Giving gifts at Christmas can be just as much fun as getting them but figuring out what to buy can be a little bit challenging at times! Some people have hobbies and gifts for runners or crafters or any other hobby can be easy enough! Everyone needs and wants supplies for their passions. But what if they really only dote on their dogs? Let’s face it, we all know people who love their dogs as much as they love the rest of us! Gifts for dog lovers are thankfully in pretty good supply, dogs are man’s best friend after all so there are plenty ofRead More →

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DIY Halloween Costumes, accessories from the dollar store

Getting a Halloween costume can be as easy as popping down to your local Walmart and buying one. Of course, that is easier said than done when you have more than one child or have to work within a tight budget. Coming up with DIY Halloween costumes doesn’t have to mean your Halloween look will be less wonderful than a store-bought costume and it can save you a lot of money in the process! If you enjoy being crafty or have kids that like spending time on art projects then it can be a great way to spend time together too! Our children have hadRead More →

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Shark Valley Tram Tours

This summer my family had the opportunity to spend some time in Miami. Because we are an outdoor-loving family, of course, we had to make sure we took the kids to the Everglades. Hiking, camping and exploring state parks are fun and educational activities that we all love. Since we happen to have some pretty great friends who live in the area we were able to explore all the best parts of Miami with the help of a local and the Shark Valley Tram Tours did not disappoint! Activities like those provided by the Shark Valley Tram Tours are goldmines for families like ours. WeRead More →

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Hiking With Dogs, Having fun n the Outdoors with your Canine Companion!

Living an active outdoor life is something I want my children to enjoy forever. The benefits of spending time in nature have been well studied and include surprising health benefits such as improved short term memory and lower levels of inflammation. Hiking and camping are one of the easiest ways for my family to immerse ourselves in nature! If spending time outside is so healthy for humans then it stands to reason that hiking with dogs is beneficial for them as well. Hiking with Dogs, Exploring Nature with your Canine! This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one ofRead More →

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The benefits of planting trees

When we first moved into our home the yard was completely barren of trees. We didn’t think too much about it at the time – we were far more interested in the size of the yard and the neighborhood in general! We moved in during the winter and honestly, spent very little time in our yard for those first few months. It wasn’t until spring rolled around and we wanted to get out an enjoy the changing seasons that we noticed the glaring lack of shade in our yard! Providing shade is probably one of the biggest benefits of planting trees in your yard butRead More →

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Life is full of surprises, some of them are amazing and some of them are challenging. Becoming a Grandma is firmly in my amazing category but there are definitely a few things I’ve learned in the last few months that highlight the differences between being a parent and being a grandparent. I fully expect this journey to be a roller coaster of epic proportions! Here are just a few things I’ve learned so far! 5 Things I’ve Learned Since becoming a Grandma Baby’s are a LOT of Work You would think since I still have young kids of my own that I would have rememberedRead More →

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bringing home a new puppy, German Shepherd Puppy

Adding a new puppy to your family is an exciting prospect! However, it’s not without its challenges! This is especially true if you already have pets at home. Bringing home a new puppy can be stressful on older pets, made more challenging if you have young children or time constraints and is not without its frustrations even at the best of times. How many times can you clean up accidents in the house before you get tired of it all? That said I didn’t even blink when my husband stated a desire for his own future running and hiking buddy. I remember the challenges weRead More →

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Time saving tips are always well received and coming home from vacation can be a bit of a mixed blessing. On the one hand, it’s always nice to come home and sleep in your own bed. On the other hand, it also means coming home to a lot of work. There are groceries to get, vehicles to unload and luggage to unpack. Coming back from vacation is just as much work as preparing to go in the first place! On top of that, you’re probably pretty tired too! With a little bit of preplanning and some simple tricks, you can help make coming home aRead More →

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Kids books and reading

My oldest daughter loves reading! Her taste in books tends to vary but they all seem to involve animals to some degree. The desire to read might have been born from a desire to play video games but it’s quickly shifted into a love of the stories themselves. The current favorite kids books are Warrior Cats and Wings of Fire but I’m pretty positive that this series will quickly climb the list to join them. When I was offered the chance to review Tigeropolis I asked if the author would be willing to answer some questions from my daughter as well. I thought this wouldRead More →

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preparing for summer break fun

When you’re a kid summer is a time of fun and relaxation. No school and no worries! It kind of goes in the opposite direction once you become a parent! Of course, it’s fun to have our children home with us more often but it can also bring its own challenges. Especially for parents who work and families who follow a strict budget. Preparing for summer break ahead of time can mean the difference between a fun-filled summer or a couple of months of stress. Not quite sure how you’re going to manage this summer? Then these tips are for you! Preparing for Summer Break,Read More →

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