That’s What I Do, I Drink & I Know Things

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Now I have the perfect rebuttal to my husband when he asks me what I am doing as I ferociously type on the computer. I’m going to hold up my new glass given to me by Integrity Bottles, that reads “That’s What I Do, I Drink & I Know Things” famously stated by Tyrion Lannister on HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones. He will quickly get the message that I am blogging away! (And I will ignore his eye roll.)

Integrity Bottles is where you can purchase drinkware and bottles with well-known quotations from Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, and Harry Potter. Integrity Bottles also has patriotic glasses, perfect for law enforcement and military members, and these beautiful crackle and bubble tribal sea turtle and heart glasses. Their drinkware list is extensive featuring beer, wine, whiskey, margarita and shot glasses, coffee mugs, pocket flasks, mason jars, Moscow mules, and tumblers. Wine, liquor, and water bottles also are for purchase. Price points start at $14 for a whiskey tumbler through $80, for a set of four stainless steel etched wine glasses.

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Pinot Noir & Dogs, what could be better?

I felt super sassy drinking my Pinot Noir in my new wine glass. I snapped a picture to show you my day to day chaos. Bailey, playing games asking me to go inside and outside every 15 seconds, and Heath, my sidekick… The saying, “That’s what I do, I drink and I know things” is so relevant to a dog loving blogger! (And kudos to Integrity Bottles for packaging the glass so well!)

There is truly something for everyone. Integrity Bottles screams “GIFTS” as we all have that friend and/or family member that intently watches their beloved television series, who is in law enforcement and/or the military, or loves turtles, hearts, witty sayings and/or elegant designs.

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Game of Thrones Collection

I don’t know about you, but I anxiously await Game of Thrones premiere; I put a reminder in my phone and set the DVR, just in case I am running a few minutes late from my extracurricular activities. The Game of Thrones glasses by Integrity Bottles are bestsellers. There are so many options to choose from (lettering, glasses & sayings), bringing you full customization at your fingertips. Some of my GoT favorites:

God of Tits & Whiskey (perfect for your female friend that enjoys Jack or Johnnie)

Mother of Dragons (great gift for your bestie who has kids)

Hold the Door

Kingslayer

King in the North

Winter is Coming

You Know Nothing Jon Snow (I say this when people don’t “get it”)

I’m Not a Princess, I’m a Khaleesi

And mine, That’s What I Do, I Drink & I Know Things (blog and wine, baby!)

So, how does Integrity Bottles create such masterpieces? The wording is sand carved by hand with a powerful sandblaster into the drinkware to create a smooth, crisp design. Sandblasting is permanent and will not fade, or disappear in the dishwasher, unlike other glass designs. (It is best if you hand wash the black enameled glasses.) There are no chemicals used during sandblasting.

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For the animal lover…

I would strongly recommend creating an account with Integrity Bottles. They have a customer rewards program in which you can earn points to use on your purchases (simple things like adding your birthday, liking them on Facebook, sharing their website on Twitter, and following them on Instagram @integritybottles). Integrity Bottles appreciates your business; they really strive to make your experience on and off their website pleasurable. (As I gaze at my beautifully etched wine glass…I really DO know things!

Integrity Bottles is run by military veterans and former law enforcement. Their motto, Etched with Honor, spoke to me as I am a police officer’s wife, and I too, value integrity and honor in all my life endeavors. I thank Jamie, their Creative Designer and Master Blaster, and Zachary, her loving and supportive husband, for giving Realm of Vibes the opportunity to feature your product!

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Crackle Wine Glass with Sea Turtle

For our loyal readers and customers, use coupon code IntegrityVibes at checkout from Integrity Bottles. You will get 10% off all products. The coupon code can only be used once and has no expiration date.

Disclosure: Integrity Bottles sent me a beautiful etched stemless wine glass complimentary for a featured review on Realm of Vibes and post on social media outlets. All opinions within are authentic and honest. Have you considered featuring your business or service on Realm of Vibes? Please visit my Collaborate page or e-mail realmofvibesdg@gmail.com for more details. Namaste.

FEATURED POST: Handmade Collars, Leashes & More by Just Dog Gone Cute

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Every foster parent and rescue organization knows the importance of taking good pictures of dogs that are available for adoption. It’s similar to online dating. Adopters scan websites to search for the perfect canine companion. What’s the first thing they notice? Fido’s picture. Kelly Andrews, owner of Etsy shop, Just Dog Gone Cute, kindly donated ADOPT ME collars to Caring Canine Connections. Thank you, Kelly! We know these collars will bring many happy adoptions!

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Bailey, not for adoption, but a great model!

Just Dog Gone Cute has over 450 items for sale including dog and cat collars, leashes, flower head bands and hats. You can find a collar or leash for any special need or occasion, like “Do Not Pet” or a “Happy Birthday” collar. The assortment is extensive, including holiday, wedding, patriotic and seasonal items. I was immediately drawn to the Adopt Me/Rescue/Blessed section as we want potential adopters to know that the dog is available, especially at adoption events and in public places like the pet store or park. These ADOPT ME collars help our foster dogs stand out in the crowd.

Just Dog Gone Cute’s collars arrived in adorable packaging. Each collar was individually wrapped in paw print tissue paper. A hand-written message was included, adding a personalized touch. The ADOPT ME buckle collars are so bright and fun! They are easy to adjust (remember to leave at least a two-finger width in between your pet’s neck and collar). They feel very study, but are soft against their skin. I feel confident that I could hand wash or put these in the washer (in a mesh bag on delicate) and they will stay intact. (Bailey and my foster dogs love to play in the dirt, so a washable collar is important.) Heath, my foster dog, was show stopping in the green collar. It really stood out against his shiny black coat.

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Heath, in a green ADOPT ME collar

I love how Just Dog Gone Cute has a variety of color options: yellow, pink, red, orange, light and dark purple, green, and blue. There are a wide range of collars (extra small through large), buckle, martingales (fabric or chain), and leashes (four through six feet, one sided or double sided). You could also purchase a ribbon collar or just the ribbon only.

An English idiom says it best, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Realm of Vibes and Caring Canine Connections thank Kelly for donating the super cute ADOPT ME collars. They are giving a fresh, lively look to the foster dogs in our care. In addition to shopping at Just Dog Gone Cute on Etsy, make sure you like Just Dog Gone Cute on Facebook!

Would your business or service like to be featured on Realm of Vibes? Please visit the Collaborate page or e-mail realmofvibesdg@gmail.com to get started.

Disclosure: In return for donating collars to Caring Canine Connections, Just Dog Gone Cute is featured on Realm of Vibes and social media platforms. Although collars were received complimentary and as a donation, all opinions within this post are honest and authentic. Caring Canine Connections could benefit from donations to aid in the care of our foster dogs. Please support artists, small businesses, and rescue organizations. Make the world a happier place! Namaste.

When a Foster Dog Leaves

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scrappyA foster dog never leaves my home. Their memories are forever embedded in my heart. I look at their favorite spots, whether it be on the couch or in the yard, and it reminds me of their happiness. I provided a temporary, but very stable, nurturing home. They had gotten bathed in my tub to wash off the shelter filth, a different collar to give them a new identity, food, water, and a comfortable place to sleep. They played with an abundance of toys, received numerous treats and bully sticks, and were on schedule of two working humans, looking to give back and make a difference in the world. The foster dog gets its pictures and biography posted online and volunteers await applications, ready to begin reference and background checks. Meet and greets take place to see if the dog will be a good fit for the new person or family. If all goes well, the foster dog leaves to its furever home. I feel a mixture of emotions when my foster dog leaves, which I can compare to a cocktail; two parts happiness mixed with one part sadness, topped off with worry, shaken with relief, and poured into a half-full glass.

I am happy, because they have a new home.

I am sad, because they are leaving me. My labor of love ends.

I am worried, for the next 48 hours, hoping they adapt well to their new person/family and environment.

I am relieved, that I had a helping hand in making my foster dog an adoptable canine companion.

Before I meet with the potential adopters, I always spend some alone time with my foster dog. I pray that they always be cared for and loved. I give them a treat, belly rub, and kisses. I tell them I love them and was happy to be given the opportunity to take care of them. I let them play with Bailey, my 2-year-old rescue, in the yard, one last time.

I reflect on their progress. They arrived broken and leave mended, by life’s greatest virtue: love.

farrahWhen the adopters arrive, I appear nonchalant, but secretly, my insides ache. My heart drops into my stomach. I hold tears back from streaming down my face. I remind them that if it doesn’t work out, to call me, and I will take the dog back, no questions asked. The dog that doesn’t want to leave my home is the most painful to watch. I turn away, or the composure I work so hard to maintain will be lost. I enjoy watching the dog that leaves confidently, as I often wish I could tackle new adventures as fearlessly as they do.

As my foster dog is leaving my care, I must repeat to myself:

The next dog you rescue will probably be worse than this one. They need you. Let this one go.

This dog is going to a happy, healthy home. It will work out. Be positive.

I can’t keep all the dogs I rescue, so continue fostering, educating, and advocating.

Dogs come into our lives to teach us about love. When they depart, they teach us about loss and acceptance. New dogs never replace the previous, they only expand our hearts and allow us to grow. Every dog I foster comes with a story, I just hope to give them the happiest of endings; a perfect forever home.

Philanthropist

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My passion for volunteering started when I was elected the Philanthropy Chairwoman in my sorority, Alpha Sigma Tau. I was responsible for acquiring volunteer hours for all my sorority sisters. I was also responsible for organizing and conducting a blood drive for the college students and the surrounding community. I orchestrated coin-drops at local supermarkets, bake sales on campus, participated in breast cancer walks, and partnered with the local soup kitchen, in addition to other various projects.

Volunteering at the soup kitchen was a very humbling experience. The hardest part was seeing children stand in line to await their Sunday dinner. I remember going back to my dorm, plopping myself on my bed, and crying to my mom on the phone. Although I felt like I made a difference, my heart was broken and my mind was unsettled. Volunteering at the soup kitchen was not for me. I couldn’t handle my emotions, and it left me feeling terrible about society and the struggles people must endure to put food on the table. After I completed graduate school and began my career, I missed volunteering and giving back from the goodness of my heart. I wanted to do something more, something different and challenging. Ultimately, it had to make me feel good. I wanted to volunteer with an organization that kept me coming back for more…

I researched an array of different possibilities, mentioning to my husband that we should volunteer for an organization. He agreed, thinking it would be a good way to spend time with one another and to give back to our community.

After we rescued Bailey, my wheels started turning.

“Hey Jay, we are going to foster puppies.” I said as I sipped my fourth glass of wine. He thought I was crazy, and probably thought the wine was talking, but I was serious, so we embarked on the fostering roller coaster ride together.

I picked up our first foster puppy in April 2016 and have since become a very active volunteer. I organize fundraising events and donation drives, and assist with adoptions and veterinary visits. Ten of my foster dogs have been adopted to forever homes. I am hoping my eleventh foster dog, Heath, the one that played dead, is adopted before the end of January.

Everyone has the capability to make a difference. I challenge you to become a philanthropist in 2017. Here are some tips for getting started:

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Money vs. Time

First decide whether you want to donate money or volunteer your time. If you want to donate money, pick one or two charities you feel strongly about, and research where the money is being spent. If you choose time, research their and your expectations, and make sure you can uphold your commitment. Fostering dogs is a combination of time and money. Time is paramount when training a foster dog to be a lovable, adoptable, well-behaved canine. The rescue supplies the basics, but we purchase additional items. All the items we purchase for our foster dog are tax deductible.

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Bailey, my rescue dog

What’s Important to You?

I chose fostering because I feel strongly about rescuing dogs opposed to breeding. I chose to help with fundraising and donation drives because non-profit organizations work hard to be sustainable, and little gestures make a great impact. I like seeing results, and with fostering and helping with the rescue, I constantly see progress, which makes me feel like I am valued and my time is being utilized effectively.

Awareness

Get your family, friends, and coworkers involved. Bring awareness to the organization in which you are helping, and others may join the fun. Many charities don’t have funds for advertising, so word of mouth and posting on social media can really help an organization get noticed.

Be Productive

My closing sentiment is a quotation by Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

In 2017, pick something that is meaningful to you, and donate monetarily, your time, or both. You could also attend fundraising events for causes you support; that would be of minimal cost and time.

If we all chose to be productive, and gave a little of ourselves to the greater good, the world would be a much happier, healthier place.

Namaste.

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Preparing for Lake Placid

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I hate the cold and never participated in any winter sports besides building a snowman. Even then I would run inside, take a hot shower, make some hot cocoa, and sit with a book by the fireplace. My husband has been talking about going on a ski vacation for the past six years. I explained that between an old right knee surgery and having Raynaud’s phenomenon, I wasn’t exactly thrilled on sliding down a mountain in the freezing cold. Alas, Jason’s birthday is in the beginning of January. I strive to make him a happy husband. One of the reasons why I married him is because he pushes me to do new things and to break through the barriers I often place on myself. Although I am a little scared to ski, I try not to let fear and apprehension be a limiting factor in my life. (I was afraid of dogs, remember?) So, I booked Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort on Groupon and told him we are going skiing for his birthday. He went to his parent’s house and collected his ski gear from their basement. I, on the other hand, didn’t even have a waterproof jacket. Here is some information I compiled while preparing for our trip…

Gear

I will be renting my skis, boots, poles, and helmet. Jason has his skis and boots, and will be renting poles and a helmet. We are purchasing ski goggles on Amazon. They have many different types and styles of gear, way outside my scope of skiing knowledge, but we did consider renting skis and poles in our home state, and transporting the equipment up to Lake Placid. We opted against that decision since I am a beginner, and I rather use the gear that they provide me should anything malfunction. For those that have some experience, you may find it more financially beneficial to rent gear locally and transport to your destination, or purchase your own gear. They also have websites where they can ship your gear straight to your hotel.

Dress

This is the most important for me since I don’t tolerate the cold well. Start with a base layer. I love Under Armour’s ColdGear. I have a mock long sleeved waterproof base layer that will wick away sweat and keep me warm. The next layer is a fleece layer, to provide extra warmth. Then, you want a waterproof jacket, or shell. My in-laws purchased me the Columbia Bugaboo jacket (pictured below), which has a fleece layer and a waterproof shell. It is incredibly warm and my new favorite winter jacket.

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On your bottom half, you either want a snow bib or snow pants. Make sure they have insulation and are waterproof. My sister-in-law purchased the Columbia Bugaboo snow pants for me for Christmas. They are super comfortable. You must not forget your ski gloves. You want them to have a drawstring so you could pull them tightly around your wrist to not allow snow inside. I found an inexpensive pair at BJs, and they provide the warmth and are waterproof.

Wool socks that are breathable, warm and odor fighting are imperative for skiing. They are around $17, but will be well worth keeping my feet warm on the slopes. Don’t forget to protect your neck. A balaclava ski mask protects your neck and most of your face. Some people buy a wool buff or neck gaiter. I am opting for more coverage, so I will be wearing a balaclava.

Trails, Lifts & Lessons

Know the mountain in which you are skiing. I look at trails and conditions, and research what days and times are available to take ski lessons. Lessons are highly recommended for beginners. I have absolutely no idea what I am doing and genuinely concerned for my safety, so I want a professional to show me the basics. Lift tickets can also generally be purchased online. Check websites often to stay updated.

Extras

20170107_173743You better believe I will be bringing hand and foot warmers. Keeping warm is my number one priority. I am also bringing Gu Energy Gel, mini Clif bars, sunscreen, and pocket tissues. These will be kept in my Bugaboo’s pockets while we are on the mountain.

Plan B

God willing, I will ski and have a wonderful time. YOLO, right? If skiing isn’t my thing, we have Plan B. Lake Placid offers a plethora of activities including snow shoeing, ice skating, bob sledding, and tubing. We have been researching some activities at Mt. Van Hoevenberg, too.

We picked Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort since it has great amenities (indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, steam baths) and boutique shopping adjacent to the hotel.  It will be nice after a day of activity to relax. Golden Arrow is right on Mirror Lake, which offers dog sledding. I love dogs, so this will hopefully be checked off my Plan B list.

I have also scoped out some places for grub and brewskis. The Lake Placid Pub and Brewery is on our must-go list.

Advice

What is your advice for a first-time skier? For someone who has never ventured to Lake Placid? Provide some of your own tidbits in the comments below.

I have a feeling this trip will be unforgettable, hopefully in a good way!

Namaste.