Mommy Has to Work

How to Keep Your Dog Healthy While Traveling

March 7, 2017 By Anne

Whether you are travelling with your dog for a weekend getaway, camping, or for moving to a new part of the world, ensuring his health as a responsible pet owner becomes extremely important. If you happen to be traveling with your dog for the first time, you might want to check with your vet and properly discuss your plans with him briefly. He will surely be able to prescribe you with medications for common problems, like anxiety and motion sickness.

Apart from that, you will need to take care of your canine friend on your own so she can also have a healthy and happy trip. Here are some important points to keep in mind:

Foods

When travelling with your dog, don’t just stuff him with easy-to-obtain and inexpensive foods as they can mess up his health. Instead, opt for more natural options like cranberries and blueberries, as they are full of antioxidants and fiber. A couple of fresh, frozen, or dried cans of berries can be a healthy treat and it has long been believed that cranberries can help with the health of urinary tract.

Apple cider vinegar is also a great option for balancing PH levels and helps the digestive tract. One teaspoon is sufficient for most dogs. Lastly, pumpkin also makes a great travelling food for your dog as it is high in fiber, minerals and antioxidants. It relaxes an upset stomach, softens hard stool and hardens loose stools.

Additives

Probiotics can be useful during stressful times as they keep the intestinal flora healthy and balanced. Another great additive is spirulina, which has been known to strengthen the immune system, and is full of protein and micronutrients. Add this health supplement to your dog’s diet while on the road and even at home.

Bring the Essentials

It is important to keep your dog calm during the travel or he might be stressed out, creating trouble for everyone. You can do this by ensuring all his favorite things are in place with him, such as his blankie or his favorite stuffed toy, chew bones or any other item that your dog loves and derive comfort from.

If you dog is an emotional support animal, make sure to bring the proper legal documentation along so you dog is able to travel with you on the airplane, stay with you in your hotel, and keep you company on any form of public transportation.

Anti-Allergy Medications

Travel situations can prove unhealthy for your dog, as they are full of pet allergens including foods, like milk and corn, airborne particles like dust, mold spores and pollen, and chemicals like detergents. It is important that you limit your dog’s exposure as much, also carry anti-allergic medications, and other preventative measures like tick brush.

Be Vigilant

Wherever you keep your dog, make sure there aren’t any loose collars, leashes and other similar items around as they can result in a choking hazard and prove to be extremely dangerous. Another important thing to be smart about is the amount of time you leave your dog alone. Whether you are in a plane or a car, don’t leave your dog alone for more than 15 minutes or your dog might freak out due to separation anxiety.

Don’t Be Dramatic

If you are travelling in an airplane and dog isn’t flying with you in the main cabin, don’t make a big deal out of it by creating a dramatic goodbye scene. Avoid using sentences like “Mommy will be back soon!” as this will only make your dog more aware of the temporary farewell and upset him.

Travelling with your dog can be an entertaining experience for both the pet and the owner. Just be sure that you are prepared in all the right ways and smart about your decisions.

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST – New Clip and Featurette Now Available! #BeOurGuest #BeautyAndTheBeast

March 6, 2017 By Marijean

I am excited to share with you a new clip from BEAUTY AND THE BEAST as well as a new featurette about how empowering the character Belle is! Beauty and the Beast will be in theaters March 17th!

“Dinner Invitation” Clip:

“Empowered Belle” Featurette:

Like BEAUTY AND THE BEAST on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyBeautyAndTheBeast

Follow BEAUTY AND THE BEAST on Twitter: https://twitter.com/beourguest

Follow BEAUTY AND THE BEAST on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautyandthebeast/

Visit the official BEAUTY AND THE BEAST website here: http://movies.disney.com/beauty-and-the-beast-2017

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST opens in theatres everywhere on March 17th!

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

Illuminated Mirrors: Designs Showcasing Innovation Combined with Practicality

March 6, 2017 By Anne

The Led mirrors are gradually creeping into our homes as modern and contemporary mirror designs mainly on account of their efficiency. Apart from this, Led mirrors have given us what regular mirrors have failed to give and that is superior design and functionality. In fact, it is becoming the preferred type of illuminated mirrors as well as bathroom vanity mirrors due to its positive traits. It is no surprise that this has taken center stage in recent times; however, it is important to take a close look at led mirrors as an accessory which is capable of transforming your bathroom area into a much modern outlook.

Construction and Design of Led Mirrors

The striking thing about the led mirrors remains its simplicity in design. In fact, they are just a type of ordinary mirror which are designed to have some energy efficient led bulbs fitted in different pattern throughout the mirror size. It is important to recall that looking back before the advent of led; bathroom space was brightened by the incandescent bulbs that were provided overhead. However, the led mirrors have provided modern and contemporary design in the form of backlit mirrors that have an in built light system. The implication of this is that it provides a compact look and design as well as simultaneously providing enough light for the bathroom space.

It is important to note that this inbuilt lighting system produces a bright light with lesser heat in addition to having a longer life span and a s a result, it becomes a cost effective option. Fortunately, there are a whole lot of led designs available from the manufacturers and as at today, there are bathroom mirrors with lights available in different shapes, sizes, designs, configuration as well as styles. For example, if you are someone with a taste for artistry, then you may decide to go for contemporary designs with some artistic background instead of opting for just the conventional bathroom lighted mirror design. In addition, you may also want to go for some add-ons features that increase the functionalities. The good thing is that it does not stop on these kinds of mirrors; the manufacturers have gone a step ahead in designing other types that go a long way in complimenting these mirrors. Now, you can also choose a makeup mirror as well as an ambient mirror that can help transform the ambience of your bathroom.

What Advantage Does Led Mirror Have over the Regular Ones

There are so many advantages of illuminated mirrors have over regular ones. Firstly, it is important to note that these mirrors will offer a brighter and clearer image. In fact, you can always compare them to see the difference if in doubt. If the main purpose of light is to illuminate an area, then it is safe to say that the led mirrors can comfortably carry out that task in such a way that you will not need to strain your eyes when a close shave or a makeup is to be applied on your face. Besides, these led mirrors are designed in such a way that it enhances the look of your bathroom and makes it look posh and luxurious. In fact, most people have reported kind compliments from visitors who visit their bathrooms where led mirrors are present.

Let us not forget the natural humid conditions of bathrooms and note that the led mirrors have been designed to combat this. Recall that the your image on a traditional led backlit mirror starts getting clouded behind the steam but the good thing is that the led mirrors are designed to deal with this situation because they are built with demister pads and an infrared on and off sensor.

There is also an issue with cost when it comes with led mirrors. Do not forget that led mirrors ensure a high light output but at the same time keep the running costs in check as they are very energy efficient. This becomes an advantage over conventional mirrors because it gives you a better value for money, produces a better aesthetic outlook of the area plus the savings in energy cost which is a big deal.

Are Led Mirrors Getting Popular?

Make no mistake, led mirrors are getting popular, however, the high cost is what deters people from fully embracing it at the moment. They are more expensive when compared to the regular type of mirror. It is important to note that the advantages it offers compensates for the higher cost especially the fact that it generate less heat and consumes less electricity. Because of the high cost, it is advisable to buy them from reliable sources for the sake of getting the right quality. Therefore the next time you want a mirror for your bathroom, choose the one with led.

Anne

Learning More About the Zika Virus

March 6, 2017 By Anne

Despite some news outlets (I’m looking at you, Daily Mail) rigorously reporting about the spread of the Zika virus, there are still a lot of misconceptions about the way the virus spreads and whether an outbreak is a possibility. The Zika virus is still causing a lot of problems around the globe, which is why it is important to take the time to learn more about the virus.

For starters, Zika is a virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. According to the University of Arizona and its master of public health department, there is still no vaccine for the virus. Early treatment helps to prevent death and painful symptoms, but it doesn’t eradicate the virus completely. That said, organizations and research facilities in the US and other parts of the world are working together to fight further spread and find a vaccine.

Be sure to check out the full infographic, Targeting Zika: The Threat and Fight Against the Virus, for more information.

University of Arizona

The University of Arizona created this infographic.

Anne

Vacuvita Vacuum Food Storage System Review

March 5, 2017 By Marijean

If you want to take the classic practice of vacuum sealing to a new level with style and convenience, you must check out the Vacuvita Vacuum Food Storage System! This system is absolutely amazing, and I can’t wait to tell you all about it and how it has changed the way I store food.

What is Vacuvita?

Keep food fresh up to 5 times longer

Enjoy your daily fresh food, stop food wastage and save money. Vacuvita is a fully-automated and sustainable kitchen system that keeps food fresh for up to 5 times longer! No more freezer burned meat, dried out vegetables and soggy salad.

Have you ever tasted a steak, prepared sous-vide? With your Vacuvita system you can and you will love it! Did you forget to marinate your salmon the day before? In the vacuum containers you marinate in minutes, just in time for your spontaneous BBQ with friends and family. Whether it is marinating, pickling, sous-vide cooking, Vacuvita will help you to cook like a chef.

Did you know an average household wastes 1300 pounds of food a year costing them over $1500?

I was able to review the Vacuvita home base along with the complete container package and storage bags. This complete package would provide you everything you need to start storing your food longer and to keep it fresher.

This system utilizes not just vacuum storage bags but also various sizes of food storage containers. The bags comes in sizes Medium and Large and are completely resealable with a zipper. For example, if you store 2 chicken breasts in the bag but only want to eat one, you can do so easily and then reseal the bag. This will prevent unnecessary waste of plastic or food. Vacuvita bags are BPA and BPS free and made out of a multi-layered plastic that is stronger than what most competitor’s use.

The containers have made it possible to store foods that you were unable to store with bags with other food storage systems. Many items such as bread, chips, cookies, donuts and pantry items that could easily be crushed in the bags. These containers come in various sizes (small, medium and large) and colors (white, blue, orange and green) to suit your needs and your kitchen style. They are well designed, durable, reusable, dishwasher proof and free of BPA or BPS. With a see-through-window, and usage of high-end materials you own, this is the newest and best vacuum food container in the market. You can easily refrigerate or freeze fruits, meats, nuts and vegetables in these containers. Utilize the app for your iPhone or Android device and you will never have to worry about how long it has been in the fridge or freezer or when you put the items in the container. The Vacuvita containers can be scanned and also bags can be added. You can conveniently scan the contents of your containers without breaking the vacuum seal. When food is nearing its shelve life you’ll get a message so you can consume it in time. You’ll know exactly what you have, so you can plan your meal – even if you’re not in the kitchen. I enjoy having salad for lunch everyday, however I could never consume it quick enough before it turned soggy and brown. The containers allow me to save money on my salad items because they last so much longer in the containers.

Let me tell you about the main unit of this system, the Home Base. The Home Base is the perfect way to keep your food fresh right on your counter top. It can also be used to apply vacuum to external containers and bags. I use the home base to store my bread products right now. The home base cannot be stored in the fridge or freezer, it needs to be plugged in on your counter top. It opens easily with the push of a button, and once you close it, it automatically reseals. So easy and simple. When you want to seal up bags or containers, just plug the adaptor in and a little button will appear on the top lid of the home base. Once you put the adapter on the sealing part of the bag or container, push the button and then you just wait for the sealing to be complete. Very easy and simple.

Storing crisp, dry foods and humid products in the same Home Base or container causes the dry products to go soggy and the moist products to turn dry. Fresh baked bread is actually both: a crispy crust, and a soft, moist interior. We recommend that you leave the bread in a paper or plastic bag inside the Homebase. That way it is protected from the outside air and atmosphere, but does not suffer from the moisture migration.

The quality of your bread and ingredients also strongly affect the storage time. Some store bought breads have preservatives in them, so they are likely to keep longer than home baked or artisanal breads that don’t.

Because the air is sucked out of the Homebase, bags or containers, the relative humidity inside is much higher. This means that sometimes when you open the Homebase, it feels warm in there, while it is actually not warmer, but more humid than the room the Homebase is standing in. Some baked goods are very sensitive to high humidity and might even spoil faster. Keeping the bread inside a bag will resolve that as well.

If you enjoy cooking Sous Vide style, Vacuvita and Chef Steps Joule are a perfect match! I recently reviewed the Chef Steps Joule, and I love how my food turned out pairing that with the Vacuvita bags. This is such an easy process for anyone, whether you are a first time cook or a master cook! I purchased 2 rib eye steaks from the market, once I seasoned them up it was time to put them in the Vacuvita bag. The medium sized bag was perfect for the steaks. Once the bags were sealed it was time to cook! Since the bags are BPS and BPA free, I didn’t have to worry about any chemicals leaching into my food while I cook. My steak came out amazing and was juicy and delicious.

Check out this handy list comparing items to storing with or without the vacuum system:

Room temperature	No vacuum	Vacuum
Baked goods	2-3days	5-7days
Coffee, tea	30-60days	365days
Cookies	120days	300days
Dry Foods	10-30days	30-90days
Nuts	30days	90-120days
Pasta (uncooked)	180days	365days
Potato Chips	5-10days	20-30days
Rice (uncooked)	180days	365days

Fridge *	No vacuum	Vacuum
Berries, fresh	3-7days	8-20days
Cooked meals**	2days	6days
Desserts	5days	10-15days
Deli Meat	3days	6-8days
Fish, fresh	2days	4-5days
Lettuce	3days	6-8days
Meat, cooked	3-4days	8-10days
Meat, fresh	2days	6days
Meat / Sausages, cured or smoked	90days	365days
Nuts	30-60days	120-180days
Poultry, fresh	2days	6days
Spices, fresh	2-3days	7-12days
Vegetables, fresh	4days	6-12days

Freezer *	No vacuum	Vacuum
Baked goods	6-12months	18months
Bread, rolls	6-12months	18-36months
Coffee, beans	6-9months	18-27months
Coffee, ground	6months	12-34months
Deli Meat	2months	4-6months
Fish, fresh	6months	18months
Fruit	6-10months	18-30months
Meat, fresh	6months	18months
Meat, minced	4months	12months
Poultry, fresh	6months	18months
Spices	3-4months	8-12months
Vegetables, fresh	8months	24months

*when using vacuum bags
**depends on ingredients.

As you can see, so many food items can be stored in the containers and bags and kept fresh. The containers are a great size and fit perfectly in my fridge or freezer with no issues. I love how you can just pop the containers open, take out what you want, seal it up and put it back. Same with the bags and their zipper closure.

I reviewed the Complete Kitchen Package that is on sale right now for $299.00 with free shipping until March 12th.

Complete Kitchen Package contains:

1 Vacuvita home base
1 Container large
1 Container medium
2 Container small
1 Vacuum tube for Container
20 Large vacuum bags
20 Medium vacuum bags
1 Power adapter
1 Manual

This package is perfect for starting out. I also purchased 2 additional large sized containers for my cereals. They are the perfect size for a large box of dry cereal.

In Conclusion, Vacuvita has really changed the way I store my foods. No more crushed foods or stale bread products, no more freezer burned meats. And most of all, no more waste! Vacuvita keeps all of my foods fresh for a long time. Vacuvita is the sustainable way to save food and money. What more can you ask for?! Click here to shop and learn more about Vacuvita!

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*I received a complete set in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own