Deal + Review: Dyson V6 Top Dog Handheld Cordless Vacuum for Pet Homes

Some posts may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure.

Dyson Deal Alert! Just spotted the Dyson V6 Top Dog Vacuum on sale for $179 ($50 OFF) with FREE Shipping included. As with all deals, this one can change quickly, so head on over HERE to snag it while you can.

Pet parents (and people with allergies) need all the help we can get when it comes to cleaning, and we LOVE our Dyson Top Dog handheld vacuum for daily jobs of all sorts & sizes. It’s super handy at sucking up crumbs, dirt and especially dog hair. I also love using it to clean corners that the regular vacuum cleaner doesn’t quite reach. It’s cord-free with an easy empty bin and max power mode.

You can read our full Dyson Top Dog Vaccuum Review HERE for lots more details and photos.

Bonus Tip: If you are getting the Dyson V6, be sure to also grab this inexpensive Dyson Wall Mount Bracket and Docking Station. It’s super easy to install on any wall near a plug and keeps your Dyson and attachment tools handy and ready to use at all times!

How To Use In-Store Pickup to Finish Your Holiday Shopping Without Losing Your Mind

Some posts may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure.

last-minute-shopping-tips

Have you run out of time and energy to finish up your holiday shopping? Or have you realized that you’ve missed the order deadline to ship your gifts without paying a fortune to get them in time? At Christmas and all year long, our TOP way to save time, hassle and money on last-minute shopping is to order online at our favorite stores that offer in-store pickup.

Shop from your computer or phone while you are at work, waiting for your kids at practice, lessons or doctor’s appointment, in line at the grocery store, at the airport waiting for your flight or to pick up guests, taking it easy at home while waiting for the pizza to be delivered. Select In-Store Pickup at checkout and let the store employees collect your items from around the store and process your order for you. It’s multi-tasking at its finest and sure to help you NOT lose your mind!

The advantages of ordering online and picking up in-store are:

  • Shop from anywhere, anytime
  • Know your items are in-stock before you leave home
  • Compare prices and selection online
  • Use online coupon codes and offers
  • No fees or shipping charges
  • Get text or email notification when order is ready to pick up
  • Usually ready in about an hour
  • Order is bagged and waiting at customer service when you arrive

Our favorite way to use this method is for Woof Woof Papa to drive, so I can just hop out and run in to the store and we don’t even have to spend time searching for parking!

This option is also great for when you are out-of-town, staying at a hotel or friends & family, and realize you need a gift at the last minute. Plus it saves the hassle of flying or traveling with gifts…just order now and pick them up at your destination!

Another advantage besides saving time, is that you can also save money. Use any current coupon code when you place your order for added savings. Many stores offer special discounts when you order online and pick up in person. The stores we most frequently use online shopping with in-store pick include:

PetSmart

Petsmart.com Current offers:

  • Save 10-20% OFF  when you Buy Online and Pick Up In-Store
  • Up to 75% OFF Holiday Toys for Pets
  • See more

Kohls Department Stores Inc

Kohls.com Current offers with Kohl’s Credit Card:

  • 20% off with code MERRY20
  • 30% off with code FROSTING30
  • See more

Current offers without Kohl’s Credit Card:

  • 15% off with code WREATH thru 12/24
  • 20% off $100 or more with code WREATH thru 12/24
  • 20% off with code JOYFUL 12/25
  • See more

Target.com Current offers:

  • Pet supplies, buy 3 get a $10 gift card
  • 10% off select vacuums and floor care with in-store pickup
  • Star Wars Sale
  • 5% OFF every day with Red Card
  • 30% off coffee and coffee makers
  • Xbox deals
  • See more

best-buy-deals

BestBuy.com Current offers:

  • Up to 30% OFF select TVs
  • Great Deals on Apple Devices
  • Laptops starting at $149
  • Up to 30% OFF Major Appliances
  • Deals on gaming and streaming media devices
  • See more

I have used all of these stores personally for in-store pickup of my online orders. Just wait til you get the email or text that your order is ready and then print your confirmation and head to the store with your ID. Go straight to the customer service desk or designated pickup area where your order will be ready and waiting for you!

Pet Parent Emergency Preparedness + FREE Pet Rescue Alert Window Sticker

Some posts may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure.

pet-emergency-kit-cats-dogs

As pet parents, it’s our job to know what to do in an emergency. Are you prepared? This month ASPCA is helping us to get prepared, with tips and information for disaster preparedness month.

None of us likes to think about bad things happening, but it’s important to take the time now to make certain that you and your furry family members have everything you need in case of a life-threatening emergency. One of the best ways to do this is to create a disaster prep safety kit with all of the necessary supplies should any type of disaster affect your community.

To help you create your home’s emergency kit and keep your pets safe, the ASPCA has provided an excellent checklist of items.

pet-emergency-kit-info

In addition to creating a pet emergency first aid kit, you can also TAKE THE DISASTER PLEDGE and receive a free window sticker that alerts rescue personnel that you have a pet at home.

free-pet-window-sticker

Want to learn even more about preparing your home, family and pets for an emergency or natural disaster? Visit ready.gov/animals for tips on Pet and Emergency Planning.

prepare-for-pet-emergency-kit

Does Your Pet Need a Limited Ingredient Diet for Tummy or Allergy Issues?

Some posts may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure.

Limited Ingredient Diets for Pets

Just like people, pets can have allergies, food sensitivities and tummy troubles. Once you’ve seen your veterinarian to rule out other medical conditions or health problems, he or she may suggest you try a special diet. For Daisy, this took some trial and error but we eventually figured out that a grain-free pet food was best for her and saw a huge improvement in her skin rashes and digestion.

Every dog and cat is different, and if going grain-free isn’t enough to see results, you might consider one of single source protein, single source carbohydrate formulas, L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets available from our blog sponsor and Daisy’s food provider, Natural Balance Pet Foods.

Limited ingredient diets minimize the number of ingredients that pets are exposed to, which can be helpful for pet parents looking for simple formulas with simple ingredients.

Natural Balance LID Limited Ingredient Diets foods provide unique alternatives for pets, including:

  • True limited ingredient formulas, with single-sources of animal protein and limited carbohydrate sources
  • The most extensive selection of unique proteins including venison, bison, and wagyu beef
  • Puppy and Large Breed Bites formulas are also available just for our tiniest and biggest best friends too!
  • Complete lines of limited ingredient offerings for both cats and dogs, including dry and canned formulas and treats

How should you go about trying a limited ingredient diet for you pet?

Do a food trial on a limited ingredient diet for at least 10-12 weeks, using a novel protein and carbohydrate source that your dog or cat has not had before. No other treats or food items should be fed during this time period. [Learn more about Limited Ingredient Diets for Pets]

Pet Food Safety Program

In addition to paving the way for limited ingredient diets, Natural Balance has also been a long-time leader in pet food safety. Every production run of Natural Balance pet food is tested before distribution so that you can “Buy With Confidence”.

Not only do they test all products in their state-of-the art in-house laboratory for nine known contaminants before they reach store, but pet parents can also find the Best By Date on your Natural Balance product and read your product’s actual test results on their website.

Did You Know? Facts About TRICARE Dental #MetLifeTDP #IC #ad

Some posts may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure.

did you know about tricare dental

TRICARE Info 2016

This is my third year as an ambassador for the MetLife TRICARE Dental Program, and it’s been such a pleasure getting to help educate military families about their benefits. Military moms and dads know it takes a LOT to keep the home front running smoothly. That’s why I love being able to share what I’ve learned, to help you save time and money. Last month I gave you some Children’s Dental Health Tips & Reminders. And back in January, I put together a 2016 Program Update.

In a nutshell, MetLife TRICARE Dental provides dental benefits to spouses and children of Active Duty personnel and National Guard and Reserve members and their families. It’s a convenient and cost effective way for families to have continuous dental coverage from the large network of dental providers worldwide.

In doing research for my TRICARE posts, I’ve learned a lot more facts and details about the program that I didn’t know. So this month, I’ve rounded up a list of some things you might not know…but should!

Did You Know?
  • Families enrolled in MetLife TRICARE Dental Program have access to over 250,000 dental locations, making it one of the largest civilian dental networks around. It’s great to know that wherever you go, you’ll be able to find dentists that participate in the program.
  • There are no annual deductibles or co-payments, and premiums are competitively priced. There are low or no cost-shares on many dental services including diagnostic and preventative. It’s reassuring to know that there won’t be a lot of unexpected expenses when it comes to keeping up with your family’s dental health needs.
  • The program has an Accidental Annual Maximum of $1,200 per beneficiary per plan year. This is in addition to and separate from the $1,300 plan annual maximum per beneficiary per plan year. Hopefully you won’t need it, but it’s always good to know you have the additional injury coverage.
  • TRICARE Dental Program will coordinate with another supplemental dental insurance carrier.
  • Your family is not automatically enrolled. Even though you and your family may already have TRICARE medical, dental coverage requires a separate enrollment. There are four easy ways to enroll:
    1. Online at www.tricare.mil/bwe
    2. Call 1-855-638-8371 CONUS, 1-855-638-8372 OCONUS, or 1-855-638-8373 TDD/TTY
    3. Fax a completed Enrollment Authorization document (found on www.tricare.mil/tdp) to 1-855-763-1337
    4. Mail a completed Enrollment Authorization document to: MetLife TRICARE Dental Program, P.O. Box 14185 Lexington, KY 40512.

Want to know even more about the program coverage and benefits? The MetLife TDP Facebook Page is a great resource. They post a different fact or trivia question just about every day, so it’s fun to stop by a learn something new each time you visit!

You can also find the program on Twitter and at their website: www.metlife.com/tricare.