Category Archives: LIfe

This is Sherry Aikens life and struggles.

International Cat Day and Best Feline Friend

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With International Cat Day happening on August 8, and Happy Healthy Cat Month in September, now is the perfect time to address the ‘cat in the room’—and that’s your feline friend’s diet. I’ll be the first to admit my own cat’s diet isn’t ‘purr’fect. [CAT NAME] can be a picky eater, or ignore her water bowl even when it’s placed right next to her food. I struggled to understand how I could address these issues. But then I realized I wasn’t alone—my cat was just experiencing one of the three most common cat concerns: picky eating, weight gain, and urinary tract issues.

I learned about the Big 3 by partnering with Weruva [http://www.weruva.com/]—a luxurious, natural pet food dubbed “people food for cats” which is launching a full line of gluten, grain, and carrageenan-free cat food in honor of International Cat Day. It’s called B.F.F. OMG! (that stands for Best Feline Friend, Oh My Gravy), and it’s all about preventing these Big 3 Cat Concerns.

If your cat has any of these, you might want to consider changing their diet:

Is your cat picky? Picky eating is usually a problem with texture, since cats are carnivores whose tongues and teeth are perfectly evolved for meat-eating. It’s easy to see why a cat might dislike something without real shreds of meat—would you eat a steak with the texture of tapioca? Weruva’s food features these shreds of real meat right off the bone, which is why my cat took to it like a duck to water (or a cat to gravy)!

Got a fat cat? The problem is in the kibble. It’s filled with unnecessary carbs, which are almost impossible for cats to process (they don’t produce amylase, an enzyme which helps humans digest their food). Weruva’s B.F.F. OMG! has no kibble to worry about because it’s 100% real meats in their true form. bfD_cat_food2671

UT-why? Urinary tract issues often stem from dehydration—even if you’re giving your cat plenty of water. In the wild, cats stay hydrated through the food they eat instead of what they drink. Cats are used to ‘eating’ their water—but most wet foods don’t have nearly enough hydration to keep them satisfied. All of the products in Weruva’s B.F.F. OMG! line are over 85% hydration, which satisfies my cat’s hydration needs.

I love Weruva products because they are considered ‘people food for pets.’ The new line of B.F.F. OMG! cans and pouches feature land proteins like boneless and skinless white chicken breast, salmon, beef, duck, lamb and more. All recipes are grain, gluten, and carrageenan free. And if you are a BPA-free home, check out the pouches because they are are BPA-free. Best of all, my kitty loves it!

Health isn’t just for humans, and I’m glad I took the time to learn how to feed my BFF properly. Even better, in the process, I found my kitty’s new favorite food. She especially likes Weruva’s [YOUR CAT’S FAVORITE] flavor, which you can read about at http://www.weruva.com/. You can also explore the whole B.F.F. OMG! lineup there, and find a flavor your cat will ‘paw’sitively adore, at Chewy.com

Has your cat experienced one of the Big 3 Cat Concerns? Share your experience in the comments!cat _food_2658

 

Menu Planning and Life

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This week is a busy week.  I have a lot going on at work and in my life.  I have a bazaar at work, I am headed at the end of the week to a wedding in Dallas leaving my husband to do the running with the kids.  Plus my daughter is preforming in a play on Sunday.   I need to meal plan which I have not been doing any regularity lately causing me to be very disorganized.

My meal planing this week is all about easy because of how much I have to get done.  Easy for my self and my husband is super important.  also Tuesday night I have to make a pot of my  Split pea soup for the Bazaar.

I really also want to tell you about what else I have been up to.  I am still sewing and making superhero capes.   Check out BABYPOP (for your custom capes starting at $17 for custom letter, color, and logo they make great Christmas gifts.

babypop super hero capes starting at $17

I even make capes for the family pets !

super dog cape

My mask are $4.50 each at my store Babypop

super hero mask

I have been reading more because the political environment makes me shut of the TV.   I just finished Orphan Train and now I am reading Boys on the Boat.  Both books are amazing.  What are you reading .. any suggestion for my next book.

Meal Planing this week:

Sunday : Baked Fish and potatoes asparagus

Monday: Beef and noodles

Tuesday:Pork chops

Wednesday: Chili

Thursday: Perogies and kielbasa

Friday: Pizza

Saturday: Burgers and Tator Tots

 

Be sure to check out my posts :

My top 10 Favorite Things to buy at Aldi and Save

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Menu Planning with Teens

Meal Planning on Budget with Teenagers

Meal Planning with teens : This week has been a long week I have been going back and forth to NYC because of family health concern.  So meal planning has become important. Since I have been back at work my son has been making dinner on some nights. He has been great asking how he can help.

Monday : Chicken Pot Pie cupcakes

Tuesday  Shrimp Enchiladas with Creamy Poblano Sauce from little spice jar

Wednesday : Tornadoes Hot Dog  from TasteMade on Instagram

Thursday: Burger and fries one pot From Betty Crocker

Friday: Homemade Pizza

Having my son help with dinner is amazing, not only is he learning to follow recipes and instruction but he is learning a skill.  So he wont only eat junk food his life he will learn cooking is fun.  I know he will make about 2 of these meals, anything helps.    I sent my husband the shopping list for the week since I am out of town he can shop for the ingredients.

I am linking up Organizing Junkie and Motivation Monday

What are you cooking with your kids or how do they help with dinner?

Be sure to check out last weeks post on getting your kids eat veggies.

13 Great Ideas to get kids to eat Their Veggies #seethelite

Also love to save check out  My top 10 Favorite Things to buy at Aldi and Save

My top 10 Favorite Things to buy at Aldi and Save

Have a great Week!

 

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How to Wash your Window Blinds

How to wash blinds sleaning clean blinds

How to Wash your Window Blinds: We are in the process of redoing my daughter bed room.  Which include repainting, re-carpeting, and all new to us furniture.  The one thing that we did keep in her room was the white blinds.  I need them to match all the freshly painted and new items. I do dust them or I tell her to dust them .. but they never look great.  So a friend suggested washing them.

My blinds are 2″ wide composite blinds not wood.   Our binds are not going get distorted by water.

Disclosure: If you have wood blinds I would proceed with caution (make sure it is a hot day so they dry quickly and will not warp.  Because wood if it is wet too long will absorb water and warp.  I am not responsible if you destroy your blinds.

If you have older blinds why not give washing them a try because they might come out fantastic like mine.

How to Wash your Window Blinds:

 

  1. Dust blinds
  2. Choose a hot day with the sun-shinning let the outdoors do the work  -AKA summer project
  3. Place sturdy patio chairs or a 2 ladder in the sun to place the blinds onHow to wash blinds sleaning clean blinds
  4. Fill a clean bucket with hot soapy water (dish washing detergent)  and a large clean/new sponge
  5. Take down blinds from window bring out side placing top over back of chair
  6. Make sure blinds are full extended (you will need 2 people) one to hold one to lower the binds, so you can get to every blind while washing them- allows them to dry and dirt to not pool under them
  7. With a hose spray down the blinds with waterHow to wash blinds sleaning clean blinds
  8. Then wash each blind by hand with the soapy water & spongeHow to wash blinds sleaning clean blinds
  9. Rinse and repeat if necessary
  10. Allow to dry in sun (towel dry first if you are worried about hard water spots)
  11. Be sure to tilt the top of the Blind at an angle so the water can drain out as it drys
  12. When blinds are complete dry rehang blinds..How to wash blinds sleaning clean blinds
  13. Admire your work.

Have fun cleaning them I found it is the best way to make the blinds look new.

Check out my post on  How to Fix Fitted sheets to stay in place DIY

How to Fix Fitted sheets to stay in place DIY

Also check out My top 10 Favorite Things to buy at Aldi and Save

My top 10 Favorite Things to buy at Aldi and Save

 

 

 

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5 Disaster Tips for Pet Owners

5 Disaster Tips for Pet Owners

Anyone who knows me knows I adore my dogs they are family to us.   Both Lloyd my Doberman and Grundy my bulldog are a huge part of our house hold.  They determine many things from weekend get-aways length we stay because they might destroy my home. Whom will be able to stay with my babies when we are gone,  also the fact I only own leather furniture because I like them to join me sitting on the couch.  The thought of a natural disaster displacing part of my family away from us makes me very anxious.  Purina asked me to participate in a goggle talk recently which I was compensated for in exchange for this post .  The purpose of the talk was to learn more about  Disaster Tips for Pet Owners.

The talk was fascinating because as a pet owner I never think about “A Plan” for my pets. Think about it??  What would you do if something major happens? You worry and know what you will do with your children.  What about your furry babies?  Purina helps respond to natural disasters in the United States that seriously disrupt the functioning of communities causing animals harm and distress. In the United States in 2015 Purina donated $31.5 million worth of pet food, pet supplies and monetary contributions to pet-related charities and other community organizations across the country.  For more information please visit purina.com

What did I learn from the Disaster Pet  talk ?

Dr. Kurt Venator, Purina Veterinarian was the leader of the talk answering  all our questions.

1st Basic things,  I would not think about like that wet pet food is better then dry to keep in a pet disaster kit because it is more stable and not subjected going spoiled if the can gets wet.  He also informed us that you should have an extra collar and leash, just in case.   It is imported to  keep an extra set of the animals records in the pet disaster kit and in your important papers.

Do you know what local hotels with in a 2 hour radius would take your animal, how about if local shelters can they help you if your dog was not able to come with.. good questions I never thought about.

I loved the idea that I don’t know if many people with cats think of:  Try leaving your cat carrier out so that your cats get use to going in the Cat carrier on a regularly basis.. My old cat hated the carrier and cried every-time he went it to the vet.  Having a cat use to the carrier daily can cut down on the animals anxiety about being transported.

The Dr also addressed my concern with a bulldog.  Most can’t swim English Bulldogs are top heavy so a life jacket for your dog can also be important if you are in a flood prone or water area.

 

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5 Disaster Tips for Pet Owners

  1. Know the common natural disasters that can occur: Though pet owners should try to be prepared for all types of emergencies if possible, depending on which U.S. region you reside in, there are certain natural disasters that are more common than others. For example, hurricanes and cyclones are more likely to occur if you live near the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic Coast, and tornadoes mainly hit areas like Kansas or Iowa in the Midwest. The West coast typically experiences wildfires and flash flooding can take place in certain areas across the U.S. – such as the Southwest – after large storms. If you live in a region where hurricanes are common, it’s important to understand the elevation level of your property and whether it is prone to floods. This will help you understand how your property will be affected when a hurricane hits and can help you prepare a plan in advance for your pets.
  2. Prep your home and pet: The first step to preparing your pet for a natural disaster is to make sure that he or she is wearing a securely fastened collar with up-to-date identification in case you become separated during a natural disaster. Pet owners can consider having their pet microchipped to assure that the pet can be identified and found via an electronic device as well. To prepare your home for natural disasters, talk to your local veterinarian who can provide waterproof, “Pets Inside” stickers that you can place on the front and back door of your house to alert rescuers that there are pets inside your home. In the case of a hurricane, try to cover all of your windows with permanent storm shutters or marine plywood and keep your pet away from them while the hurricane is passing through.
  3. Prepare a disaster kit: Your pet disaster kit should include basic pet essentials such as bottled water, cans of wet food, blankets, collapsible bowls, cat litter and pan, and a leash and collar. A one-to-two-week supply of food that your pet usually eats is an ideal amount to include in your disaster kit, however make sure to replace the food according to the expiration dates. Have photos of your pet on-hand in case you need to distribute pictures if your pet gets lost and make sure to include any important paperwork pertaining to your pet (e.g. vaccine records/medical history, veterinary contact information, medications list and emergency contacts). Finally, be sure to include a basic pet first-aid kit in your disaster kit.
  4. Develop an evacuation plan: Do your research and save precious evacuation time by identifying possible locations where you can take your animals should you have to evacuate. These locations can include animal shelters, veterinary clinics or even pet-friendly hotels where you and your pet can find relief until the disaster passes. Keeping your dog’s medical records on-hand is vital since some pet-friendly emergency relief centers require proof of vaccinations in order for your pet to stay there.
  5. Recruit friends and neighbors: It’s also important to consider creating a buddy system with your neighbor, family or friend who can look out for your pet in case you are not home when a disaster strikes. Add this person to your veterinarian’s emergency contact list of people who have authority to approve necessary emergency treatments if you can’t be reached. Also, identify places where you can leave your pet while you are out of town to avoid leaving your pet alone. Always let your pet sitter and back-up person know where your pet’s disaster kit is stored in case of an emergency.

Be sure to pin this post  to Pinterest so you can refer to it when you build your Pet Disaster kit!

 

5 Disaster Tips for Pet Owners

Disclosure: I was compensated for this post by Purina. My opinion are my own and I am sharing information that I feel is important.

 

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How to teach responsibility : That can grow with your child

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How to teach responsibility ?:  I have been thinking alot about one of the prompts I was given to write about for my last Pley post “How do you teach young kids about responsibility?”  My oldest is 15 yep,  just turned it last month.  I have to say everyday, I am more and more in love with who my son has become.  Not only has he become responsible but a truly caring person.  He looks at the world through empathetic eyes and views the world as his “responsibility.”

I know, a 15 year old who really cares about others, he does, which still takes me as by surprise even though he has always been this way.  This weekend he helped a 12 year boy swim across a pool kicking for the 1st time after 4 years swimming practice.  Rooting  his “little buddy” on to win gold, it made my heart swell to watch them both grow.  He has taken responsibility for his buddy success. I love when  find out that he has stopping to see a neighbor on his way home from school without being asked to check that he is “all right”. He want to make sure his older friend is safe and healthy.

 

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Today i was asked,   How did your Son come to understand responsibility for enhancing others lives?  I said I always stressed the importance of caring and understanding for others.

Some people have more,  and some have less,  some just are plan happy with the gifts they are given.

It started when he was little I would have him run soup to older neighbors, or have them work with me to give donation to a toy bank.   I remember my little boy wanting to give all his saved money when a collection was not taken.  He said  he wanted to give because it was his responsibility to give to other kids that had less.  He is still your typical teen never picking up his mess, regardless he is always amazing in my eyes.

Allowing kids to find balance and learn the world is a much bigger place then their block or street. Teaching there are others that are in your own world that can benefit from kindness.  Children will learn it always comes back to you 2 fold.  Just the basics be good and kind then responsibility will come.

How do you teach Responsibility?

This Post was sponsored by Pley-  Pley is a monthly toy subscription based service that allows you to pick out the toy of your choosing.  The toy of your choice gets shipped to you. When the child is finished you simply put the toy back in the packaging and ship it back postage paid.   You are taking responsibility to not add to landfills and teach your child responsibility for a toy.  It is a “Win Win” on the responsibility front.   It is a rental toy dream because your kids get to play with all those expensive toys sets without the cost.   That is also being responsible with your money.   Check out Pley here.

 

 

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Check out my other parenting posts:

 

16 Ways To Teach Kids to be Grateful

 

Don’t be Angry Mom

 

Don’t be Angry Mom

girl playing with pley toy service

Pley Disclosure

Toys Toys Toys they are everywhere in my home. My daughters is 10 1/2  and her room is a field of toys and books.  When you walk across you take the health of your feet into jeopardy.  Her closet which leads to our storage space, I only get to every few months because of her toy clutter.  I don’t think she understood that the clean up song in preschool and it can be sung at home. The biweekly ritual (struggle)  of time to clean up your room little girl is my parenting fail.  Which lead to The Purge.

Every few months I threaten “The Purge.”
It goes like this ..
Me: “Clean your room. “
Her: “I will after the show is over” after me asking 3-4 times then she mopes unwilling upstairs
2 hours later…
She is downstairs watching TV with a box of cereal sitting next to her
Me: “Is your room clean? “
Her: “Un-huh yup”
Me: “Do I need to double check? Is it my standard of clean? or yours? “
Her : “There might be a few things on the floor” she hustles upstairs again to avoid the wrath of Angry Mom
20 minutes later…
Me: I visit the room that organization forgot. The toy landmines went off boom BIG BOOM. Toys everywhere, under everything somehow it is worse???  That small sharp block pierce my big toe. (a curse word that rhymes with “it” might have been said)
The room is war zone and my top is blown “Angry” Mom comes for a visit
She running up to her room she “cleans” for another hour”

Apparently her definition of “Cleaning” is dancing around her room singing happily…I think she thinks she is Cinderella and the bluebirds are coming to help!

Yea No Bluebirds.. No little mice.. (because they would die of suffocation in that pig sty.. a slow and excruciating death.)

After another hour or 2 … I step in with the dreaded garbage bag and “The Purge” Begins.. some tears occur for the loss of her toys  but then acceptance sets in (the beginning stages of grief.)

rulls for keeping your kids rooms claen so you dont become angry mom

Toy Purge Rules:

  • Anything broken or missing parts
  • Anything that has come with food aka in cereal boxes or in a box food meal
  • Anything chewed
  • Anything dented
  • Any loose beads
  • Anything with marker, pen or crayon marks
  • Loose or ripped paper
  • We also purge any clothes shoes that do not fit.
  • Anything that you have not played with in the last 6 months
  • Back to basic rules everything has a place..
  • Clean and make sure floor is clean every night
  • If you room is not clean cant go out or have someone over.. (have to admit this is not a great rule for me because I do need her to go out especially in the summer)

The major purge timetable before Christmas, birthday, end of school and beginning of school.

It is tough raising kids maybe it is my penance because well I was a messy kid. My mother recalls my sister and I putting tape down the center of our shared room because my mess. I am sure my mother snickers every time she gets off the phone with me, when I am complain about my daughter being a hot mess.
I am just Super-exhausted from my daughter getting tired of toys and abandoning them to land of her forgotten toys. That is why I am so excited to learn about Pley.

pley logo
You have not hear of Pley? It is service that you pay a monthly fee and the toys of your choice are sent to your kids. They play with them. Then you return them for new to you toys. Great right?  No more forgotten toys, once the kids are done you send them back to Pley for a new toys.   What I love about the service is Pley has the toys that are pricey so you can build them then so they get the experience and challenge of the build. They look at it for a few day you can get pictures of the experience. Then the kids move on and so do the toys out of your house.

The Pley toys are cleaned and shared.  Reuse and recycle no toys going to “the purge” and landfills.   Wonderful for the environment and your home.

Less mess
Avoid Angry Mom
Try Pley

kids playing with toys from Pley

 

 

Meal Planning 1 4 2016

mushrooms

Welcome New Year.   May people pick a work that embodies the object for the year,  My friend Hillary Chybinski always tells me about her word for the year.  So this year I decided to pick a word. Since this is my 1st time having an objective or theme word. I decided to pick something I need to work on.

So..

My goal or word for the New Year is to “Finish”.  I am great at starting things but loose interest .. it might be the kids lack of interest or myself diagnosed Adult Attention Deficit.  I am going back and finishing old sew projects or finish all those blog post I hope to bring to you.

This past weekend I worked on several old projects.  I finished some pj bottoms that have been sitting next to my sewing machine for my daughter. I also worked on a quilt I started in 2003,  I really don’t love the pattern but I am determined to finish because I already have so much  time invested.

 

quilt

This week I hope to finish a few more projects.  I will be sure to share them with you as I go.

So are you doing a Resolution or Word of the year?

 

Meal Planning

I am back to meal planning after a month of no planning, I get very use to meal planning when I am not planning my family does not run as smooth, I get a lot of what are we eating and I never have the right food in the house.  I am going to try to planning out a little more at one time trying to schedule out 2 weeks and plan better.

Monday : Pulled Pork with homemade potato wedges

Tuesday : Chicken Thighs with rice and black beans

Wednesday: Ravioli soup from SmallTownWoman

Thursday: Fried Rice with chicken and pork (re-purposing left overs)

Friday: Homemade pizza

 

Have a Great Week and enjoy the fresh start of the new year!

Linking up to Organizing Junkie Menu Planning  and Motivation Monday

 

Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates

Hans Brinker and silver skate

If you follow my blog you probably I really enjoy exposing my kids to the arts. This December was no different, The Arden open a new play Han Brinker and the Silver skates and they invited us to preview it because my daughter was part of the drama school. The Play is Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates the script has been in the works at the Arden for 2 years, It was well worth the wait.
I took my daughter and her friends to experience the play. The play is a lovely story age appropriate for 5 and up. There is a little music and the actors are moving the entire play.

Hans Brinker and silver skate
The story is of a family Hans, His Sister Gretel, and parents have fallen on hard times. The people of their town dismiss them because of poverty except for one kind girl who looks past the poverty and treats them with Humanity. It is the story of hardships, kindness, and how people can learn from each other presented in a lovely way that is appropriate for the plays young patrons.

Hans Brinker and silver skate
The Stage is set up as a frozen river and is wonderful the actor with the felt pad shoes actually skate on the stage it is lovely to watch. They make it look so realistic you think you are outside. The choreography and the use of the stage is amazing, makes for a fast moving play that the kids and adults.
The Arden does a wonderful job with educating kids. After the play the actors sit down on the stage and answer questions
I think this plays is great for the winter not only is a winter time play but the message is wonderful. As an adult I was touched and felt tears coming at certain parts of the play. The actors are truly magical.

 

Hans Brinker and silver skate
I would recommend taking the kids to a Matinee show. We went to The Continental for lunch after (tip they offer 10% with The Arden ticket stubs). It is a little pricier for kids about (10-$20 for a meal) no kids menu. I go because of my favorite appetizer The Onion Soup Bites (my copycat recipe is here). Which if you had them you will understand the splurge for the kids.

the contential resturart
After lunch we walked up to and walked through City Hall. I did not know they have a amazing tree in the middle of city hall. All the girls remarked the center of city hall looked like Hogwartz. Next to City hall is Dilworth Park for Made In Philly market which will be there for the Holidays featuring many local Artisans. I loved the frosted cookies yummy. They also had soap makers, wonderful handmade clothes, and jewelry, that was all locally made in Philly. Dilworth Park also has an Ice skating rink.

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Diagonal from city hall is Love Park where the Christmas Village is set up featuring great vendors from around the world. The girls loved shopping. It was a little tight in some sections of the market I would not recommend the Village for strollers. They did have a mulled wine you could purchase a commemorative cup for $8 and do refills for $6. It smelled good. They also had many different food.

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Before heading back to the car we check out the Macys windows, If the girls were not complete tired I would have stayed for the organ and light show. The organ plays twice a day, the light show is every hour call the store to double check times.