CX-5 is probably the lack of cargo space. It’s quite a bit smaller compared to competitive crossovers, and I would be willing to bet if you have one of those huge strollers , it’s not going to fit. At least not very well.
If they could open up the cargo space a bit, I would definitely consider a CX-5 for my next purchase.

 

Thank you DriveShop and Mazda for the opportunity to test out the Mazda CX-5.

 

 

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6 Best Places in the World to Go Bungee Jumping

Posted on September 17, 2018 by Krissyar

If you’re one of those seeking that adrenaline rush, and haven’t tried bungee jumping yet, here’s something to help. We’ve shortlisted the 6 best places around the world that help you try your hand at it and experience the thrill.

Most of these places also offer beautiful views that you can relish on your way down (if you have your eyes open at all!).

 

Victoria Falls Bridge

This bridge is at around 365 feet in height, and while it may not be the highest bungee jump you could experience, it does have a certain thrill to it that sets it apart from the rest. Located at Zimbabwe, you can take your jump right into a rainbow, and with the lush greenery around and the Zambezi river below you, it can be one of the most freshest and exhilarating experiences you’ll ever have.

 

The Royal Gorge Bridge

Located in Colorado, this jump is believed to be among the few highest bungee jumps in the world. From the top, the river below looks like a tiny ribbon, and while the fall from the bridge lasts for around 15 seconds, it’ll definitely give you that rush you’re craving for.

 

Bloukrans Bridge

Located in South Africa, this bridge stands 700 feet tall and can be an intimidating sight for all those who’re scared of heights. After you’re done with your jump here, you can zip line through the jungle and head into the national park there.

 

Rio Grande Bridge

The Rio Grande Bridge, located in New Mexico, stands 680 feet tall and is probably the most popular bungee jump in the US, and for a good reason- it provides the highest active jump in the country. If you join the bungee jumping expedition there, you’ll get to experience the thrill at several locations which include the bridge, the Navajo bridge and many other places spread across western and Southwestern United States.

 

The Kawarau Bridge

Located in Queenstown, New Zealand, the Kawarau Bridge is often flocked by bungee jumping enthusiasts coming from all around the world. This bridge is supposedly where it all started- and where bungee jumping was first discovered. If you’ve got friends who aren’t really keen on jumping off from the bridge, they can get the chance to view you from the observation deck.

 

The Macau Tower

This one’s last, but is definitely not the least, because it has the record of the highest bungee jump in the world. As you go down, you can relish the gorgeous view of Macau city. The jump platform is said to be located at 764 feet above the city streets- which makes it the perfect place to experience the thrill to another level.

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