Best Bully Sticks – GIVEAWAY!

March 24, 2017March 26, 2017 / realmofvibes / 37 Comments

*This post contains affiliate links and sponsored items. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I earn a small commission to help support this blog.

Bailey is my two and a half year old rescue dog. We became best friends the day my husband and I adopted her. Bailey is my confidant, my side-kick, my running partner, and my little realm of happiness in this crazy world. There is nothing better than coming home from a long day at work to see her excitement that I am home. I cherish my walks with her every morning and night. Bailey is a beautiful dog; she is energetic, fast, and mobile, which we attribute to her clean diet and exercise routine. Bailey is just like her mom; she LOVES her snacks! Her mom, however, always makes sure that she eats well and gives her the finest of treats.

Bailey with 2 of the 3 items from BestBullySticks

This week, BestBullySticks was kind enough to send me three items to review:

Bully Snack Bar & Training Treats
- These are beefy treats suitable for dogs of all life stages. These could be broken up easily to be used for training. They are softer and chewy. Approximately 20 treats come in the bag.
- Price: $6.39 USD
- Thoughts: This was Bailey’s FAVORITE! She LOVED these! I posted an Instagram video (@realmofvibes) of my princess eating the Bully Snack Bars. I would absolutely purchase these because she scarfed them down! They don’t stand a chance in my house!

Two – 12″ Thick Odor Free Bully Sticks
- These sticks are 30-50% wider than BestBullySticks standard bully stick. My husband liked these in comparison to other bully sticks I have purchased because they do not have a horrid smell. Bailey is selective when she decides to indulge in these, but it took her close to two hours to chew from 12″ to 3.” I like that these are free of chemicals, preservatives, and additives. This is a fantastic choice for aggressive chewers.
- Price: $4.99 USD a stick, but can be less expensive if you enroll in Auto-Ship
- Thoughts: When Bailey decided to chew on these, she was a very happy dog. She laid on her dog bed like a primadonna and licked and chewed until her hearts content. I would purchase these in the future. The foster dogs would go CRAZY over them and they would be a great time occupier.

Ear Variety Pack for Dogs
- This big bag contained 3 lamb ears, 3 pig ears, and 3 cow ears. The lamb and cow ears are lighter in color than the pig ears. These are for light to average chewers and contain no preservatives, additives, chemicals or hormones.
- Price: $8.99 USD
- Thoughts: Unfortunately, Bailey only liked the pig ears. She would lick and chew the pig ears instantaneously, but she would just carry around the lamb and cow ears in her mouth and drop them into her toy crate. Now – I donated the lamb and cow ears to the rescue. Dogs are similar to humans in the fact that we don’t like every food option in the world, right? Whatever you do, don’t throw anything out – please donate it to your local shelter. There will be a dog that likes what your dog does not.

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BestBullySticks has a lot to offer. Their website is loaded with different bully sticks, dog chews and treats, bones, food, supplies, toys, dental treats. They also have products made in the USA and an extensive sale section. One thing I feel that BestBullySticks could improve upon is the quality of the packaging. The seal doesn’t work well and the Ear Variety pack bag ripped on the side. I wound up putting all of the treats and chews into large freezer bags. On the website, in small fine print, is says to put the treats in the freezer or refrigerator because they don’t contain preservatives. I would make the print bigger on your website and add this to the packaging. I like how all of the treats are 100% natural, approved by the USDA, and 100% digestible. BestBullySticks is located in Richmond, VA. I would absolutely purchase from BestBullySticks in the future. They have so many great products that Bailey would love to try!

BestBullySticks is offering a giveaway to TWO lucky winners. Each winner will receive the three items listed above. Contest begins on Friday, March 24, 2017 at 12:oo AM and will end Friday, April 7, 2017 at 12:00 AM. Contest is open to continental USA residents ages 18 years or older. Winners will be selected through Random.org. The winners have 24 hours to respond via e-mail or another winner will be selected.

ENTER THE BestBullySticks

GIVEAWAY HERE

Be sure to visit BestBullySticks on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google+, YouTube and Pinterest.

Disclaimer: I reviewed items from BestBullySticks in return for a review and posts on social media platforms. All views within are authentic and my own. Have you considered featuring your business or service on Realm of Vibes? Please visit my Collaborate page or e-mail realmofvibesdg@gmail.com to get started. Always supervise your dog when giving any chew or treat as they can become a choking hazard.

5 Ways to Earn Cash in Under an Hour

March 20, 2017March 20, 2017 / realmofvibes / 20 Comments

*This post contains affiliate and referral links.

I admit it…I am a penny pincher. I have known the value of a dollar since I was twelve years old, working at my after-school job in a flower shop. I would strip roses of their thorns, water plants, and make bouquets. It was a lovely job; one that allowed me to go to the movies with friends and buy the latest trend at the mall. I started babysitting at 13, worked at a pizzeria, and entered the wonderful world of retail. I worked part-time as a telemarketer and a dorm “check-in” worker during my undergraduate studies. When I was in graduate school, I was a promotional model for liquor companies and a nanny. Everything I have, I have earned through my hard work and dedication. I have learned how to save money through various methods. This has supplemented my income and allowed me to purchase special items for myself, husband, or animals. Here are some of my favorites:

1Q Application

Time: less than 15 seconds

1Q is an instant mobile marketing application. You fill out a series of questions about yourself and they send you relevant questions. Every question you answer is $0.25 or $0.50 (depending on which option you choose). Money gets deposited right into your PayPal account. Nope, I’m not getting rich off this application but for 15 seconds of my time, this is easy money.

Ibotta

Time: 15-20 minutes

This is another application to download to your mobile device. Before I head to the supermarket (usually ShopRite, Weis, or BJs) or drug/liquor/retail stores, I go through and unlock deals. For instance, ShopRite may have a deal on bananas for $0.25 or $0.75 on a major cereal brand that I will be purchasing. I may have to answer a question or watch a short video to unlock the deal. Purchase the products that you have unlocked from Ibotta’s list of supported stores. Some items, you will need to scan barcodes to verify your purchases. Then, scan you receipt and send directly to Ibotta. Within 24-48 hours, money will be deposited into your Ibotta account. At the time of this post, you need $20 USD to transfer to your PayPal account or to cash out a gift card. I have connected my store loyalty cards to the Ibotta app (some stores have this option, some do not). This takes the scanning step out of the equation; however, you still must unlock the offers. Ibotta also has mobile in-app purchases that will give you cash back. Everyone goes shopping, so why not earn some cash back?

Use my referral code (SFRVCEL) to get a $10 bonus: here

Ebates

Time: however long it takes me to shop online or in-store

My aunt got me HOOKED on Ebates. Earn a percentage back at all participating Ebates stores, both online and in-store. I added the button onto my browser, so whenever there are Ebates deals, it prompts me to activate the reward. You can also link your credit card to your Ebates account. My husband and I shopped for his suits at an Ebates approved store. We received 4% back on our purchase, almost instantly! When I shop online, Ebates will help me keep more money in my pocket. Once you reach $5.01 USD, Ebates will send you a Big Fat Check, transfer your money into PayPal, or send to a family member/organization/charity of your choice. Like Ibotta, you are shopping for items anyway, so keep some cash in your pocket! Ebates also has a referral program, where if you click my referral link, sign up, and make a purchase, I can receive $25 USD. Please use my referral link: here.

Sell your Stuff: Poshmark, LetGo, and Garage Sale Sites

Time: 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how organized you are

Gather clothes and household goods that you no longer want and get ready to make some money! Grab your cell and take a picture of each item. Upload as follows with a detailed description and price. Watch the savings roll in…

Poshmark: Enter code BAEGN when you sign up to receive $5 off your first order. Poshmark is the ultimate virtual consignment store. I have both shopped and sold on Poshmark. I have purchased clothing and DVDs and I have sold clothes, shoes, and bridesmaids items. A great way to re-use, recycle and re-purpose!
Letgo: I have purchased home décor and have sold automotive items on Letgo.
Garage Sale Sites: I love garage sale sites on Facebook. I have sold so many things including clothing, shoes, accessories, home décor, automotive and pet items…the list goes on.
My disclaimer: Please be careful meeting people offline to sell/buy items. Many municipalities in NJ have garage sale parking spots in police department lots for safe exchanges of product(s) for money. Don’t be silly – use your best judgment and always tell someone where you are meeting. If it doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t.

Couponing

Time: 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how organized you are

I start by doing my digital coupons on the ShopRite application on my phone. Then I head over to Coupons.com were I have hundreds of coupons right at my fingertips. I subscribe to the newspaper Thursdays and Sundays, where I quickly scan the flyers and cut out any coupons. I have my filing system down to a science. I use the Expandable Coupon Organizer. I sort everything by category and date. Before I go to the supermarket, I make a list of everything I need to purchase. Then, I put an asterisk next to the items that have coupons. When I am in the store, when I get an item, I pull the coupon from the compartment and slip it into my pocket. When I use my club savings card, and buy items that are on sale, in conjunction with a coupon, I save the most money.

Final Thoughts

A penny saved is a penny earned.

What do you do to earn and save money? Drop a comment, below.

Namaste.

Adobe Spark (50)

** The Lili Aromatherapy giveaway is still underway until March 24, 2017. Enter here.

Red Jasper: Protection & Passion

March 17, 2017March 17, 2017 / realmofvibes / 13 Comments

Whatever I write about Red Jasper would not give it the amount of respect it deserves. One of the reasons why I wanted to become a Seeking OM ambassador was to further my education about crystals and integrate them into my life to promote good energy and vibes. I chose to write about my Red Jasper gemstone bracelet last because my mind kept racing about which life topics to integrate into my post…

Let’s begin with the details about Red Jasper:

Red Jasper: red with orange, yellow or tan undertones
Aides: gently stimulating, grounds energy, rectifies unjust situations, calms the emotions, stone of protection, supreme nurturer, balances and stabilizes
Chakra: Root, first Chakra, responsible for fight or flight, governs sexuality, stability, sensuality, and security
Buddha: Indian God bringing enlightenment and wisdom

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And if you don’t already know about Seeking OM:

They are a Boston based artisan company
They create men and women’s jewelry which can heal the 7 chakras
You can customize your own jewelry by
- stone (Howlite, Tiger’s Eye, Moonstone, Kyanite),
- style (plain, Buddha, Ganesh, Sandalwood, Lava stone)
- size (small, medium, large)

I’m Italian, and I have a Cornicello (little horn) and Mano Cornuto (index and pinky fingers extended, thumb on top of middle and ring fingers). They are worn in Italian culture to ward away evil. The Red Jasper gemstone bracelet reminds me of my cultural jewelry, ready to protect me from lifes curveballs and craziness.

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I typically wear Red Jasper:

when I feel “off”
when I have days where I think, “Is it you, or is it me?”
when I feel like I am going to walk into a vulnerable situation
when my anxiety creeps up
when I need energy, and/or a metabolism boost
when I am having trouble making decisions

Red Jasper is my support stone. It protects from evil energy, relieves stress, clears the mind, guards against physical threats, stimulates passion, and promotes healing energies.

Red Jasper has come into my life during a period of change and uncertainty. All the Seeking OM gemstone bracelets serve as reminders for their intended purposes. My mind, heart, and hands are open; ready to receive Red Jasper’s guidance and protection.

Namaste.

Be sure to check out my other Seeking OM posts:

Disclosure: I received gemstone jewelry from Seeking OM in return for a featured post on Realm of Vibes and social media platforms. All opinions and views within are authentic. Have you considered featuring your business or service on Realm of Vibes? Please visit my Collaborate page or e-mail realmofvibesdg@gmail.com to get started.

Adobe Spark (46)

If I Died Tomorrow…

March 14, 2017March 18, 2018 / realmofvibes / 13 Comments

Death surrounds me. When I was doing my internship, my clinical instructor used to read the obituaries. She told me, “You just wait…when you are a therapist, if you work in a setting with older adults, you will read the obituaries too.” Five years later, I actually read the obituaries. I have both hated and enjoyed reading about one of my former patient’s passing. I have cut their obituary out of the paper, tucked it into my scrub pocket, and carried their 400-word blurb into work to share with my colleagues.

Nursing homes can be a pretty eerie place to work. The smells and sounds have most people running for the hills. I have had long walks down the corridors, only to find out that one of my patient’s expired. I hate that word, expire. It reminds me of milk…

Death is apart of my husband’s job, too, as he is a police officer. When he gets home, a conversation can go something like:

“How was your day?”

“Great. I had a young couple overdose on heroin. How was your day?”

“Great. One of my patients died…they didn’t make it to the hospital.”

Silence.

12:34. That is my Grandma’s signal for everything being in order…When she died, she would wake us up at 12:34 AM. Whenever I catch 12:34, I say, “Hi, Grandma!”

The foster puppies… I usually foster the older dogs, but I will hear that one or two of the puppies didn’t make it because of Parvo or some other illness. Dog rescue is not for the faint of heart. Very, very depressing.

Make sure you have your wishes in order. If you don’t already have one, make sure you have a will, power of attorney, and healthcare proxy. I have noticed that while working in a nursing home, it is really important that you have your stuff together and legalized to prevent any problems.

The past two weeks were very challenging. I went to two wakes, which made me think about my life.

If I died tomorrow…

Put me in a bio-degradable coffin and bury me in the ground. I am an environmentalist. Coffins are expensive and don’t decompose. Grow a tree, or plant flowers near me. Come visit me; talk to me, keep me posted on what is going on in your life. Cover me with a flannel blanket during the winter and place flip-flops on my grave in the summertime. Leave pictures of your travels and talk to me. I will be there for you.
Play good music during my wake. Play Trevor Hall, Amy Winehouse, Joss Stone. I don’t want to listen to elevator music, and neither do you. Don’t make it a super sappy event. I don’t want that. Cry, but talk about the good stuff. Laugh. Smile. It will be okay.
Dress me in anything royal blue and a fresh pair of sneakers. Comfortable is my favorite word when it comes to fashion.
Have pictures of Jason, my family, friends, and Bailey with me. I felt the most beautiful on my wedding day so include some mementos from that day. Replay my wedding video on a television. Put some pictures of the foster dogs I helped save. I know I will continue to rescue dogs in Heaven.
Make sure I have the Italian horns and hands with me; they will protect me and ward away any evil on my travels from earth to Heaven.
Flowers die. While beautiful, I rather you donate money to the rescue organization. The dogs need it more than I will.
At my repast, drink, eat, and be merry. This too shall pass. You will be fine and so will I.

I snap. I blink. I take a breath. Death could happen in that one, single second. I could get into an accident, fall down the stairs, or lightening could strike me dead. Boom. Lights out. Game over. Thanks for playing. It’s a crazy concept, isn’t it?

I try to live every day to the fullest. Sometimes, if my husband and I are discussing a big purchase, we will turn to one another and say, “YOLO!” as our reminder that we have ONE shot in life. Buy the item on your wish list. Get the manicure. Eat the brownie. When we wake up to see another day, we are truly blessed. The harsh reality is that death could be a moment away…

Death is a hard topic for some people to discuss. I leave you with some thoughts; If you were to die tomorrow, do people know what you want? Your desires and wishes? Would they know how you feel about them? Would you have lived to be your best self?

Namaste.

Adobe Spark (44)

Remember, Realm of Vibes has a Lili Aromatherapy giveaway going on until March 24, 2017 where you could win a sample pack of body scrubs. Enter here.

Lili Aromatherapy Body Scrubs – GIVEAWAY!

March 10, 2017March 15, 2017 / realmofvibes / 46 Comments

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and sponsored products. All opinions within are authentic and my own.

Showers are sacred. Besides my bed, it is the one place where I can just relax. I don’t have the dogs and cats begging for attention, my husband asking me what’s for dinner, or text message pings alerting me to the twenty million things on my to-do list.

Once a week, I perform a full body scrub. I like the feeling of exfoliating; I scrub my day or week away — all that “stuff”, down the drain. I was honored to write a review on Lili Aromatherapy’s body scrubs, which are from Sri Lanka, 100% vegan, and not tested on animals.

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About Lili Aromatherapy

Lili Aromatherapy was created by Rasha, who was been born and raised in America. She moved to Sri Lanka when she was a teenager and fell in love with the country. Sri Lanka is known for is their high quality essential oils that the natives use in beauty treatments. Rasha started Lili Aromatherapy the goal of sharing Sri Lankan essential oils with the world. She wanted all of her products to be of spa quality, convenient and easy to use. All ingredients are sourced from the tropical Island of Sri Lanka. Women from impoverished areas of Sri Lanka hand pack all of Lili Aromatherapy’s products.

Lili Aromatherapy scrubs come with 4 individual sachets (3.5 oz., 100 g, of product in each sachet) and cost $40 USD. Each pack is designed for one full body scrub experience. If used once a week, each purchase could last for one month. I always appreciate a company that sends a handwritten note and has awesome packaging. Each cloth drawstring packet is wrapped in clear plastic and contain four sachets. The sachets are waterproof, see-through and have a floral design with clear labels. I smelled the scrubs through the DHL bag!

Directions:

Rub small amounts of scrub onto moist skin, rubbing towards your heart to improve circulation. Once finished, wash off the remaining scrub with warm water. For best results, use once a week.

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The Lili Aromatherapy body scrubs include:

An Affair Amongst Jasmines
- Amazing for glowing skin, helps reduce blemishes and scars, and soothes troubled skin. Recommended before a hot date or event.
- My thoughts: I could smell the jasmine and sandalwood through the packaging. Holy. Moly. Amazing. The scrub has an orange/pinkish tint, and is finer than the other two scrubs. My skin is sensitive, and this scrub was especially soothing and left my skin soft and glowing. This was my favorite scrub; the smell was truly unbelievable and my skin was left soft from the essential oils.

Meditation Amongst Lotuses
- Reduces anxiety and stress, tones and tightens skin, reduces fine lines and is purported to have anti-aging effects. Good to use after a stressful week or when you feel worn out or ragged.
- My thoughts: Oh. My. Goodness. I have never heard of or used blue lotus essential oil but I am really glad I had the opportunity to experience it through Lili Aromatherapy’s scrubs. The Meditation Amongst Lotuses scrub smells like the biggest and best bouquet of flowers you have ever received. My skin was left smelling like floral notes. Very refreshing!

Serenity Amongst Lavender Fields
- Perfect for reducing cellulite, reduces aches and muscle pains, and has a strong calming effect. This is a staple after the gym or an intense yoga class.
- My thoughts: I love lavender. This is super relaxing. I smell the rosemary and sage, too. I used this after hot yoga class, before bedtime, and it put me in a very calm state. My skin felt fantastic; super soft and left smelling like lavender.

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The Lili Aromatherapy scrubs have made my shower experience more relaxing and enjoyable. The scents are unreal, the textures of the scrubs are perfect, and they really exfoliate my skin without any irritation. My skin is left soft from the essential oils. I feel like I am taken away to Sri Lanka when using Lili Aromatherapy scrubs. I felt like one sachet was the perfect amount for two showers. Realm of Vibes strongly recommends Lili Aromatherapy scrubs to help you look and feel amazing.

Lili Aromatherapy is giving THREE lucky winners a sample pack of scrubs (valued at $30 USD). Contest will begin on March 10, 2017 at 12:00 AM EST and run until March 24, 2017 12:00 AM EST. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Winners must be from the continental USA. No purchase required. Winners will be chosen using random.org. Winners must be able to provide name, address, and phone number for shipping. Winners have 24 hours to respond to e-mail or another winner will be selected.