Back in Action

I've been taking a bit of a vacation, in case anyone was wondering if I fell of the face of the earth. Hope you all had a wonderful holiday while I was ignoring the Internet and paying attention to real life!

While I was taking a break I received a product I am excited to try out- the Q-Link necklace. The Q-Link products are designed to help reduce stress, balance and improve energy and increase focus and concentration. While those might seem to be some lofty goals I don't think they are impossible.

I firmly believe that the field of "energy medicine" is one of the least understood areas in medicine right now. I hope that in the future science uncovers some of the secrets of how the energy fields in and around us impact our health and well-being. And I for one am willing to try to improve my energy even if we don't fully understand the physics behind why it works.

I am excited to be wearing the Q-link necklace to see if it helps me at all. I took a brief quiz on-line to measure my attention, speed and reaction time before the necklace. In a week or so I will retake the test and let you know if there is any improvement. I'm a bit skeptical but trying to stay open minded. I will let you know how it goes!

Working for the Snuggle Puggle- Keeping Cool

Today it was an obnoxious 97 degrees in the Chicago suburbs. Davey and I both hate the heat and have a hard time tolerating it. Here is Dave hard at work to keep cool this evening:

He is such a hard worker that boy. I have my eye on a cooling mat like this one to help the poor puggle get through the rest of the summer.

How do you and your dog deal with the heat?

Bil-Jac Dog Treat Review

Bil -Jac's dog treats have recently been added to our ever-growing list of treats Dave can't live without. Of course, Davey's waist line has grown right along with that list, not that HE minds.

Davey absolutely lost his mind for the Bil-Jac Gooberlicious treats. These soft, peanut flavored treats were the first to go in this house. I used them for encouragement to get Davey into his kennel (he always gets a Kong and treats to go in the "Bat Cave, as we call it) and he is thrilled to go in there for a Gooberlicious treat or two.

The Bil -Jac Liver Treats serve a very specific purpose for us- training. The small treats are just the right size and shape for breaking in half. I like that because I can give Davey enough of a reward but not too many calories. Plus all the Bil-Jac treats have a great smell, which helps Davey get even more motivated to do as I ask. For large dogs I would think the Bil-Jac Liver treats would be just the right size for training. They fit nicely in a large kong as well. Neither the Liver Treats nor the Gooberlicious treats dried out in the whole time we had them, which I really appreciate since some of the cheaper treats tend to get hard quickly even if sealed up.

After trying the Bil-Jac treats I saw that they also offer a pizza flavor treat, which I know Davey will L O V E. Pizza is the one food that makes him drool like a fiend. I actually feel bad for the poor guy when we eat it because I know I can only give him a taste. So I am thrilled to find that there is a high-quality treat like Bil-Jac in pizza flavor. Now to just figure out what new trick to teach Dave so he can earn those treats- any suggestions? He knows all the basic tricks, so something fun and challenging is needed at this point.

Bil-Jac products, including their treats, are available at PetCo and Petsmart or you can find a Bil-Jac retailer by visiting their website.

Recycled Post-it Notes

Post-it notes are, to me, one nifty-neato invention. I can't imagine not having them around, and since they were invented just prior to my birth I have never had to live in a world without them. Being a rabid list-maker who frequently misplaces said lists Post-it notes come in mighty handy in my home.

Always the innovators, the people at 3M have again re-invented the post –it with the introduction of a recycled Post-it line.

Post-it notes have always been recyclable, but now is there a Post-it line made from recycled materials. The Post-it Recycled Collection is made from 30% post consumer content and/or 100% recycled paper. The collection includes the lined-page Post-it Note design (my favorite for list making!), Super Sticky Post-it Recycled Notes, Post-it Recycled Notes Cabinet Packs, Post-It Super Sticky Recycled Easel Pads, Post-it Super Sticky Recycled Pop Up Notes and Pop Up Notes in a desk grip dispenser… which gives you plenty of green options to choose from.

I am always happy to see big companies with widely used products making an effort when it comes to manufacturing an eco-friendly product, and for 3M this is not a new initiative. The Post-it products are made from sustainably harvested forests and have long included post consumer content. To learn more about the Recycled collection or 3M's dedication to the environment visits their website here.

Be sure to look for the Post-it Recycled collection when you are buying Post-its and remember to always recycle your used Post-it notes!

Favorite Summer Photo

I absolutely adore this picture of Davey. We like it so much we had a graphic artist transform it into an amazing picture that hangs in our living room.

The picture captures Dave's funny little spirit and spunk, as well as his funny little lovable face. The photo was taken at his 1st birthday party in late July and I will always cherish that summer day, along with this photo. That is why I chose this picture as my entry into UPrinting.com's Summer Photo contest.

Thanks for sponsoring the contest, UPrinting!

UPrinting.com is a leading online provider of business cards, color brochures and mailing postcards.

UPrinting Winner

Congrats go to Cindi who won my UPrinting.com Poster Print Giveaway.

everyone for entering. I have sent you an e-mail Cindi, so if you haven't seen it, please let me know. If you didn't win the poster be sure to visit UPrinting.com and check out there fantastic rates for Canvas Printing and Poster Printing.

Calypso Studios Giveaway

I am carrying around one of the cutest reusable totes I have seen yet. It's a design from artist Emma Hand sold by Calypso Studios, and is one of three in the "Acts of Kindness" series pictured above. Calypso Studios actually has a slew of delightful totes with styles that will suit just about everyone. I'm eyeing this cute number for this year's Christmas shopping:

Depending on the design the totes are available individually for $7.95 or in sets of three for $20. These totes are the sturdy, water resistant polyester material I like so much. They even fold into a handy little roll that closes with a snap so you can keep one tucked conveniently in your purse. I personally have given reusable bags as a gift with increasing frequency because I think they make such a nice gift.

Calypso Studios also specializes in unique, affordable jewelry like these earrings I got to try out:

Or this great piece from their vineyard collection-

Jewelry starts at just $3 and I don't think I saw a piece over $15! Now that is my kind of shopping; cute and affordable.

Calypso Studios has offered to give one of their adorable reusable totes and a piece of jewelry to one of my lucky readers.

How to Enter

Visit The Calypso Studios website, and tell me what your favorite item is. This entry must be completed in order to gain any extra entries.

Extra Entries

• Follow Calypso Studios on twitter (1 entry, leave your user id)
• Become a fan of Calypso Studios on facebook (1 entry, leave your name please)
• Follow me on blogger, subscribe via rss reader or subscribe via email (links to the left, 1 entry for each )
• Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (1 tweet per day, link to your tweet please
• Blog about this giveaway and leave a link to your post (2 entries)

The giveaway is open to U.S. residents. Entries will be accepted until June 23rd 11:59 PM CST when a winner will be selected by firing up the randomizer. Winner will be notified via e-mail.

Good Luck!