Summer Safety Tip

 

Last night I took a bad tumble in the dark, tripping over the cord to the portable AC unit right outside my bedroom. It motivated me to finally order an extension cord, so that I can set it up more safely and as less of a trip hazard. I had been avoiding doing so because I was always told to never plug an AC into an extension cord because it was a fire hazard. So I deferred to an electrician. This is what they said:

 

If you have a small AC unit, you CAN plug it into an extension cord. However, you want to look for 2 things: 

 

1. Only use a cord as long as you need. If the cord is too long and you have it coiled up, it risks overheating. 

 

2. You need the correct Amps - higher than what the AC is rated at. Most basic household extension cords are not rated high enough, and surge protectors/power strips are not either. Most small window units or portable units are 12 amp, so you want a cord that is at least 15 amps. The one that was recommended to me is this one, rated at 15 amps and 1875 watts.

 

Be careful! It's hot out there. I keep seeing friends post about it every day. Use those ACs, but please do it safely. Most people associate house fires with overloaded space heaters in the winter, but an overloaded cord from an AC will do it too. So if you have to use an extension cord with your AC, make sure you are plugging it in with the right kind.

Summer Product Recommendations

The Conair Satiny Smooth Ladies' Personal Trimmer is an all-in-one system for smooth results all over. This easy-to-use face trimmer, body trimmer and bikini trimmer is cordless and works on a lithium ion battery for long-lasting power. Easily shape and trim hard-to-reach areas with the wide blade for precise full body trimming. Use the two eyebrow shaping combs for precise facial trimming and eyebrow trimming. It also includes a nose and ear attachment.

 

 

The Members Mark Elegant Family Pool is 10 feet long with 2 inflatable seats. It is perfect for sitting out on the lawn on a hot day. The kids can swim while you sit back and relax, or you can soak with your friends.

Old Man Loki and Zesty Paws Mobility Bites

 

This is Loki. His mum was a beagle and his dad was a teacup schnauzer. He's my little old man. He's not really THAT old, in human years at least. He's 6 (plus a few months). But in dog years, that has him at least mid life. He's clumsy, sheds a lot, and has started to develop cataracts. But he is a sweetheart. I've never been a dog person (cat lady all the way) but when I first saw him, I couldn't help but to be drawn to him. My family will never let me live it down - the day I went out for toilet paper and came back with a puppy instead.

But I mean look at that face. Who could say no to that face?

He's definitely slowed down over the last couple of years. I figured it was probably due to his sight going. Or having less space to run around at the new house. Or the cat's bullying him for being their size. But I never really thought that maybe, just maybe, the issue could be age and the stuff that comes with it. I call him my little old man, but I never really think about his age. I have always called him that because he has had a white beard from day one. Now he has a lot more white hair though, and the truth is that he IS becoming a little old man, and that means joint issues.

So when BzzAgent reached out with an offer to try a joint supplement product for senior dogs, I though "why not?"

They sent me a full size container of Zesty Paws Advanced Mobility Bites Hip & Joint to test out. I had never heard of this product, or even this company before, so I didn't know what to expect. Reading over the label, these seem like serious stuff. I have seen store bought human vitamin supplements with less notes on them. They are made in the USA and contain Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and Curcumin. They are free of grain, corn, and soy and have no artificial flavors, preservatives, and synthetic colors. The last part being surprising only because they are BRIGHT yellow. 

Like SUPER yellow

The treats themselves are about an inch wide and heart shaped. Which, aside from being cute, is actually handy in that it makes them easier to split in half. A useful trait because they have an actual dosage - one treat per 25lbs of weight per day. Some people prefer to split it in half and do half a treat in morning and another in the evening if their pup has a sensitive stomach. Loki enjoys getting the whole treat at one time, but then that dog probably has a stomach of iron. At least if all the non-dog food he has stolen from people without getting sick is any indicator.

Not only does he enjoy the flavor, but they seem to be working. He has been getting these treats for about 2 weeks now, and you can really see the difference. He has been more playful and energetic. But also, he seems healthier all around. His coat looks better and he is less stressed - and if you don't know anything about schnauzers, they carry a lot of anxiety. Well I don't know if it's the ingredients in the treats, or simply a better disposition because his joints feel better, but he just seems happier. Which makes me happy. So if you have an older dog that has joint problems, definitely try out these treats! I hope they can help your pups as well.

Zesty Paws Advanced Mobility Bites Hip & Joint can be found on Amazon or at Chewy.com. The Zesty Paws line also carries other supplements like a multivitamin, calming support, and a vision supplement that I am considering trying next. Loki already has cataracts so I don't know how much that would help, but I suppose anything that may prolong his sight is a good thing. They also sell a line of products for cats! So if you are looking for things to improve your pets' health, check them out!



Disclaimer: BzzAgent sent me these treats to try and review on Chewy.com. Which I did. I am sharing about them here with you all of my own volition, because I REALLY liked these treats and what they did for my pup. This is my honest opinion with no motivation to share, other than I think they are awesome.

VoxBox: Benefit Cosmetics' They're Real! Magnet Mascara

I got my first ever Vox box from Influenster ! This month they sent me a sample of Benefit Cosmetics' They're Real! Magnet Mascara which I was super excited to try out. 

I have had positive experiences with Benefit products in the past, so I went into this with expectations. There were things that surprised me, some good, some not so good. For starters, the product has a good quality wand and, even with my shaky hands, was not super difficult to apply, though the mascara did smudge easily at first. 

The initial lift is amazing! The mascara curled my lashes upward with no need for an eyelash curler. It creates a long, thick, dark lash, quite dramatic. However, the lashes stick together causing it to somewhat thin them out. And for me, who has naturally long lashes to start with, the product bulkiness resulted in me continuously seeing my lashes in my peripheral vision. It also shedded a bit - throughout the day there were flaky bits under my eye.

I did my other eye with my usual go to, Maybelline New York's The Falsies, for a point of comparison. The lift and curl was only slightly lesser with the Falsies, and while the lashes were less thick, they didn't clump, resulting in an overall fuller lash. Several hours later, the Benefit had deflated while the lift on the Falsies held on. 

When all is said and done, I had high hopes for this product, and I was somewhat let down.  With a $27 price point, you expect a knockout of a product. The Benefit Magnet Mascara is a good product if you want a dramatic look in the short term, and I will use mine for that, but personally I will save the extra $20 and stick with what I currently use for daily looks.

Power Up Gaming - Free CobraKai

Earlier this month I visited my local Kroger grocery store and bought Pringles products, which in turn got me a full game download of Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues on my Nintendo Switch for free! How cool is that??  

From now until April 4th, you can visit a participating Kroger grocery location to buy any 2 participating Kellogg’s® or Red Bull® products, and get a free full game download of Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues. To participate, text GAME to 811811, snap a photo of your receipt and receive the free game code, courtesy of Power Up Gaming.

Mentholatum Vapor Duo

 


Recently I was given the opportunity to try out the new Mentholatum VaporDuo vapor inhaler, and I have to say that I am in love. This product has the standard vapor inhaler like I am accustomed to with other products, but it is paired with a dispenser of essential oil rub on the other end of the stick.

I used the oil dropper to add a few drops to the inside of my face mask, and let me tell you - it makes wearing the mask for a prolonged period of time so much easier!

If you want to check it out, you can find it at your local Walmart Supercenter, or in an affordable 2-pack from Amazon! 

*I purchased the Mentholatum VaporDuo as part of the Smiley360 program. All product opinions are 100% mine.

Happy New Year!

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