Rover.Com - My first dog-watching!

I recently made a profile on Rover.com in hopes of someone hiring me to watch their dog while they're away. I have a dog so it made it all the more sense because Gavin would have someone to play with (other then me!).  So, along came Kobe who is a Bichon Frise and about 10 years young.  I had him for the weekend so it was only 2 nights but was a perfect amount of time for my first dog-sit.

Basically, for any of those who wonder how it is, it's great! Of course I can only speak for my experience, but I definitely recommend it for anyone who is looking to have a short-term companion and also a few extra bucks. My charge is $25/night and Rover.com is not required to dog-sit (duhhh), but I recommend it b/c it is very convenient, and you can see the dogs/owners before you confirm the stay.  Also, all payments are done through this site...and you even have the option to give a percentage of your proceeds to charity - perfect!

Any questions for me? Post in the comments and I'll be sure to write back! Here's a link to my Rover.com profile as well! http://www.rover.com/members/ashley-s-your-dog-will-have-my-dog-to-play-with/?service=home

Kobe (guest) and Gavin (mine!) lounging - soooo cute!

Vacay to Cayman Islands | Nikki’s Wedding and More

If you are one of my friends, I’m sure you know that me and my boyfriend are going to a wedding…in what better spot – the Cayman Islands!!  My close friend Nikki and her soon-to-be husband, Isaac, are getting married on the beach J.  We are staying at an all-inclusive hotel, in which I think we all have heard horror stories about the cheap alcohol and subpar food, but I am optimistic that it will be amazing!!  Our flight is tomorrow morning and I hope to get all the packing and very-needed facial out of the way before then.  I am one of the bridesmaids so that means I HAVE to have my nails looking right!  Last night, I tried a new look and love the results (see below).

On another note, a look at the weather channel shows it will rain the entire time we are there, which is good luck for the bride and groom, but not so much my hair L.  We will see how it goes, but pics are on the horizon and hopefully some great snorkeling experiences. See you soon NYC :)

Top Ten Ways to say Thank You this Father’s Day | Bestest Gifts for Pops

by: Ashley Stewart

Being called Daddy’s Little Girl after the age of twelve is pretty creepy, so this Father’s Day, be your father’s favorite daughter, and get him what he really wants.  From grills, to sporting tickets, to bling, this list will give you the insider look at what Dad wants.  Like they say, money can’t buy happiness – or can it?

First things first, before dropping cash on a present for Pops, answer this question – what kind of guy is he? – nerdy book geek, sporty jock has-been, outdoor type, cultural philanthropist, busy corporate tech guy.  If he’s none of these, then make up your own definition of him and get to thinking.  Hopefully, this list will help!

Live in a cool place? – Get dad something that he will            wear, like a NY Yankees hat or Knicks sweatshirt.  Nothing says I love you like some hospitality.  If you are really missing dad, then splurge for a plane ticket…that way, he HAS to visit your one-room, walk-up studio!

Obsessed with Dexter or Californication? – If your dad has his show, then surprise him this holiday with a DVD gift-set; or if he has a tablet like an iPad or Kindle, an iTunes gift card is practically the same thing!  He’ll be streaming in no time!

Remembering the good ol’ times – Create a gift that your dad will love for years to come.  Everyone loves personalized gifts (that includes men), so start digging (not too deep), for those pictures and keepsakes that will make your dad tear up once he sees his old-but-new treasure.

Guys night out – If your dad has any friends (don’t jinx it), then treating him to dinner and drinks with his buddies is a perfect gift.  You can even go a bit further and make a reservation at a restaurant/pub that has his favorite team playing, so he can catch all the action with his friends.  And hey, if he doesn’t have enough of his own friends, then get creative and invite yours!

Go, Go Gadget, Go! – With all of the electronics surfacing every three minutes, you can be sure your dad is lacking in the tech department.  Help him out by scoring an iPad, Kindle, or new cell phone (throw that flip phone out!).  Not only will he look cooler, he will not have to carry around an actual book again.  CAUTION: with a new phone purchase, he may call more.

Finger Lickin’ Good – If your dad can throw down when it comes to summer bbq’s, then why not get him something that he will be sure to use?  Look for items that you know he needs to replace such as grilling tools, charcoal and even a humorous guy-apron.  Not only will he be happy at his new additions, you will benefit too!

Book Worm? – There’s nothing like a good book to reel you in and take you to another place, so why not share that gift with the man of the house?  Look for bestsellers and those that you think your dad would enjoy.  Still clueless?  Ask his significant other for ideas or rummage through his book case for evidence to see what he’s in to (don’t dig too deep).

Tell Him what Time it is – Every guy on this earth (okay, ninety-percent), wears a watch.  To have dad get that warm and fuzzy – yet cool and in-style feeling, gift him with a watch.

Ticket-up! – Have a dad who is totally obsessed with his alma mater and their sport’s team?  For those whose dads can’t get enough of March Madness or NBA Playoffs, surprise him with tickets to see his favorite team play.  If your dad is more into music than sports, find out where his old school favorite band is playing and buy him a couple of tickets.  Maybe you will be his plus one!

Surprise! – Nothing is better to a dad than some QT and what better way to give it to him than with all of his closest family and friends.  Plan a bbq or a potluck and invite everyone over.  Have hamburgers and beer on hand and dad will be sure to remember how much time and love you put in to surprising him with his own party.

Tips!

None of these options sound like your dad?  Try thinking of what he really likes to do (fishing, hiking, traveling to wineries, etc.) and go off that.  Not all dads like the same things, so think outside of the box if your dad is hard to pinpoint.

Still can’t figure it out and want to get him something you know he will love?  No one has ever denied a massage, and a free one at that.  Treat dad to a spa day where he can enjoy relaxing with an aromatherapy massage and facial.  The spa is not just for us women!

Float on Baby, Float on | What will keep your baby afloat and looking cute as a button

While you’re diving and doing cannon balls this summer, your baby can be maxin’ and relaxin’ on the shallow end of the pool, with a drop-top float device.  This summer, childrens’ water brands are getting cooler and really stepping up their game with a selection that will bring a smile to your baby’s face and a peace of mind to yours.

Life is made for living and it’s great to expose your baby to new experiences, such as their first interaction to the pool.  It can be a hurdle introducing a child into the water environment, but will be an easy task once they catch a glimpse of their water-borne vessel.  With floating devices ranging from a simple tubed shape, to whale and duck shaped devices, it will be hard to keep your baby in your arms once they lay eyes on their new transportation.  Lather your baby with some great sunblock and grab a floatie with a detachable canopy.  Floaties with the canopy attachment offer extra protection from the sun and also keep your baby cool while in the water.  Boredom rarely happens with babies, especially in a pool setting, but if this did occur, most of these floaties have toys attached; such as rattles, noisemakers, and steering wheels.  With cool shapes of their favorite water animals, you won’t hear any cries or fusses from your little one.

Money is not an issue with these floatation options because you can find them priced from $5.99 to $59.99; keep them for years to come, or even regift when your baby grows!  Assembly is easy and most of the floaties just require to be inflated; so easy, a baby can do it!  Availability is crucial, which makes these a convenient buy since they can be found at nearly every super store and online.

Although there are many floaties that are kid-safe, don’t forget to bundle the little one in a vest - sure to keep them above water at all times.  When it comes to life vests, selecting the right one for your child is very important.  It is crucial to determine the best type and make sure, depending on your baby’s age, that they fit correctly and that the vest is safe for them to wear.

When choosing a life vest, make sure that the U.S. Coast Guard approved label is present.  This signifies that the vest has been through several safety tests and has passed requirements, therefore ensuring the safety of the vest.  Next, buy a size that fits your child appropriately.  You want the vest to fit snug, not allowing the chin and ears to slip through.  If they do slip through, then the vest is not safe for your child.  Kids grow at surprising rates, so do not opt to save money and buy a larger vest they will grow in to.  Invest in your child’s safety and get the appropriate size.  

There are several vests that give head support for younger children, which is very important; if your baby is younger, make sure the vest has this functionality.  Lastly, make sure the vest has a strap at the bottom to clip them into.  This prevents the vest from rising above the child’s head which adds further protection.

Due to babies’ proportions when they are younger, it is not completely safe and effective to have a child under 6 months old or 16 pounds to be in a life vest, and therefore, be in the water.  Wait until your child is age/weight appropriate to be on the safe side.

Tips!

Never cut or alter a floatation device!

Check the vest and floatation device prior to any water interaction for cuts, rust, mildew, etc.  If it doesn’t look safe, it probably isn’t.

Be an example! Children often mimic their parent’s actions, therefore, wear your own life vest so they feel like you are cautious as well.

Do not think that your child does not need a life vest if they have a floatation device or tube.  They need to wear a vest at all times until they are fully comfortable in the water and their skills have been tested.

http://www.toysrus.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2257631

http://www.swimways.com/baby-floats-c-446.aspx

http://www.squidoo.com/the-best-baby-pool-floats

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/pfd_selecting.html

Surf’s Up, with your iPhone!! | How underwater exploring just got better :)

Snorkel?  Check.  Swimming fins?  Check.  Underwater camera?  Checkmate!  With summer around the corner, your vacation plans confirmed, and all of the tourist attractions mapped out, the only thing missing is that underwater camera you have been meaning to buy.  This summer, instead of shelling out the cash for an expensive and bulky underwater camera, opt for the more modern approach: an underwater iPhone case.

Since nearly 130 million iPhones have been sold to date, it’s not a surprise that a surplus of different cases have surfaced within recent years, making the iPhone more durable and sought after than ever.  Many offer the promise to protect, while others are meant to simply bring on the bling.  Nonetheless, if you are looking for a protective shell that literally protects from all damage (sun, water, shock, etc…), then there are plenty on the market to choose from.  The most popular brands on the market right now that allow you to dive and snorkel, iPhone in hand, are LifeProof and OtterBox.  You can even watch videos of actual customers performing dives and snorkeling all while capturing the footage on their iPhone.

If you rather listen to your favorite band while doing the backstroke, then there are underwater headphones as well that will keep your ears in tune and your voice afloat.  And if you don’t like holding your phone, buy a clip, attach to your clothing/swimsuit, and problem solved!  The different variations of what helpful and handy accessories you can purchase are limitless and the inventory continues to grow.

For those of us who are more convenience over quality, opt for the underwater case.  The case is convenient and can also be easily removed if you want your phone to go bare after your fun-filled day.  Not only does the iPhone have great capability, the quality of pictures isn’t too bad either; it’s also much easier to upload the pictures to FaceBook and Instagram.  So go ahead, get your underwater mermaid on with peace of mind.  After all, Instagram is slacking in the underwater pictures department.

Get some bang for your buck!  For under one-hundred dollars, you can snag one of these top-of-the-line protectors.  Most of the more reliable brands also offer a complete, one year warranty, so make sure you do your research.  Usually the warranties are completely free and all you need to do is register your product.  Hey, money can’t buy everything but it sure can buy a phone that stays intact and in good condition.  So with the smoldering heat, stay cool in the water with a protective iPhone case that is dunk-proof.

http://www.pronto.com/shop/lifeproof

http://www.lifeproof.com/shop/cases/iphone-4-4s

Can you say Partay? How to throw a Memorial Day BBQ in your backyard (or on your roof)

Kickoff the grilling season with the best BBQ!  Not only will you put those neighbors you can’t stand to shame, but also shut down all of the rumors that you don’t know how to operate a grill.  From backyards, to rooftops, to in-home NYCish barbeques, you can put it all on the table without tapping into your savings account…and still have your guests feel the love.  Read on for the inside scoop on how to host a disaster-free Memorial Day BBQ and have your guests vibin’ all day and all night long.

We have all been perpetrators and culprits of talking about a friend’s party and how it went so wrong; what he or she didn’t do right and what we could do better.   Now it’s time to prove it.  Follow these guidelines to keep your guests happy and the food finger-lickin’ good.

#1 – Get it Together!!  - The single most important thing about hosting a party or event of any sort, is planning.  First things first, know your limit.  If you are hosting the party in your home, be sure to put a limit on the number of people invited.  You don’t want a line forming outside of your house and you don’t want all of the food and drinks gone by the time you sit down.   Yes, the saying goes, the more the merrier, but not exactly in this case.

#2 – Your Evited!! – Sending out invites is very important if you want your party to turn out amazing.  It goes hand in hand with planning because this is the number you base your menu from.  Also, going green has never been easier.  Sending out carbon-free invites should be your way to go and all it takes is finding a free evite service.  Design away and make people feel like you took some time with the invite.  You can also create an event on FaceBook and have people RSVP that way.  Remember to always reconfirm attendance a couple of days before the event, since last-minute changes usually occur.

#3 – Mmmm…BBQ never tasted so good!! – Once you have an estimate on the number of guests attending, you can start planning your menu.  This is the best part because you should always go for the foods you like and of course have a variety for those vegan and picky-food eaters.  It’s easier to plan the menu in the order in which people typically eat (eg. Appetizers, entrees, desserts), which assures you will not miss anything.  In addition, always buy more than you need and if you are really nice, you can even give your guests takeaway boxes!  Here are some ideas for what menu items to go for.

• Drinks – alcohol-friendly? Make sure to have beer, sangria, wine and a specialty cocktail (maybe frozen margaritas?!).  If it’s a party sparing the alcohol, go for the Arnold Palmer (½ iced tea, ½ lemonade), gingerale, and plenty of water.
• Appetizers and finger foods – Everyone loves chips and salsa, fruit salad, veggies and hummus, and the traditional bbq smokies.  Serve a few of your favorites on platters and they will go fast!
• Main Course – The beauty of a BBQ is nothing is ever on time, and no one seems to care.  So go all in, skip the pre-formed hamburger patties, and make your own!  There are great recipes for marinade and if you shape them the night before, you will skip all that prep time.  Include hotdogs, boneless chicken breasts, kebabs and baby back ribs.  Also have some veggie burgers just in case someone prefers those.
• Dessert – This should be the easiest part.  Just grab some Italian ice or gelato and bring it out after everyone has finished eating.  Try pairing with fresh berries and home-made whip cream.  You can also go the traditional route and bake a home-made apple pie and cherry cheesecake as well.

#4 – Nothing says a party like over-the-top decorations!! – Put everyone into great sprits as soon as they walk into your house.  Have streamers, banners and even balloons to signify the holiday and the arrival of summer, while also cherishing and remembering those people we have lost.  To stay mosquito-proof, spray the area the morning of the party and light tiki torches and citronella candles during the party to keep your guests bug-free.

#5 – Have Fun!! – BBQs are meant to be gatherings where friends and family can get together and have a great time.  Have activities for your guests to embark on such as Frisbee, croquet, card games and dominoes.  Crank up the music (but not too loud that guests cannot hear one another), with a portable ipod player so guests can play their favorite songs and dance ‘til they drop.

Tips!

Don’t forget the condiments!  You would be surprised how quick a bottle of ketchup goes.  Get plenty!

Ditch the straws.  No one uses straws at their own house, and neither should you.  Save the earth!

Prepare dishes ahead of time that don’t require a grill!  The night before is perfect for making potato salad and baked beans.

Don’t drink and drive!  If your BBQ is an alcohol environment, make sure there are sober drivers or have guests take cabs home.  Better safe than sorry.

It’s all good if you have the three “F’s”:  Friends.  Family.  Food. 

http://www.missionrs.com/blog/resources/how-to-throw-a-memorial-day-bbq-facebook-giveaway/

http://www.examiner.com/article/how-to-throw-a-memorial-day-barbecue-featuring-hamburgers

http://bbq.about.com/od/seasonal/a/aa051901a.htm

http://www.charmingchick.com/blog/2011/05/14/memorial-day-throw-great-bbq/

http://www.ehow.com/how_2126097_host-memorial-day-barbecue.html

The top of the top for Mother’s Day | What Mom’s REALLY want

Mom’s are like babies: they crave attention, love to be held, and love to be told how cute and young

they look, at all times.  So, for the mom that cradled you until you fell asleep, sang to you until her vocal cords were shot, and cleaned your face with her own saliva, baby her by getting something she really deserves.

 Every year mothers are asked what they want for Mother’s Day, and every year a majority of them answer with, I don’t want anything.  If you believe that, then you are one of those people who also believe that women don’t like to be sent flowers, which is a total lie.  Not only will she resent you for the entire year, think that you love your dad more than her, but she will expect something amazing the following Mother’s Day for your prior year’s ungiftedness, so please, don’t walk down that dark alley.

Here are the top 5 Mother’s Day Gifts that will surely keep you on her good side.  Don’t share these with your other siblings; you wouldn’t want them to steal your light!

#1 - Spa, Spa and more Spa! – Anything that has the word “spa” in it is a sure winner.  Moms love to be pampered, and what better way than to check her in to an all-day or weekend spa retreat.  The services range from manicures and pedicures, to hot stone massages, to a deep cleansing facial.  If it’s a top-notch spa (which it should be), mama will be sipping on Moet and thinking about how great of a gift you gave her.  This is the type of gift that if you ever need her help and she is reluctant, you say, “Remember that one Mother’s Day when…?”

#2 - Flowers are pretty, so is your Mom! – Every woman loves flowers, mothers included.  So this Mother’s Day, spring for a beautiful bouquet that accents her beauty.  Please don’t go to the online flower dealers and opt for the “super saver bouquet,” there is a reason these are on sale.  Buy a more elegant, expensive bouquet so your mother doesn’t investigate exactly where and how much the flowers were, which will leave you looking like the cheap son/daughter.

#3 - Yum…Sweets! – You can never go wrong with ordering mom’s favorite sweet dessert.  Whether it’s miniature cupcakes, specialty chocolates, or those fruit and chocolate covered edible arrangements, one thing is for sure: her sweet tooth will be satisfied.

#4 - Light it up! – One candle, two candle, three candle, more!  The more sweet smelling candles you get for mom, the better.  Smell goods are mom’s favorites, but usually, she doesn’t have the time to go shopping for them and when she does, she opts for extra toilet paper and detergent.  Surprise her this Mother’s Day with a gift that will light up and last for hours!  If you’re stuck on what color and smell, just go with what you like and she is sure to love it!  No one has ever heard of a candle that didn’t get used.

#5 - Ding, ding! At your service! – The house always needs cleaning and your mom could always use the help.  For one day, week, month or year, surprise mom with a gift she’ll be sure to use…a cleaning service!  From laundry, to dishes, to vacuuming, a cleaning service is the perfect gift to get mom away from the household chores, and time for her to have some fun!

Tips!

Don’t wait until the last minute to get mom a gift.  Everyone in this world is busy, so if you find time to log on Facebook fifteen times a day and show up to your virtual, fantasy baseball meeting, then you have time to get a thoughtful, timely gift for the person who brought you in to this world. Trust me, moms can tell if the gift is rushed.

Strapped for cash but want mom to know you are still honoring her on her special day?  Make a date night for you and her.  Invite her over to your place or drive over to hers, make her favorite dish, put on a movie, and actually talk to her about what is going on in your life.  Nothing says love to a mother like some good ‘ole QT and gossip.

There you have it, one perfect list of gift ideas for one perfect Mom!  You will be sure to have mom all smiles (and maybe some tears) this year, and that’s what it’s all about.

http://www.askmen.com/top_10/entertainment/top-10-mothers-day-gift-ideas_2.html

http://www.gifts.com/mothers-day/top-picks/IMXRpa?featuredId=495611

http://www.multiplemayhemmamma.com/2011/04/top-5-mothers-day-gift-ideas-what-mom-really-wants.html