TurfMutt’s Tips For A Pet-Friendly Family Yard

1. Consider your pet’s needs.
Dogs love being in your family yard. Most pets need a place to romp and exercise, relax in the shade for an afternoon nap and take bathroom breaks. Your yard should have a fence to keep your dog safely secured.

2. Look for “dog-proof” ground coverings.
Grass is one of the best options for your yard because it can handle the wear and tear that comes with pets and children. Bermuda and buffalo grass are especially hardy. Check your climate zone to select the best option for your area.

3. Avoid plastic grass.
Plastic grass, also known as artificial turf, gets too hot for humans and pets, especially in summer months. A Brigham Young University study revealed that synthetic-turf surface temperatures were 37° higher than asphalt and 86° hotter than natural turf. That’s too hot for pet’s paws and our bare feet to enjoy the outdoors!

4. Select plants for your climate zone and your pet.
Be sure to check the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic garden plants before choosing flora and fauna. For areas near garden paths, select plants that have soft foliage, but are still sturdy enough to withstand a little canine “ruff-housing.” Save delicate flowering plants for patio containers when dogs are in the picture.

5. Plant for pollinators for other wildlife.
Fido isn’t the only one who uses your family yard. Keep pollinators (bees, butterflies and hummingbirds) and other wildlife in mind when selecting climate-appropriate plants, trees and shrubs. Remember, nature starts in your backyard!

To learn more about how the family yard benefits people and pets and for more tips on taking care of your living landscapes, visit www.livinglandscapesmatter.com.

No Time To Hit The Gym? DeskCycle Can Help!

I have been working from home for several years now, and home schooling my little one for two years. I find myself at my desk, dining table, or any table for that matter, most of the day. I own gym equipment and even have a gym membership, but guess what? I either don't use it or say, "I'll work out tomorrow". When I got the opportunity to review the DeskCycle, I jumped all over it. The unit comes in a box complete with the tools needed for assembly. The process took me under 20 minutes and was super simple. I didn't even have to ask my husband for help. 

What exactly is the DeskCycle and how does it work?

The DeskCycle is a simple piece of exercise equipment like a stationary bike without the handles, made especially for those who are pressed for time. Whether you can't always make it to the gym, weather conditions aren't the greatest for a walk/jog/run, or you're stuck at your desk working for hours a day, DeskCycle is made for YOU! I have been having some foot issues that have caused me a lot of pain and I can't even go 1/2 mile on the treadmill. I have been using the DeskCycle for over a week now and like how easy it is on my feet since I'm not actually standing. I feel so much better than I am moving when I am sitting. It actually helps me to stay a lot more focused since I am one of those who can't always stay on task.

You can adjust the resistance according to your own goals. It's definitely important to start off slowly and work your way to a more challenging resistance setting. I am liking how my legs are looking and feeling! I am in desperate need of toning and DeskCycle is helping me to get closer to that goal. There is a gauge that  tracks time and miles, but I honestly don't use it. I wear a fitness tracker that monitors my steps and calories burned, so I just use that.

My husband has been begging to let him take it down to his office. I told him to get his own! The DeskCycle is not limited to using while working. You can use it while you're sitting on the couch watching a movie.

So far I am noticing my legs, butt, and abs feel firmer. My energy is higher as well and my stress levels are lower. I normally get a bit turned off when people post about fitness online and say, "no excuses", but I have to say, it's the truth with the DeskCycle! I mean if you are sitting around, why not get a little exercise in at the same time? Even my son is enjoying it. It helps a lot with strengthening his legs to enable him to perform better in martial arts class.

Where can I buy one?

The DeskCycle is so easy to use and when you are pedaling, it's super quiet.  It is well made and super sturdy, so you can feel confident giving it your all. You can purchase your very own unit from Mini Pedalers for $159 or on Amazon  also for $159 with FREE shipping if you have a Prime account.

The DeskCycle makes a great gift for anyone on your list and I am very sure the recipient will love it! Learn more about DeskCycle here. 

Thank you DeskCycle for the complimentary sample and all opinions stated are 100% mine as always.

$100 Summer Giveaway- PayPal Or Amazon

Hi, everyone! How is your Summer coming along? It seems to be passing very quickly for us. Before you know it, back-to-school time will be here. I've teamed up with a group of groovy bloggers to bring you the perfect Summer giveaway. One lucky person will win the choice of $100 Amazon GC or PayPal cash. I'm sure $100 can help with groceries, clothing or school supplies. The possibilities are endless! See details below about entering and good luck!  

How to enter: There are 10 Twitter accounts. Each account is worth one entry. Follow all 10 accounts for 10 entries into this giveaway. If you’re already a follower of an account, claim that entry! This giveaway starts July 19 at midnight EST and ends August 2 at 11:59 PM EST. Entrants must be USA residents and at least 18 years old. One winner will be randomly selected from all qualifying entries and contacted via the email they provide. The email will come from joannegreco at gmail. The winner has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. The prize is $100 in Paypal or Amazon online gift card, winner’s choice.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TYLT Energi Power Case: A Clean, Stylish Solution To Protecting And Charging Your Phone

TYLT is revolutionizing the way that people can keep their electronic devices charged.  Its products include everything from charging cases for cell phones to a universal portable wireless battery charger.  TYLT even makes a charging backpack so you can charge your phone while commuting or hiking.

Of course, the most convenient way to charge a phone is with the phone’s own charging case.  The right charging case can keep your phone charged for a whole day, no matter how many apps you open.  The Energi Sliding Power case from TYLT is a handsome, efficient phone charging case.  Here are some Energi Power case benefits:

Versatility

The Energi Power case can keep your phone charged for many hours, or it can just be a phone case.  It consists of an inner case that slides onto your phone, and also a charging power sleeve.  If you only want to protect your phone but not charge it, you can just use the inner case.  You can always connect it back to the charging component later.  Just using the inner case is a convenient option if you have to keep your phone in a tiny purse during a wedding.

Excellent Charging Capacity

The Energi Power case increases the amount of time your phone stays charged twofold. You can press a button on the case to see how much charge your phone has at any moment.  The same button will show you how much charge the Energi Power case has. You can charge your phone and the case at the same time.  When you plug the phone with its case into a power source, they will both charge.  You can even charge the phone and case with a wireless phone charger.

July 17-23 Is National Hotdog Week

Todays' conversation is sponsored by Circle K and all thoughts are my own

I don't know about you, but one of the things that remind me of summer is the all-American hot dog! Hot dogs are the convenient hot food for people on the go. No need for utensils or even a table and chair. The hot dog is the most portable summertime food and it can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

Starting July 17-23 (In Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina only), Circle K Southeast stores are celebrating National Hot dog Week by offering $1 hot dogs to their customers. As a matter of fact, all foods from their rollers will be $1 all week long as well. So while you are getting fueled up, you can step in and grab an icy cold beverage and a couple hot dogs to get that perfect bite of summer! National Hotdog Day is on July 19th. It would be fun to grab your family or friends and celebrate this delicious day for a low price.

Nothing pairs better than and ice cold fountain coke and a juicy hot dog! 

You can top a hot dog in so many ways. What will you put in yours? Cheese, chips, onions, salsa or chili? Grab your $1 dog while you can! If you do, be sure to use the tag #NationalHotDogDay across your social channels. Follow Circle K Southeast on Facebook and Instagram