Benefits of a Raw Diet for Dogs

When we first got Leia (our morkie puppy), I didn’t know much about what was best for dogs except to make sure they were trained, taken to the vet, fed kibble, (and didn’t eat table scraps or they’d get belly aches). Within the first few months I noticed she was really itchy. She would bite at her feet, scratch her ears, and overall just be really uncomfortable. I bathed her in an oatmeal bath, started using natural flea prevention, and though she seemed a bit better, the itching continued.

I started doing more research and realized some of her allergy/itch could be coming from her kibble! Something in her food was causing an adverse immune response, which caused her to be so itchy and miserable. That’s when I started to do more research on the benefits of a raw diet for dogs.

So a few things I learned in researching the benefits of a raw diet:

Easily Digestible  

Dog’s thrive (digestively and otherwise) on a diet that is rich in protein, and low in carbs, sugars, and wheats/grains. Dogs absorb the nutrients better from whole foods vs synthetic, just like we do.

Healthier Teeth & Gums

Kibble and other canned foods can lead to plaque, tarter and bad breath!The high sugar content in these foods also is an ideal place for bacterial growth which causes several different dental issues. Raw food also contains natural enzymes which promote a healthy mouth.

Helps with Allergies 

So this is what really got me thinking; just like with us, a major cause of stress on the immune system is from poor gut health. Inflammation. Many fillers used in pet food are not meant for dogs and can cause digestive issues, and over time turn to an allergic reaction. Rashes, itchy paws, ear infections—you name it! A natural raw diet can help reduce or eliminate these allergy symptoms (BINGO!)

Healthy Skin  

The nutrients in raw food are easier to digest than commercially prepared food, which allows the organs (i.e. skin) to absorb the necessary nutrients more efficiently. They also contain active enzymes that help a dog breakdown and consume the nutrients—without those enzymes, it’s hard for your dog to absorb starches, fats and proteins, which can lead to dry skin, thin fur, and dandruff. With a raw diet you’ll notice a difference in their skin—and less shedding!

When researching raw diet foods, I found a great brand made in the USA—100% harvested raw beef that they dry freeze for optimal nutrition. Their meat is never mixed with grains, fillers, or any chemical additives found in traditional kibble or canned food. It’s called TruDog.

Want to know what’s great about TruDog besides no GMO’s, grains or fillers, no by-products, no high-heat processing? It’s affordable.

You can buy individual meals, treats, supplements, or meal toppers; or you can subscribe to the meal plan. With a meal plan subscription you can enjoy several benefits such as double reward points on every purchase, additional savings on every order, and auto delivery! You can set up delivery for your meal plan and not worry about running out—they will auto ship your dog’s tailored food plan on the schedule you choose!!

What’s great about TruDog is they give you options that fit your budget—you can choose Feed Me or Boost Me, or mix it up!  Try out different flavors and treats until you find the perfect combination that your dog loves! 

For a limited time you can get 10% off your purchase using coupon code: ALLINADAYSWORKDOG from now until 1/31/2022

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The Ultimate Baby Shower Checklist


Having a baby shower can be one of the most exciting parts of preparing for your new little one. Celebrating with family and friends, playing games and the special gifts make baby showers a truly special occasion. Whether you are having a traditional baby shower, or a second (or third) baby ‘sprinkle’ there is a lot of work that goes into making sure that this is a memorable event.

6-8 WEEKS BEFORE THE SHOWER

If you are throwing the shower and you’re not the mom-to-be, confirm  the date with the mom, her mom, sister, bff, mother-in-law, etc.  Set the date and time, and decide on the venue.
Choose a theme. This should be gone over with the mom-to-be , you can find amazing ideas on Pinterest (which I will refer to several times over the check list!)
Make a guest list – check with Mom-to-be to see if she wants a co-ed baby shower, kid free, etc. This is HER day, so let her decide what works best!

3-5 WEEKS BEFORE THE SHOWER

Plan the baby shower events; like games and food!  This is the fun stuff! You can’t forget games like toilet paper rolls and the mom’s pregnant belly, candy bar ‘diapers’, so many! Here is a great reference for baby shower games, even some fun baby shower games for men who might attend your shower!
Besides games, there’s other things you don’t want to forget that will be super memorable for the mom to be.  Having your attendees fill out a ‘advice for Mom to be ‘ card, a ‘place your bets’ for delivery day , photo shoots with Mom to be (don’t forget family photos with her, her mom, her grandma, sister, mother-in-law, etc). You can rent a photo booth, or put someone in charge of photos. Don’t forget a good backdrop!

3-4 WEEKS BEFORE THE SHOWER

Buy party supplies! You may need to order somethings online (think Etsy!) to match your theme, or do something special for the mom-to-be.
Make or assemble all party decor, especially if you are DIY any project.
Purchase baby shower favors, as well as prizes for games.

Invites are especially important; you have to make sure it fits your theme, and represents the mom-to-be. Companies like Poster My Wall offer templates to help create a great baby shower invitation that goes with your theme in no time!

PosterMyWall is an amazing graphic design tool to customize thousands of different templates from baby showers, to birthdays, and even weddings! They are also great for small businesses. From my experience, ordering printed personalized invitations when time is of the essence (especially in todays market) being able to design and print your invitations from home is a no brainer!

Right now you can get 20% OFF on both 12 month plans using promo code: AIADW20! (offer ends 2.15.2022)

1-2 WEEKS BEFORE SHOWER

Shower food is very important – depending on the time of the shower, you may want to serve a light lunch/brunch, or even just appetizers – and of course sweets! There are some super cute and creative ideas, such as MOM-osa’s,  punch, fruit trays, skewers, veggie tray, and soo many cute treats like these baby rattle oreo pops . pacifier cupcakes, and the list goes on and on! Be sure to check with the mom-to-be about her and her guests dietary needs.

1 WEEK BEFORE THE SHOWER

Contact any guests who haven’t RSVP’d. Their invite could of gotten lost in the mail, opened by a kid or husband (I have had this happen!) you don’t want anyone missing such an important day , or feeling left out, so don’t forget this important step.

Lastly – enjoy! You put a lot of work into this shower, now enjoy the mom-to-be, and all the memories!

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Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

I make a pretty mean banana bread, so I figured since it’s fall I would give a shot at pumpkin bread – I’m not a huge fan of pumpkin, I like it well enough, but I figured it would be completely delicious with chocolate chips; so we came up with this delicious chocolate chip pumpkin bread!

Ingredients
1 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp salt
1/2  tsp baking soda
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup pumpkin puree
3/4 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 and coat your loaf pan with cooking spray
Put the flour, pumpkin pie spice, salt and baking soda in large bowl and mix
Add the sugar , pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs and vanilla to the flour mixture

Stir in chocolate chips, a little at a time

Pour batter in pan

Let cool, and enjoy!!

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Keto Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Keto Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies with Cream Cheese and Pecan Frosting 

Keto desserts for the holidays are a MUST. To keep you on track and from totally blowing it (unless that’s your plan) so to keep yourself on track, or maybe just a snack during the whole month, the keto pumpkin snickerdoodles are the way to go!

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 10-14 minutes

Ingredients

1.5 cups almond flour 

½ cup coconut flour 

¾ cup Swerve granular 

¼ cup pumpkin puree

1 tablespoon cinnamon 

1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice 

1 tablespoon vanilla extract 

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/8 teaspoon salt 

½ cup butter (melted)

2 eggs 

Snickerdoodle topping 

¼ cup Swerve granular 

1 teaspoon of cinnamon 

Cream Cheese Frosting 

¼ cup butter (melted for 30 seconds) 

1 cup Swerve confectionary sugar 

4 ounces cream cheese 

Tablespoon of crushed pecans 

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract 

Instructions 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and either line a sheet pan with parchment paper or spray it with nonstick spray. 
  2. In a large bowl, combine almond and coconut flours, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda. Whisk and combine well. 
  3. In another bowl, mix melted butter, eggs, vanilla, pumpkin puree, and sugar until well combined. 
  4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until fully combined. 
  5. Place cookie dough in the fridge for an hour.
  6. While cookie dough is setting in fridge, make your snickerdoodle topping. 
  7. Using a small cookie scoop, make 24 cookies, rolling each one in your snickerdoodle mix. Once you place them on the sheet pan, press down slightly with a fork in two directions to make them flatter. They will not expand much.
  8. Cook for 10-14 minutes keeping a close eye on them not to burn. 
  9. When they are done, let them cool for at least 15 minutes. 
  10. To make the frosting, using a hand mixer, beat the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until light and fluffy. 
  11. Add in the confectionery sugar and pecans. Place in the fridge for about 10 minutes so it can harden a bit. 
  12. Frost your cookies and enjoy! There will be some extra frosting (or not – depending on how much you use).

Keto Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Keto Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies with Cream Cheese and Pecan Frosting
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert

Ingredients
  

Cookies
  • 1 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 3/4 cup Swerve granular
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup butter melted
  • 2 eggs
Snickerdoodle Topping
  • 1/4 cup Swerve granular
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 1/4 cup butter melted for 30 seconds
  • 1 cup Swerve confectionery sugar
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1 tbsp crushed pecans
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and either line a sheet pan with parchment paper or spray it with nonstick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine almond and coconut flours, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda. Whisk and combine well.
  3. In another bowl, mix melted butter, eggs, vanilla, pumpkin puree, and sugar until well combined
  4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until fully combined.
  5. Place cookie dough in the fridge for an hour
  6. While cookie dough is setting in fridge, make your snickerdoodle topping.
  7. Using a small cookie scoop, make 24 cookies, rolling each one in your snickerdoodle mix. Once you place them on the sheet pan, press down slightly with a fork in two directions to make them flatter. They will not expand much.
  8. Cook for 10-14 minutes keeping a close eye on them not to burn.
  9. When they are done, let them cool for at least 15 minutes.
  10. To make the frosting, using a hand mixer, beat the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
  11. Add in the confectionery sugar and pecans. Place in the fridge for about 10 minutes so it can harden a bit.
  12. Frost your cookies and enjoy! There will be some extra frosting (or not – depending on how much you use).

Notes

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Demystifying Consent: What Counts as a Green Light by Your Sexual Partner?

Consent is a buzz word nowadays, but the concept is nothing new. Consent is permission to move forward, it’s a green light, a go ahead. But when it comes to engaging in sexual intercourse, consent seems to get a little muddy for some people. The simplest way to define consent is as your partner actively agreeing to participate in sexual activity. If there is no consent, then it’s sexual assault or rape.

What is Consent?

When two parties agree to participate in sexual activity, that means that both parties want to be sexual with one another. Before any sex acts happen, both parties need to be certain that the other wants to be sexual. Consent should involve what each person wants and doesn’t want to happen. Giving and asking for consent is about setting personal boundaries and respecting one another. It should also be noted that consent is not a one and done activity. Consent should be given each time, with every sexual encounter. Do not assume that because they consented before, that they are willing presently. Intelligent sex crime attorneys can help you get clearer understanding about a specific situation.

Conditions

There are some conditions that go along with consent. Consent is never forced. It must be freely given. It doesn’t include any bait and switch tactics. If it was agreed that a condom would be worn, not using one is a breach of the consent. Consent is also something that can be reversed. A yes can turn into a no at any point during a sexual encounter, and that no should be respected and honored. It is a very specific thing. Consent only covers what it covers. For example, consenting to heavy petting does not mean consent to oral sex. Don’t be afraid to ask questions before and during engaging in sex acts. If you notice that your partner doesn’t seem engaged or is showing signs of discomfort, stop and ask if everything is okay. This can save you both a lot of unnecessary trouble.

Consent and the Law

It should also be noted that everyone is not capable of consent. States have differing ages for how old a minor has to be in order to legally give sexual consent. Any person over the age of 18 who has sex with a minor younger than the set age of consent is liable to face charges, be incarcerated and register as a sex offender.  Someone who is intoxicated or unconscious cannot legally give their consent. Developmental and physical disabilities can also mean that someone is unable to give consent. Vulnerable people, such as elderly persons who are not of sound mind and the physically ill are also incapable of giving consent. 

 

If you’re being accused of rape or sexual assualt, you don’t have to navigate the legal system on your own. You deserve proper representation. Although non-consensual sex is rape, there are nuances that just can’t be overlooked.

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