Love Dogs? You’ll LOVE Molly.

Do you love dogs as much as we do? If you are anything like us, you love your 4 legged friend more than pretty much anything. As well, you hate misinformation being spread! So many lies about pitbulls, who are as gentle a dog as you can find. Good with adults, kids, cats, other dogs of all sizes- it’s not about the breed, it’s about how they are trained. If you abuse a dog and train it to bite, that’s what happens. Blame the trash humans, not the abused animal. But Pit Bulls actually have a much lower bite rate then many other dogs, like Chihuahuas or Jack Russel Terriers, as well as a more gentle demeanor. Just like your kindergarten teacher said- don’t judge a book by it’s cover. And don’t believe everything you read- the media did the same thing to the German Shepherds, to the Rottweilers, and on and on. Just can’t blame the actual problem- humans doing awful things. Give these beauties a 2nd chance- they are by and large lovers, not fighters.

Molly A Love Story

Molly: A Love Story

by Dana Brackob is a true story about a cute little Pit Bull, lost and alone in the world until one day she was rescued and given a home. Molly’s story teaches children about the unconditional love that a dog can bring into the lives of a family. As a cancer survivor, Molly overcame adversity, and her story shows that despite every hardship, true love is everlasting. Children and dog lovers of all ages will be touched by Molly’s story and that of her adopted brother Logan, a Siberian Husky who became her best friend.  See more here: histriabooks.com/product/molly-a-love-story

A portion of the sale of each copy of Molly will go to support animal shelters in the Las Vegas area.
Dana Brackob lives and works in Las Vegas. She was Molly’s real-life mom and wanted to share her story. Pit Bulls are often maligned, but Molly proved that they are one of the most loving types of dogs. The illustrator, Evgeniya Kozhevnikova, is a talented Russian artist living in Tomsk, Siberia.

GIVING GRIEF MEANING – A Book to help through vulnerable times

Most of us, I’d even wager to say all of us, will experiance grief at points of our lives. How we deal with it varies from person to person, but it’s not a topic that most of us are excited to tackle.  After a sad event, the author (Lily Dulan) decided to write a book about grief and her experiences.

grief book

You can Find it on Amazon or Bookshop 
ISBN 978-1642503135
Price: $18.95

GIVING GRIEF MEANING 

Following the death of her daughter, Kara Meyer Dulan, from SIDs at the tender age of two months old, Dulan was compelled to give meaning to her daughter’s brief life and honor her name.  As she moved through the grief process in a profound and transformative way, she gradually created The Name Work®, a cross pollination of proven psychological modalities, 12-step wellness tools, and spiritual healing applications.  By attaching a special meaning to names, and following breathing and meditative exercises, daily affirmations, and more, the method teaches us how to overcome our personal and professional challenges.  It also addresses our shared grief at this most difficult and challenging time in history, brought on by Covid-19, racialism, a collapsing economy, and environmental disasters.  For many of us, the upcoming holiday season will trigger feelings of stress, loneliness and grief, and the New Year will bring forth desires to make a lasting change.  GIVING GRIEF MEANING explains how to work through challenges such as:

  • Coming to terms with ANGER, STRESS, FAMILY/MARITAL DISCORD, DEATH, LOSS
  • Reframing a relationship with ADDICTION, FOOD, SEXUALITY, BODY IMAGE
  • Rebuilding after CHANGE, SADNESS, DEPRESSION

Praise for GIVING GRIEF MEANING

“Lily Dulan has written a courageous book filled with depth and vulnerability. Through the devastating loss of her beloved daughter Kara, Lily was inspired to create the process of “The Name Work®.” I’m sure that it will prove to be an accessible and useful tool for many people to give meaning to their grief. This book is filled with real-world examples of love overcoming despair. Lily encourages the reader to feel their own truth and develop empowering thoughts in sync with that truth. For all who are grieving, this book fulfills its promise to bring readers a sense of renewal, love and ultimate peace of mind.

—Judith Orloff, MD, Author of The Empaths Survival Guide

“Lily has written a heart-warming, courageous book about The Name Work®, offering pages of wisdom, guidance and hope to all who are grieving unbearable loss. From the heartbreak and despair of her little daughter’s death to discovering new meaning and purpose in life, Lily shares the lessons she learns on her healing journey to Giving Grief Meaning. Lily’s big heart of love shines through the pages of this book, embracing every reader who longs to find a hope-full path from devastating grief to a new commitment to life, love and compassion.”

—Trudy Goodman, Founder of InsightLA

“Lily’s book, Giving Grief Meaning, takes the reader on an intimate personal journey of Lily’s experience of what it is like to have a much loved and wanted baby in the NICU, and then for her sweet baby Kara to die of SIDS eight weeks after birth at home. Lily and her husband were shattered by unfathomable grief and trauma. Lily’s assumptive world was blown up and she shares her authentic, messy, and dark despair of grief. With the help of community and a strong spiritual practice was she able to transform her pain and suffering into helping herself and others. She chose to live and thrive through her love for Kara. Grief is LOVE. The Name Work® is a beautiful deck of cards with an initial on it. It is a heart centered “tool” or process to create affirmations, positive attributes and describe a loved one by using the letters of their name. Brilliant! I can not recommend this healing book enough to anyone suffering through the wide range and turbulent human emotions of grief, no matter the type of loss. This book will help validate and normalize the life-long ups and downs of the grieving process. Thank you Lily for your gift of this book and choosing life – you are helping so many by shining your light, grace and love with us all.”

—Dr. Ivy Margulies, Psy.D., PMH-C

“Insurmountable pain strikes deep and transforms lives; the effects last a lifetime. How we engage that pain truly determines our path forward. Through Giving Grief Meaning, the reader journeys with Lily Dulan as she blossoms into the unique, stunning, beautiful and giving person that she is today. To take pain and truly transform it toward enlightened joy and giving for others is a gift. We at Unatti Foundation are truly grateful for the wisdom that Lily has imparted to our girls in Nepal. The dedication of the Kara Love Project Community Room was a true testament to the care that Lily provides to rise the human spirit. Lily is now sharing all the possibilities to turn pain into growth with the world. Brava!”

—Stephanie Waisler-Rubin and Michelle Armoni, Unatti Foundation

“Earth, My Dearest” #NewBook #EarthDayEveryDay

Earth, my dearest, I will. Oh believe me, you no longer need your springtimes to win me over.” —Rainer Maria Rilke

earth day book

A new book, Earth, My Dearest, is an inspirational compilation of over 200 quotes around conservation and sustainability. Hopefully it will inspire people to treat the planet a little more respectfully, and further give inspiration to those who fight to keep the planet livable and healthy for all species.

Highlighting the wonders of our planet and ways on how best we can save it, Earth, My Dearest includes quotes ranging from poet Henry David Thoreau to activist Greta Thunberg. This quote collection will help show all of us how to cherish the environment and key ways to protect our fragile planet moving ahead to an uncertain future.

There is no time like the present to begin your environmentalism or kick it up a notch. We are on borrowed time, with species vanishing literally every day, and much more rainforest is destroyed then is left remaining. If we hope to have a planet, we better start working together and not just SAYING we care, but actually doing things that show that we care.

We need to show our children how much we love them and save their futures.

What have you done today to love your planet?

For inspiration, check the book out here or wherever you buy your books. Have a good day, love to all.

Looking for a Gift for Mother’s or Father’s Day? Photo Gifts and Decor for 2021 from Mpix

Looking for a great and personal gift to give your partner, parents, or loved one? How about checking out Mpix to see what they offer? They offer professional photo prints, books, gifts and prefabricated gallery walls all under the umbrella of the number one professional photo lab in the country – Miller’s.  I had my son’s newborn photos done by Millers (just coincidentally) and I loved them. They did such a great job and were so patient with him (and me, the new and nervous/anxious mom).

photos via Mpix.com

We recently had the opportunity to try out Mpix, and while my order hasn’t arrived yet, I will certainly update the post once it has arrived. I didn’t want to wait to post until  received it, because right now you can save %25 just by opening the website! As soon as you open the page, they give you a great deal for %25 off as well as free shipping over $49.

Not something to wait and pass up. The site was easier to use on the PC- I had a problem trying to log in and/or create a username and password while on my phone. It didn’t work from my husband’s phone either, so either the site is glitching out when it comes to android phones, our phones specifically, or maybe it doesn’t like phones that use autofill? We didn’t have the change to to to type, it would just shut down the keyboard each time. However, as soon as I got on the PC, it ran smoothly and without any issues.

Besides traditional canvas or photo prints, you can order lots of cool things such as collage art, pictures on wood, photos on metal, acrylic, and a number of other choices. We had a hard time choosing, but ultimately chose to try the wood because I don’t have anything like that in the house and it seems both pretty and whimsical.

havesippywilltravel

We chose a photo of myself and my husband with two of our dogs on a recent day out at a park. Normally, everything is all about the kids, the kids, the kids- but it was nice to have myself in a photo for once, honestly, haha. Also, I’m trying to get all the dogs AND recent pics of all the kids on the wall- no small feat considering they are at “that age”- you know what I mean. So, a move in the right direction for that small goal.

Head over to the site, check it out and see what you think your person would like best- or maybe pick something up for yourself as well, why not? The prices are good, may as well. Visit https://www.mpix.com and save yourself some money while still getting the gift mom, dad, your wife (etc) will like best.

Life and Other Shortcomings, a book by Corie Adjmi

Corie Adjmi, award-winning author and women’s empowerment activist, harnesses the power and relatability of storytelling to help empower women in all areas of life in her award-winning book, Life and Other Shortcomings. Recently featured and reviewed by the Jewish Book Council, Life and Other Shortcomings, is the perfect gift-solution for any literary-loving (or even not) person in your life.

This book illustrates the stories of 12 women, all on a different path in life, with one common overarching theme: the beauty, honesty and compelling nature of the female experience and what it means to be a woman. Through each character’s intimate journey, specific truths are revealed about what it means to be a woman—in a relationship with another person, in a particular culture and era—and how these conditions ultimately affect her relationship with herself. The stories as a whole depict patriarchy, showing what still might be, but certainly what was, for some women in this country.

I’m only part of the way through it, and I’m liking that it highlights different women’s experiences. We all go through different things- that’s what makes us who we are- but very few women get through life without society’s patriarchal mess digging it’s claws in.  The stories, from somewhat subtle to more “in your face”, are really interesting to read, and I’m looking forward to finishing the book.

How Our Government Really Works—What Every Teenager Should Know

After such a wild election season, kids and teens might find themselves more interested or curious in politics. And if so- good on them. Let them read all they can, and not just about one side of things. Forming well read and  properly researched opinions will only make them better, smarter, and more empathetic people.

One book that has recently come out is a book that describes itself as “compelling, bipartisan insights about our country’s democracy. You Call This Democracy? How to Fix Our Government and Deliver Power to the People from author, speaker and public policy expert Elizabeth Rusch examines in simple terms our democracy’s missteps and how we can work together to create “a more perfect union.”

Some of the topics discussed are-

1. Why the race for president might distract us from the most important story of this election — ballot measures that affect our democracy

2. How COVID provides a surprising opportunity to finally do something about this country’s abysmal voter turnout

3. Important election topics people can discuss with family, friends and colleagues without starting a partisan brawl

4. What every American needs to know about how elections are run in their state

How Our Government Really Works—What Every Teenager Should Know

Whether you’re a student, parent, educator or engaged citizen seeking the truth, You Call This Democracy? How to Fix Our Government and Deliver Power to the People from public policy expert Elizabeth Rusch paves the way for every citizen to not only understand the flaws in our current democracy but to also fix them.

“We think we live in a democracy. One person, one vote. But how democratic is our government really?” Rusch asks. “The hard truth is that political power is not shared equally among all citizens. It shouldn’t matter if you are rich, poor, urban, rural, Democrat, Republican, old or young when you mark your ballot. Your race and gender shouldn’t matter either. But they all do.”

You Call This Democracy? gives an honest view of how our democracy truly functionswho really has the power and why (and how that power impacts politicians and policies) and how we can work together to make our democracy more responsive to the will of the people.

Consider the following:

1. Presidents can take office without winning the popular vote. 

2. Voting districts are drawn by politicians for their own benefit.

3. Millions of citizens—young, old, poor, people of color, women—are blocked from voting.

4. Money wields much more influence than the wishes of ordinary Americans.

You Call This Democracy? offers insightful solutions to undemocratic elements plaguing our government, with inspirational examples of citizens already working to make change. International comparisons, extensive sources and resources prompt readers to dig deeper ― and take action.

Supplementary materials to the book include Rusch’s “50 State Democracy Report Card” (https://www.youcallthis.com/your-state), where people can check to see how democracy fares in their state overall and on specific metrics, and how they can strengthen democracy in their state; and a series of short, fun, informative videos on the issues covered in the book, called Flash Course on Democracy, available free at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUOGZlteO6dRY7aQV1uqpddW1C1maGLxP.

Additionally, discussion guides and debate questions are available at www.youcallthis.com.

Elizabeth Rusch is the author of 20 award-winning books, and more than 100 magazine and newspaper articles. She is also the creator of the “50 State Democracy Report Card” and the video series Flash Course on DemocracyYou Call This Democracy?, an Amazon Bestseller, was featured in the New York Times Book Review and received a starred review from Kirkus, which called it “a riveting must-read.” Rusch and her work have also been featured in The Discovery Channel, Oregon Public Broadcasting’s Think Out LoudThe Wall Street JournalTeacher magazine, Parenting Magazine and Working Mother, among many others. Rusch has a master’s in public policy from the University of California, Berkeley, and has served as a Jacob K. Javits Fellow in the U.S. Senate. Visit her at www.elizabethrusch.comwww.youcallthis.com and on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUOGZlteO6dRY7aQV1uqpddW1C1maGLxP.

You Call This Democracy? How to Fix Our Government and Deliver Power to the People Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

ISBN-10: 0358176921

ISBN-13: 978-0358176923

Available from Amazon.com and wherever books and audiobooks are sold

For more information: www.youcallthis.com. Thank you.

ECO-FRIENDLY STEEPED COFFEE GIVES BACK – 20% OF SALES DONATED TO FEEDING AMERICA

For thoughtful gift ideas that check all the boxes, look no further than Steeped Coffee (www.SteepedCoffee.com). The innovative startup is committed to premium coffee, convenience, and environmental stewardship in equal measure. So, when you introduce the coffee lovers in your life to Steeped, it’s a win-win for them and the planet. And, in an effort to fight hunger in America, the coffee company has launched its Packs for Good program, committing 20% of all sales to Feeding America for hunger relief (steepedcoffee.com/packsforgood).

What sets Steeped Coffee apart is its proprietary brewing method that does not require machines or brewing equipment, made much like tea. The coffee comes in single-serve bags that are nitro-sealed to ensure absolute freshness. It’s a uniquely “unplugged” coffee experience, from the award-winning packaging made using compostable and renewable materials to the non-GMO filters. All it takes to brew a perfect cup is hot water and a few minutes, and at the end of the day, there are no wasteful plastic pods accumulating in waterways or landfills.

Best of all, each Steeped Pack contains hand-roasted, ethically sourced, Direct Trade coffee that’s precision ground to showcase the distinctive flavor profile of every crafted blend. Whether you’re looking for light, medium, dark, French roast, or even decaf, there’s something for you.

So instead of racking your brain for the perfect gift, visit the Steeped website and make someone’s day while also being eco-conscious! With plenty of one-of-a-kind items, it’s the simplest way to give the gift of Coffee without Compromise this holiday season. Here are 5 gift ideas for the coffee lovers.

The Mug and More

Start with a vessel they’ll love and fill it with packs of Steeped Coffee. Selections include the ceramic Steeped Diner Mug (perfect for homebodies) or the Steeped Miir Insulated Camp Mug (for the adventurous type).

The Steeped Lineup Sampler

A great way for newcomers to discover the roast that suits them best, the Steeped Lineup includes five alluring blends ranging from Light, Medium, Dark, and French Roasts to the Swiss Water Processed Decaf.

The Steeped Coffee Subscription

What could be more convenient? They can choose their favorite roast and have it delivered straight to their doorstep as often as they like with the ultimate flexibility to switch roasts or pause their subscription at any time.

Steeped Home Kits

This indulgent gift has everything they need to make the perfect cup: a “smart” electric kettle or elegant stove-top kettle, a Steeped Coffee Subscription, and two high-end mugs.

Two Double Wall Tasting Glasses

Experience coffee like never before with this set of two double wall tasting glasses. The flared lip delivers coffee to your entire palate in order to taste the full spectrum of coffee flavors.

These Fellow double wall tasting glasses are cool to look at and cool to the touch, even while you’re drinking your hot cup of Steeped Coffee.

Features of Steeped Coffee include:

  • Hand Roasted Specialty Coffee: no instant powders, just delicious coffee
  • No Machines Required: unplugged single-serve convenience
  • Guilt-Free Packaging: made using fully compostable and renewable materials
  • Nitro-Sealed: removes oxygen, stopping the clock on freshly ground beans
  • Full Immersion Filter: renewable plant-based non-GMO compostable filters that regulate ideal water-in and maximum flavor-out
  • Ultrasonically Sealed: no glues, staples, or wasted materials for max steeping
  • Precision Ground: consistent water-cooled grinding to the micron
  • Pre-Portioned: optimal SCA recommended water-to-coffee ratios
  • Barista Approved: continuously tested by multiple independent specialty coffee Q-graders for freshness, quality, and taste
  • Just + Water: a simple cup

About Steeped Coffee

Steeped, Inc. based in Santa Cruz, California, is a Certified B Corp and Benefit Corporation focused on every detail from farm-to-cup and beyond, to bring people the most convenient, high quality, ethically sourced, and sustainably packaged products available. Steeped Coffee is the new single-serve coffee standard helping to make quality coffee accessible within Guilt-Free Packaging. The proprietary Steeped Brewing Method delivers 100% freshly roasted, precision ground, and nitro-sealed specialty coffee pre-portioned within Steeped Full Immersion Filters. Steeped Coffee is the simplest way to make a perfect cup of coffee by just adding water, with no machine needed.

Steeped Coffee is available on Amazon with Prime Free Delivery, at premium supermarkets, luxury hotels, and offices with craft coffee and at-home services. Through licensed partnerships, Steeped, Inc. works with over 200 specialty coffee roasters to share its technology and brewing method around the globe. For more information, visit steepedcoffee.com

Got Pets? Check Out These Dental Bites for Dogs & Cats

Our pets mean a lot to us- they are definitely on the spoiled side, as anyone who reads the blog or follows on social media will know.  Another thing you probably know- one area that I’m very fussy about with every living thing in the house (human and non) is oral healthcare.

If you’ve ever read any of my other posts, you know I’m more then a little neurotic about teeth and dental hygiene. It matters so much! Not only things like first impression and keeping away foul odors (no one wants to be the guy with halitosis), but also for comfort, ease of eating, and general health. If your teeth go bad, there are so many other problems that typically follow. Not to mention- how awful is tooth pain? Agony.

Anything to keep it at bay or prevent it. Back to the topic! Along with brushing their teeth, and adding drops to their water, we just discovered these amazing treats that help reduce plaque in your pet.

dog treats

More About SwedencareUSA ProDen PlaqueOff® Crunchy Dental Bites for Dogs & Cats 

  • ProDen PlaqueOff® Dental Bites provide an easy complement to ordinary oral hygiene
  • Only treats on the market containing the ProDen PlaqueOff® System, which helps reduce plaque accumulation by the natural chewing action, resulting in visibly whiter, cleaner teeth
  • Formulated with an algae that is clinically proven to help support normal oral hygiene
  • Highly palatable, fuss-free treats
  • Helps eliminate bad breath, fight plaque and keep tartar build up at bay
  • Grain-free, gluten-free, soy-free – contain 100% natural and sustainably harvested sea kelp, harvested along the North Atlantic coast
  • Suitable for dogs and cats of all sizes, PlaqueOff Dental Care Bites™ are available in 3oz and 6oz bags
  • Chicken flavor for dogs and Salmon flavor for cats
  • Available at independent pet stores and online at www.swedencareusa.com.
  • MSRP $7.99 – $8.99

Not the best picture in the world, but let me tell you, it’s not easy getting that many dogs to sit still and look at you at the same time! LOL.

Check out PlaqueOff Dental Care Bites for your pet- see what size they need, and get what works. You’ll be glad you did. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as they say, which is true enough.