The good folks at Tractive GPS have compiled a list of the top five ways to celebrate today, which is National Love Your Pet Day. The highlights: Praise them. Spend quality time together. Upgrade their toys and safety gear. Treat them to new healthy foods. Use your imagination to do their favorite things. You can … Continue reading Celebrating National Love Your Pet Day
Win a Pet Parents® Pawtect™ Blanket!
This giveaway is sponsored by and fulfilled by Pet Parents®. We recently told you about the new Pet Parents® Pawtect Blankets–waterproof blankets specifically designed for pet households. These…
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Virtual Night With The Museum of the Dog
From The Dog Lady’s mailbag: The AKC Museum of the Dog is excited to announce “Virtual Night with the Museum,” a livestream virtual gala honoring the Museum’s longtime friend, supporter and board member Ronald H. Menaker on Friday, February 12 between 8pm -9pm. For almost three decades, the Theatre Benefit for the Museum has been … Continue reading Virtual Night With The Museum of the Dog
5 Bedtime Tips for Young Kids
Some of you may remember me sharing a similar post to this a couple of years ago. My kids are now 5 and 7, and while bedtime has gotten easier in some ways, we still face challenges. (I’m not surprised either; both my husband and I are night owls by nature.) We continue to learn as we go, and implement the strategies we’ve learned along the way with new insight.
1. Start bedtime early.
We still struggle with this sometimes, but are well aware of how important it is. When bed time is rushed, it almost jacks the kids up and then takes them longer to fall asleep. If we start an hour beforehand to allow plenty of time for getting bathed, getting into pajamas, brushing teeth, and reading books, they fall asleep more quickly, and stay asleep better.
2. Be consistent with bed times.
My husband and I are naturally both night owls. For a long time, we would make sure the kids went to bed early during the week, but let them stay up quite late (and sleep in) on the weekends. This always backfired. We still let them stay up later on the weekends, but no more than an hour past their weekday bedtimes.
3. Take screens away several hours before bedtime.
Do as I say, not as I do! (I read or watch Netflix on my iPad every night before bed.) In all seriousness though, making sure our kids didn’t have access to screens at least a couple of hours before bed has made a huge difference in how well they sleep. (Research backs this up!) My son used to always if he could watch a movie or show before bed, and I was often so exhausted myself I would allow it. I noticed that when we opted for a book instead, he fell asleep much more quickly. That became the rules, and now he looks forward to the storytime and no longer requests a screen.
The only thing worse than trying to get a 5 year old back to sleep after a middle-of-the-night pee is changing their wet sheets. Both of these problems can usually (hey, accidents happen) be avoided with a trip to the bathroom immediately before they go to sleep.
I’d love to hear other tips and tricks that work for your family as well!
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10 Reasons You Need a Waterproof Blanket
This post is sponsored by Pet Parents®. Pet parenting can be messy business–but that doesn’t have to stand in the way of snuggling with your dog on the couch or in your favorite chair….
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7 Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe at a Super Bowl Party
Even if this year means a Super Bowl party for your quarantine pod only, it’s still a day to make sure your dog remains safe while you all enjoy some fun. Keep an eye on alcoholic beverages….
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DIY Kids Valentine’s Day Baskets + Handmade Valentine’s Cards
medium sized foam or cardstock hearts (you can buy precut or cut your own)
YumEarth Organic Lollipops, YumEarth Organic Gummy Fruits, and YumEarth Organic Giggles
Directions
Once again using the double-side tape, attach a piece of YumEarth organic valentine candy to the center of each heart.
Encourage your kids to use their creativity to decorate however they choose with stickers and washy tape.
Small basket
Add stuffed animal, YumEarth Organic Lollipops, YumEarth Organic Gummy Fruits and YumEarth Organic Giggles, pencils, and stickers (or other small goodies).
Place handmade Valentine card in the back.
Add heart sticker to the front of the basket.
If you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day candy and treats you can feel good about giving to your babes (and also good about them handing out to their friends), go to their store locator to find out where to buy YumEarth allergy friend candy near you, or shop online. And if you end up making your own Valentines and/or these fun Valentine baskets, tag me (@bubbyandbean) on social media so I can see them and share!
Shelter Sunday: Anemone / Hope Animal Rescue / Maxwell, IA
Meet Anemone! She is said to be good with kids, cats, and other dogs. Here’s what her rescuers have to say about her:Anemone is a sweet little 8 week old girl. She is still learning the ropes on potty training, she just isn’t too sure of this Iowa snow! She and her sister Amaryllis love … Continue reading Shelter Sunday: Anemone / Hope Animal Rescue / Maxwell, IA
Win a Heart Birthstone Purse Locket with Paw Birthstones!
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner…and to celebrate we’re giving away a PawZaar Paw Birthstone Purse Locket/Keyring! This heart-shaped purse locket or key ring holds up to…
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