#GameDayTraditions With P&G and Walmart

This post is sponsored by SheSpeaks and P&G. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about #GameDayTraditions and Walmart, but Kathy's Calm To Chaos Life only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. SheSpeaks and P&G are not responsible for the content of this article.

Game Day Traditions are pretty common in my household. We are HUGE football fans. We live in a smaller pro football market, but our team has a huge following. Every football fan has superstitions and this household is no different. There are certain routines or traditions that take place each and every game day.  

Game days always include cleaning the house, at least a few loads of laundry, taking a shower, doing my make up, and of course putting on my "good luck" jersey! Yes, I do have a lucky jersey and if my team is doing bad I change it to another lucky jersey. I did say I was game day superstitious, right? I totally am. Going to the game or watching it at home involves different traditions for each. But, there is one thing that does not change and that is my beauty routine.

After showering I always put on moisturizer before my make up. If there is one beauty item I always have to put on for game days it is a good mascara. I love mascara, it just makes my blue eyes look more blue. One of my favorite mascaras to use is COVERGIRL Lash Blast. Lash Blast goes on well, does not clump, and always makes my lashes look their best. What more could I ask for in a mascara? Nothing, I tell you, nothing! Lash Blast does it all for me.  See how awesome my lashes look!! 

But what game day wouldn't be complete without some great food. We have done many different types of food items from grilling to baking to frying. Everything from chicken to steak to veggies. Either on the grill or in the smoker! We are a football loving foodie family for sure. Eating all the delicious dishes that have passed over my counters, and also while at the game itself, can sure pay the price on my teeth. I'm one of those that has to constantly brush my teeth (at least three times a day). So far my favorite way to brush my teeth is with the Oral B Vitality Rechargeable Toothbrush. My teeth feel so clean after using it. My toothpaste of choice is Crest ProHealth Advanced. The combination of the two just make my teeth and mouth feel as if I had just left the dentist. I love the feeling of clean teeth. 

These are my #GameDayTraditions. I try to follow my traditions every game day, but sometimes that is just not possible. When I'm ready to start a new tradition I can simply head on over to my local Walmart and shop for more awesome P&G products to help me create new traditions. I love trying new make-up or even for special occasion games even do my make-up in the color of my favorite teams.  Blue eye shadow - red lipstick, Just Saying! Unlimited possibilities showing my team spirit off! 

You can purchase all the great P&G Products featured above by visiting your local Walmart.

Walmart and P&G are celebrating 50 Years of Game Day Traditions, you can find out more by clicking here, Shop for your Game Day items that are a part of any Game Day Tradition. 

Make sure to head on over and check out Walmart and P&G's on Facebook to learn more about Game Day Traditions. Share some of your own Game Day Traditions by using the #GameDayTraditions hashtag on Twitter. Be sure to follow both @Walmart and @ProcterGamble too. 

Pre-Order MINIONS on Amazon Today

Did your and/or your kids love the MINIONS Movie? I certainly am very entertained by them! MINIONS is coming to Blu-Ray/DVD very soon and Amazon is taking pre-orders already.  You can pre-order the Minions Blu-Ray/DVD at $24.96 and if the price on day of release drops lower than the price you paid the day of pre-order you will get the difference refunded back to your Amazon account. I LOVE this feature with Amazon DVD Movie pre-orders!

Pre-Order Minions (Blu-ray + DVD + DIGITAL HD) today!

#WIN A Pink Tool Chest Instantly From Shop Your Way

Win a Pink Tool Chst Instantly from Shop Your Way Rewards! If you aren't a member you can sign up for FREE. Members can play daily. 

Four (4) Winners will each receive one (1) The Original Pink Box 26” 5-Drawer Tool Chest and one (1) The Original Pink Box 12 Foot Tape Measure each designated by Sponsor. The approximate retail value (“ARV”) of each Prize: $519.93

Simply click on the Play Sweeps button below and try your luck!

Ends 8/12/15

Amazon PRIME Day HUGE SALE 7/15 Starts at 3AM EST

Tomorrow is now called PRIME Day. Amazon is celebrating it's 20th Birthday and with that comes the HUGE sales that are said to be better than any Black Friday. Soooo some deals have already leaked out either through deal bloggers or Amazon Facebook page. Catch being, you can only get these special deals if you are a PRIME member. Membership is $99 a year and comes with a host of awesome goodies (which I will list later in this post) If you do not wish to sign up for the year Amazon Prime offers a 30 Day Free trial membership. You have to sign up before the sales begin and can cancel anytime within the 30 days with no strings attached. Interested in starting your 30 Day Prime Trial Membership? Click here to get started with your Amazon Prime 30 Day Trial Membership!

Wordless Wednesday - Whose Patio Sofa Is It Anyways?

Apparently Zero's

Get a $20 Credit To Purchase Wine

Disclosure: By using my link to purchase wine through Underground Cellar I will be compensated with a credit also. You will be able to get your own personal link upon creation of your own account

Kathy's Calm To Chaos Life is giving our readers a $20 Credit to use on Underground Cellar to purchase wine. Please be aware of your state liquor regulations as not all states are allowed to receive packages with any type of alcohol through the mail. Please enjoy your $20 credit by clicking here

Remember Our Fallen - Memorial Day 2015

It is the unofficial start of the summer, but Memorial Day is really a remembrance day of those that have sacrificed their lives for this amazing country we live in. In 1967 this day was changed from Dedication Day to Memorial Day. If not for those precious sacrifices who knows what freedoms we would not have. Thank a Solider, Hug a Vet, and remember while doing all your BBQ, parties, and get togethers to say a prayer for the fallen who are not able to be home with their families on this day. Put a flag out and display it with pride!

piZap on piZap.com

Wordless Wednesday - I Put The Patio Furniture Out

No words even need to be said - I put the Patio furniture out Saturday, but Sunday it was already "claimed"

Copyright KCTCL 2015

Diamond Candles 20% Coupon Code

If you have never ordered a Diamond Candle here is your chance! Please enjoy 20% off your order by clicking here

Happy Mother's Day

Wishing ALL of the Moms a Happy Mother's Day

Zero's Journey To The #PerfectWeight Final Check-In Video & Sweepstakes #ad

This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s® Science Diet® Perfect Weight 10 Week Turnaround, but Kathy's Calm To Chaos Life only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

Just because the 10 Week Turnaround Challenge is coming to an end that doesn't mean you still shouldn't take a journey with your own pet. Hill's Pet is giving my followers a chance to win 10 Weeks of Hill's® Science Diet® Perfect Weight Adult Dry Cat or Dog Food to start their own pet on a weight loss journey. With six drawings left in the sweepstakes you can click the link below to enter for your chance to win. Please be sure to read the terms and conditions of the sweepstakes before you enter. 

Hill's Pet 10 Week Turnaround Sweepstakes

Ten Weeks ago I had a couch potato named Zero. She barely moved off the couch other than to eat and go potty. Ten weeks ago I feared that Zero's weight would get the best of her. Today, ten weeks later, I have my silly girl back. My Zero, who tosses her toy box in search of her favorite pink pony, will drag her bowl across the kitchen to remind you it's meal time, and runs around the yard playing with Dylan. She may not be down the whole 20LBS that she was overweight by, but Zero has definitely lost weight. How much weight you wonder? 6LBS!!. While that may not seem like a lot, to a dog of her size it is a great deal. With the weight down her whole mental attitude changed. She no longer seems depressed.

Zero's Journey to The #PerfectWeight Mid Challenge Check In & Sweepstakes #ad

This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s® Science Diet® Perfect Weight 10 Week Turnaround, but Kathy's Calm To Chaos Life only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

Here we are the middle of April and already we have reached the mid check-in for the 10 Week Turnaround Challenge with Hill's Pet. The weather has finally started to break and warm up, but my backyard is still a little too damp to put out the agility equipment. Nice weather arrived and everyone in the house became sick with the stomach flu, so that alone was a roadblock getting Zero on her daily work out walks. So mid-challenge we've had a little set back, but it's nothing we can't handle. There is still half a challenge left to go and Zero is surely on the right path.  She has way more energy and just wants to play and play some more. She is back to her happy singing bring you a baby when you walk in the door. Granted she is not where I pictured her size to be by mid-check in, but at least progress is being made.

Amazon's MANY Memberships, Programs, & Free Trials

Do you shop on Amazon? I do a ton of shopping on Amazon. I can find anything and everything I'm looking for on there. I love being a Prime member too. With Amazon Prime I get FREE 2-Day Shipping on all of my orders.  There is nothing like needing something by Friday and I can order it on Wednesday for it to arrive on time. I took full advantage of my Prime member benefits while landscaping the house this year. Hose reels, outdoor lights, containers - all shipped FREE using 2-Day Shipping. But Prime is not the only Amazon program with great benefits. Below is a list of all of Amazon's member programs and benefits. Most of them offer a FREE 30 Day trial or some type of special incentive. There is a program and/or membership that fits every stage of your life!

Doggie Gear For Zero

Today I decided to invest in some doggie gear for Zero. I was looking for a dog backpack and came across this great pink one on Amazon.  It will work perfectly, as it has a water bottle holder in the one pocket and ample room to pack stuff in the pockets.  She can be my assist now that garden season is coming up and I will be able to put some gardening things in the pockets for her carry around. This will be her gardening job for the season. Last year she stayed outside with me the entire time I would be out doing any type of gardening. I'm giving her a definite job this year!

• Removable pack takes weight off the dog during rest stops
• Reflective accents and bright colors for high visibility
• Convenient pockets for carrying food and water
• Interior water bottle holder and mesh pockets
• XL Size is Designed for dogs weighing 70-90-pounds with a girth of 25-Inch - 41-Inch
• Reflective accents and bright colors for high visiblity
• Comes in 4 color choices and sizes from S-XL.

Kyjen Dog Backpack Easy-Fit Durable Dog Pack with Removable Saddlebags was only $27.86 and being I'm an Amazon PRIME Member shipping was FREE! If you're looking for a backpack for your dog my suggestion goes to the Kyjen Dog Backpack!

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

Zero's Journey To The #PerfectWeight First Two Weeks #ad

This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s® Science Diet® Perfect Weight 10 Week Turnaround, but Kathy's Calm To Chaos Life only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

Two weeks ago Zero's journey began. The plan and goal are to get Zero down to her perfect weight of 75-80 lbs and back into agility training. After all, I have all this nice agility equipment collecting dust in my basement and this nice huge back yard so this year we plan on setting it up and using it. The ultimate goal would be to put an agility title on Zero through participation in agility trials in the area. She already has a CGC Title, but the agility title has always been just out of our reach. That truly is the end result and goal we are shooting for. Of course none of that is possible without this weight loss journey Zero is on.

Hill's Pets provided this great transition chart to assist me in getting Zero changed over to Hill's® Science Diet® Perfect Weight Adult Dry Dog Food.. We are now two weeks in and she is 100% on the Perfect Weight formula. My biggest challenge in this challenge was this picky eater eating the new dry dog food. She loves her new food and you can find her waiting by the bowl almost daily around 5PM Dinner time. This is surely a site I have welcomed! 

I also needed a way to track Zero's progress along the next 10 weeks and Hill's Pets provided a great Calendar tool with the 10 Week Challenge Package. It is important to keep a journal and the calendar provides tips and information relating to your pet's weight loss. Even if you aren't participating in the 10 Week Challenge with Hill's you can still participate at home with your pet. You can view and download your own calendar here to help you along your way.  You can also get a calendar and more information about Science Diet Perfect Week and the 10 Week Turnaround Challenge from a Hill's Nutritional Consultant at your local PetsMart and Petco locations.

Week 2 - Top View

Of course what would this post be if I didn't show some progress pictures of Zero. It is important to take before and after pictures and/or videos so you can physical see the change of your pet and they also help you track the progress along the way. The picture to the right is Zero's Week 2 top view. You can start to see more of a defined shape to her. Not all pets will see a physical change within the first two weeks, but I am ecstatic that I am seeing them in Zero!

It's not just physical changes but also mental ones as well. She has more energy, seems to want to play with her toys more, and moves off the patio outside now. When I come home every day she is beyond happy with tail wagging, toy in her mouth, and she sings me a song. This is my old Zero coming back to life. She is slowly getting back to her silly self. This dog is just beyond silly and those who follow know how silly she can be. I am loving seeing her so happy, full of life, and eager to play with her toys. It is hard to contain my excitement going forward thinking about returning to agility classes. I have an agility title in my sites and this goal is very obtainable as long as we stay on this weight loss path. Her health and wellness are the most important thing to me. 

Zero - Playing With Pink Ball

Zero - Out In The Snow

Zero - going through the yard

Follow Zero's progress right here on my blog, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, and Instagram

The best thing you can do for your pet’s health is feed proper nutrition every day. The Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Formulas are available at your vet or favorite pet specialty store. Products, including Perfect Weight Dry Cat Foot and Perfect Weight Small & Toy Breed Formula are also available from Pet360, with an additional discount for Autoship. 

Zero's Journey To The #PerfectWeight Begins #ad

This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s® Science Diet® Perfect Weight 10 Week Turnaround, but Kathy's Calm To Chaos Life only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article

My dog Zero has officially become a couch potato. It wasn't until my best friend came over, walked in the door, and said “Oh My God what did you do to Zero she’s so fat!” Reality struck that I had a major issue on my hands. I convinced myself something was medically wrong with her and took her to the vet just for the vet and the blood work to reveal nothing, nada, zilch! She was just simply put – drastically over weight. I do mean drastic, she tipped the scale at 94 lbs. This is a Boxer, she is a little stocky to begin with, but 94 lbs is just out of control.  Zero’s Perfect Weight is 70- 75 lbs.  At 20 lbs overweight I began to worry about her hips, joints, and legs all bearing this extra burden. Boxers already have issues; this was just contributing to them unnecessarily.

Zero - outside on the Patio

The biggest factor that contributed to her becoming so overweight was me taking for granted I have a big back yard and if I let her outside with Dylan they would exercise themselves. Dylan exercises himself while Zero just stands on the patio like a queen watching over her kingdom. I really thought she’d be more active, but apparently the yard bores her when you aren't out there with her.  She is trained in obedience, rally, and agility and a plain backyard to a dog who used to be so busy is just not cutting it. My working long hours during the day was another factor. I kept saying OK tomorrow we will set up the jumps, tomorrow a walk, tomorrow the dog park… well… tomorrow never came until today! Today, being this past Sunday, is when Zero's journey began by transitioning her to Hill's® Science Diet® Perfect Weight Adult Dry Dog Food. 

Thanks to Hill's Pet Zero will be participating in the 10 Week Turnaround Challenge. Over the course of the next 10 weeks you will be able to follow her progress as the mission becomes to get Zero back to her Perfect Weight. I had to think what the agenda would be going forward. She has too much extra weight to go back to agility classes, as the jumping, running, and climbing might pose a harm to her health and wellness. The 10 week plan will will start with weekly trips to the water treadmill. She always did well on the water treadmill in the past, so if it worked in the past we are going to definitely try it again! We are also trying to fit into one of the obedience refresher classes at our dog club, until the weather breaks and I can put the agility equipment out in the yard and go for walks.

Logo courtesy of Hill's Pets

Putting Zero on this journey was one of the easier decisions to make due to the fact 70% of cats and dogs who used Science Diet Perfect Weight lost weight within 10 weeks.  Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Dry Dog Food offers 100% precisely balanced nutrition, a breakthrough blend of natural ingredients, and prebiotic fibers for gentle digestion. Healthy weight adds to quality of life and life expectancy. 

The best thing you can do for your pet’s health is feed proper nutrition every day. The Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Formulas are available at your vet or favorite pet specialty store. Products, including Perfect Weight Dry Cat Foot and Perfect Weight Small & Toy Breed Formula are also available from Pet360, with an additional discount for Autoship. 

Zero's Week 1 Photos  

Follow Zero's progress right here on my blog, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, and Instagram

Blog Paws Pet Bloggers Social Media Survey Results

Blog Paws conducted a survey regarding Pet Bloggers and what their thoughts are regarding social media behavior across multiple platforms.  The results of the survey are displayed on the infographic below. 

Embed this on your site

<img src="http://blogp.ws/18vQ61S" alt="'Pet Bloggers on Social Media "></br><a href="http://blogpaws.com"></a>

Infographic courtesy of Blog Paws

If you're a Pet Blogger or even a Lifestyle Blogger, such as myself, who posts about your pet(s), do you fit within these survey results? Do you agree with the percentages? I know I do on many of the categories except for brings the most traffic. My traffic numbers mostly come from Twitter. Of course that is easily explainable based on the Twitter Party Calendar hosted on my site. 

Zero's Winter Adventures - Destination SHED

To make a long story short the following will be simplified with videos and photos of Zero's latest winter adventures!

View from my back porch. Snow isn't very deep at this point, the dogs can freely run through the yard and walk around with no issues. See said shed - let's remember this shed as it's a focal point for this adventure.

It had snowed a little, OK a lot more than just a little it was more like a foot more. This deep snow didn't deter Zero one bit from her agenda while outside. After I had shoveled off the patio and a path along the entire back of the house Zero still decided these spots weren't good enough. She was determined to get into the back of the yard by aforementioned shed. See, her favorite potty spot is any place around this shed. In front of, on side of, or behind of as long as it's by the shed. She paced the back of the house and that patio just looking for the perfect opportunity to take the leap!

Below video is Zero's determination to get back there. She found the tiniest of tiny spots to leap into and over a three foot snow bank, around the dog house, and get along the fence - Destination - SHED!

Now that you've seen her determination to get through snow that is pretty much as high as half of her height let me bring into the adventure the next factor. Another snowfall of a good 6-7 inches, an 11 PM at night need to go potty, and Zero's new found "path to the shed". She got herself up through that snow bank, around the dog house and walked down that fence line. Problem being is she was now stuck back there in the deep snow with this look on her face like "are you coming to get me". Did I mention it was 11 PM at night?  There I found myself mumbling words I'd much rather not post while putting on my boots, heavy jacket, gloves, and going to get the snow shovel.  After getting 3/4 of the way back to her now creating a "doggie path" from the back porch to that, now landmark, shed she decided she could jump through deep snow! 

See below - said path that was created at 11 PM at night. You can't even see the shed in the picture because it was pitch black outside! 

Oh my girl Zero! How I obviously would do anything for you!

Now we have a doggie path that goes back to the favorite potty spot and Zero is happy to walk down it, and well... she runs up it from the shed to the back door. Below picture is from this past Saturday. As you can see the snow is getting deeper and deeper as the sides of the path are now higher than she is tall! Thank goodness for me and my shovel! 

Saturday morning I had to work and came home from work during a clipper that dumped a quick foot of snow on us in approximately four hours.  I honestly don't know what was worse. Having to shovel my way into the driveway to get my car into it OR digging Zero out of the back of the yard..AGAIN!!  By now the path to the shed was no longer what she wanted. She wanted to go up along the very back of the fence. After I cleaned the newly fallen snow off the path one more time I then had to create a new path to go get to her(I'm feeling a little Ground Hog Day at this moment)... she got back there, turned around, but sure  as heck couldn't get back out! 

I've dug my car out, my Mom's car out, my driveway out, my friend's cars out, a fire hydrant, a mailbox, and even a spot for my garbage can... I can honestly say I've never had to dig my dog out of the snow until now! I sit here thinking to myself that I should just write a book called The Adventures of Zero. It would surely be a best selling comedy. I get asked at work almost on a daily basis what did Zero get herself into now. They find it funny and amusing her daily adventures!

Happy New Year 2015