Keeping Charged on the Go with myCharge

I was provided a sample in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

It seems like I’m always on the go – if I’m not running around for work, I’m running the kids to and from their activities, or we are just running around enjoying the weather (TGIFinallySummer!) I love to take photos of our adventures to share with my readers, as well as have my phone handy just in case of an emergency.  Unfortunately, with smart phones that always have tons of programs running in the background constantly, the battery won’t always last all day (smart phones are definitely not the old time Nokia phones!)

I of course, have a charger in my car (and at my desk at work, and in my living room, plus the one in my bedroom because you know, we can’t be caught with a dead phone!). But with our adventures, we don’t spend a lot of time where we can be ‘plugged in’. So when I was offered the opportunity to try the MyCharge HubMini I figured it would be a great way to see if I could keep my phone charged over a really busy on-the-go day.

I think what I love most about the MyCharge compared to some other portable batteries that I’ve seen in the past, is that the charger cord is connected to the battery port already! You don’t have to bring your ridiculously long cord from home or your car when you are out running around. It literally can just fit in your pocket, or bag, with no awkward cords hanging everywhere.

The 2nd best thing?! It will charge an iPhone or a Samsung (or Kindle,etc)-at the same time! So since my husband still has his Galaxy, and the kids and I have iPhones there’s no need for multiple portable chargers (or multiple cords) this one device has us covered!

We used this at Kings Island this past weekend for their Peanut VIP Event (more on that to come) and our phones lasted us the day! This is a must have accessory for any one on the go – and would make a really great Father’s Day present!

You can buy a MyCharge charger on their website, or on Amazon.

Be sure to enter below for your chance to win your own MyCharge MiniHub, courtesy of MyCharge! Contests ends 6/29 (sorry U.S. residents only)

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Gardening Tips Everyone Should Know

Starting a garden can be intimidating and confusing as you get inundated with information and advice from all quarters. Gardening is simple and straightforward and not as complex and many people and gardening books make it to be.

That said, you must still learn some basics on how to prepare your garden and take care of your plants if you want to have a smooth gardening experience and a successful garden. To have a successful garden, you must be committed to looking after your garden after planting. Many first-time gardeners think their work ends after planting.

Here are gardening tips to help you take better care of your garden.

Identify a suitable location

The soil for your garden should have proper drainage in addition to having enough nutrients for plant growth. Don’t fret if you lack space in your yard to set up a garden. You can start a container garden which is even easier to prepare and manage. Check Speaker Grow Box Review to find suitable containers for your gardening needs.

Regardless of whether you are having a backyard garden or a container garden, your garden should located in a position that allows for enough sunlight to reach your plants.

Choose your plants and planting them

Not all plants can grow everywhere. Plants need suitable conditions to grow and thrive and you will fail in your garden if you plant unsuitable plants for your region. You should know your hardiness zone and plants that are suited to the conditions of your area when making a choice of plants to grow in your garden.

More importantly, you should get the timing right. The season you plant your garden can either spell doom or success for your plants. Generally, most crops grow when planted during spring or summer but be sure to confirm with the instructions from the package.

When planting, observe the space recommendations for your plants. Squeezing them to closely usually lead to increased competition for nutrients resulting into unhealthy plants and death of others.

Watering your plants

“The frequency of watering varies from plant to plant but your watering technique is more important. A deep watering technique like that which can be achieved with soaker hoses is more beneficial to your plants than frequent overhead watering with sprinklers where the water mostly lands on the leaves. Overhead watering can often result in the rotting of the leaves as well as the spread of pests and diseases that can affect your plants.”

Look at the leaves of your plants to know if they are getting enough water. Yellowing of the leaves is often a symptom of overwatering while wilting and drying indicates water deficiency.

Taking care of your garden

Mulching is important in keeping weeds away and also regulating soil temperatures for the optimal growth of your plants. Since mulch is basically dried leaves and other organic matter, it can improve your soil fertility.

The best way to deal with weeds is to spot them while young and uproot them but if you have a big garden or you in no moods to get your hands dirty, you can use suitable herbicides to get rid of them.

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3 Problems You Should Secure Your Home Against

Your home is your oasis, and as such, it should be the one place in the world where you and your family should feel at your safest and most secure. Unfortunately, there are always factors which could result in your home becoming a cause of stress, rather than your place of stress relief. Such issues can include an infestation of pests destroying your home, intruders breaking into the home, and the possibility of accident or injury coming about, as a result of hazards within the home. If you want your house to be as safe an environment as possible for you and your family, here are some tips on how to secure your home against these possible household threats.

 

Pests

 

While not the most obvious threat to your home, pests can make everyday living more of a nightmare if your home is not properly secured against them. Any small crevices and cracks in the exterior of your home can lead to unwanted guests making their way in, allowing them to completely infest your home in a matter of weeks. To protect against this, make sure to make sure all windows and doors are properly sealed, and that any holes in screens are repaired.

 

If there are any pests which do manage to get into your home, can also get pest repellent products, such as slug pellets, to prevent them from returning. Unfortunately, there are some pests, such as termites, which cause much bigger issues within the home and can be difficult to deal with. In these cases, you will want to call a Pest Control Exterminator Service.

 

Intruders

 

As much as it is not something which you would ever want to comprehend becoming an issue for you and your family, the possibility of intruders breaking in always something you should be prepared for. A great many possible intruders, such as thieves, are people who seek out opportunity, meaning that they will only break in if the house is easy to get into, or if there is something within the house they greatly want.

 

Therefore, make sure that you properly lock your home, especially at night or if you are not in. Keep any valuable items stored away, and don’t leave your curtains open at night when people can see in. You may also benefit from having a home alarm system installed.

 

Hazards

 

Everyone has clumsy moments, and unfortunately, even being at home, accidents can happen. If you want to minimize the risk of people injuring themselves around the house, then make sure you reduce the potential hazards available. For example, trips and falls are an extremely common cause of injury, so make sure there are no obstacles on the stairs which could aid a fall, as well as things such as turned up rugs and carpets which may cause an issue. Any open flames or heated objects should not be left unattended to reduce the risk of a fire being started, and you should always regularly check your smoke alarm systems. It is also useful to have fire extinguishing equipment, just in case of emergency.

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How to Find the Best Deodorant for Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin can make each day uncomfortable, if you use the wrong deodorant. Having such skin means bearing irritations, bumps, even eczema and psoriasis. Sensitive skin is rather dry than smooth and soft. You know you should avoid tight clothes and certain fabrics. However, it may come hard to find the best deodorant for sensitive skin when the market is flooded with such products and some of them still don’t adjust to your needs. So, I have compiled a guide to show you the safest way to find such a deodorant to keep your delicate skin healthy.

What to Avoid

  • Aluminum-based compounds are so famous that need no further introduction. However, these deodorants work by plugging sweat ducts to stop moisture flowing into your skin. Many only want to avoid odors, as sweat is a natural process of the body. Aluminum can be irritating in so many cases. A friendlier alternative for sensitive skin is aluminum sesquichlorohydrate.
  • Fragrance is also irritating. Here we refer to chemical compounds which make up the refreshing unnatural fragrance. They commonly lead to rashes. According to TodayBestReviews, the best deodorant for sensitive armpits is Almay Sensitive Skin Clear Gel and can leave you feeling refreshed without implying a scent. It is dermatologist and allergy-tested for increased safety.
  • Alcohol is the substance that helps aluminum dissolve in antiperspirant product. As a downside, it dries skin and leads to irritation. Alcohol appears most commonly in the composition of in roll-ons, gels, and aerosols. To avoid such risks, you only need to closely check the product’s ingredients list.
  • Parabens work as preservatives in cosmetics. However, they also irritate the underarm skin and maximize the annoying razor cuts. There are many paraben-free products thanks to the many international awareness campaigns against harsh chemicals. Usually, products state on the main label that they are paraben free. You can also look for the ingredients list and see if you notice substances containing the word paraben.

Natural Products Focus on Protection

If you’re health and environmentally-conscious, then you can find the next best deodorant for sensitive skin in a natural product. Such deodorants rather focus on protecting your skin, instead of being efficient. This doesn’t mean you’ll sweat like a mule and smell like one. As I’ve said above, perspiration is a natural process. However, such products prevent odors and sticky skin humidity. Aloe Vera is an active ingredient which protects your skin from irritation and soothes pore issues. Aloe Vera also maximizes the freshness feel you get after using the deodorant.

Fragrance is Not Always Irritating

There are some natural scents which also work on calming skin. One of them is lavender. The delicate scented plant has some impressive effects on your armpits especially after using a razor. Chamomile, cucumbers and vanilla also have soothing action. The rose scent is relaxing for both adults and children and is available in many deodorants. Some fragrance-free deodorants might carry subtle scents. Don’t get scared – they come from the active ingredients that work to protect your skin.

Hypoallergenic Products are Helpful

Skin allergies are as common as skin sensitivity. They can raise difficulties and even lead to eczema or psoriasis. Hypoallergenic skin care products are named as such because they are tested against allergies. Deodorant manufacturers usually test sensitive skin products with dermatologists to ensure their efficiency. You can find out if a deodorant for sensitive skin is hypoallergenic just by checking the main label. Such products are tested for weeks on regular people before being launched on the market. So, they come with less risks to trigger allergies than other available options.

Texture

If you’re searching for the best deodorant for sensitive skin, you might come across articles that state how gel or antiperspirant products enhance irritations. Such specs refer to mainstream products, not specialized ones. You can discover deodorants for your needs which are gels, sticks, pastes, solid or spray antiperspirants. Choosing a texture is a matter of personal preferences, as being sweat-free is also about being comfortable with your armpits. Make sure to closely read their labels before purchasing a deodorant to see if they’re for sensitive skin.

Recommendations

You might have not expected this section. However, sun and skin sensitivity are genetically inherited. Therefore, you might find the best deodorant for sensitive skin in your mother’s bathroom. Have a chat with older female relatives and see how they got along with skin care products and which were the best choices for them. Some use the same product for years and might vouch for it. When using the product, there are small changes that it won’t work for you. Yet, you narrow down a generous list and might even come across a reliable deodorant. Recommendations work the same as user reviews – you get to hear an honest opinion from someone who actually used a product.

Do you know the mistakes that are so easy to make when cleaning your house? It goes the same with skin care products. People with sensitive skin encounter so many situations that make it difficult to choose a product. Maybe you fell for a mainstream ad and got disappointed, or maybe a hypoallergenic product just doesn’t seem to calm down your irritated skin. Research and check everything you can to make sure you find the best deodorant for sensitive skin. Prepare your home and skin for irritation-free summer vacations!

Images Source: Depositphotos.com.

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Tips for a Healthy Dog in Summertime

If you have a pet dog, you get to have a loyal and steadfast companion all year long. Like humans, dogs have different needs for each season, and there are some special tips you should keep in mind to make sure your furry friend is healthy and happy throughout the summer. Here are some things you should keep in mind for your beloved pets as summer arrives.

Offer Opportunities for Extra Hydration

Dogs get dehydrated just like humans do. For that reason, it’s important to offer your dog more water during the warm months. Put multiple water bowls out in your house — particularly if your house has more than one floor. Make sure you check and refill them regularly. You should also get a collapsible travel water bowl to carry with you on the go. That way, if you’re out of the house, you can stop and give your pup some water so he stays comfortable and hydrated no matter where he is.

Walk at the Right Time of Day

Walks are always good for a dog, but during the summer, try to walk during the most comfortable hours of day, particularly if you live in a really hot part of the world. Try going early in the morning or late in the evening before the sun has a chance to heat up or after it’s cooled down outside. By walking at the right time of day, you can go on longer walks and make sure both you and your pet are expending the proper amount of energy to stay happy and healthy.

Treat for Fleas and Ticks

Ticks and fleas are normal pests that like to hitch rides on dogs. If your dog’s going to be spending a lot more time outside during the summer, you need to be sure your dog’s flea and tick treatments are up to date. Go to your vet and ask for flea and tick treatment to make sure your pup is protected. Check your dog for ticks and fleas regularly after you go on walks, venture out on hikes or visit the beach. By catching these pests early, you can make sure they don’t cause health problems for your dog’s health or in your home.

Make Sure He Has a Cool Place to Sleep

It can heat up even inside during the summer. Make sure your dog’s bed is placed somewhere that is cool either away from a hot sunny window or in an air-conditioned room. If your dog seems particularly fatigued during the summer, make sure he’s spending enough time inside cool rooms and is getting enough sleep in a comfortable spot. If your dog seems to be excessively thirsty or fatigued, take him to the vet. He might have something more serious like Cushing’s Syndrome, which can be treated with various medications, such as trilostane for dogs.

Having a pet dog is an excellent way to have a companion and make memories no matter what time of year it is. If you have a pet dog and it is summer time, there are some season-specific health tips to keep in mind so that your dog thrives all season long. By keeping this important info in mind, you can ensure that your dog stays healthy, happy and by your side for many more summers to come.

Author:

Lannie, writer for Allivet. Allivet provides affordable pet supplies and pet medications, all of which can be purchased online.

 

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