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Help Shelter Cats with Cat’s Pride Litter

This post is sponsored by Cat’s Pride but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

 

This is Boo Radley. International cat of mystery. The cutest of kittens. He was saved at four months from a dog fighting ring where cats were bait. Out of a litter of 6, only he & his brother survived.

Despite a rocky start in life, Boo Radley has led a very charmed life. He was rescued by a local cat sanctuary where we were lovingly cared for prior to our adoption. While our family went through the adoption process knowing we would only able to adopt one kitten, it was not an easy day for us. As visiting the sanctuary was heartwrenching for our family.

Seeing row after row of beautiful, fuzzy faces, brought home for us how dire and necessary adopting, and not shopping, for our fuzzy friends was. After several very sad hours, we left the sanctuary with the most precious male tuxedo kitten, Boo Radley.

That day I was reminded of one of my favorite quotes: “Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can,
To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.” – John Wesley

Saving that tiny, playful, precocious, ball of love from such an initially horrible situation felt to me, the right way, at the right time, of making a small difference in this world.

However, Cat’s Pride is doing something super important to help save cats in this country, and I’m hoping you will help me in supporting their efforts. As part of Cat’s Pride Litter for Good program, every time you buy a green jug of Fresh & Light litter, Cat’s Pride will donate a pound of litter to animal welfare organizations across America.

It’s not a promotional offer, it’s a long-standing commitment to helping shelter animals in need.

As any cat guardian can attest, Cat Litter is very expensive. Especially for sanctuaries and shelters. Which is why the primary need for most cat rescue shelter is, of course, cat liter! Unfortunately, its one of the last things these sanctuaries and rescue groups receive annually.

According to the American Humane Society, over 3. 2 million cats enter shelters each year, of which half are euthanized due to a lack of available homes. Which is why Litter for Good is donating litter to shelters in need, and the money saved can help provide veterinary care, dispatch assistance, and homes for cats in need. Litter is simply not a household staple, its a lifesaving measure for cats in need!

Which is why I’m urging you to join me in supporting this generous, lifesaving venture by Cat’s Pride. Together we can help save and secure the lives of millions of cats in need this nation over!

Here’s how you can help:

Purchase a green jug of Cat’s Pride Fresh & Light (from their line of ultimate care products) from your local store or Amazon. You can find a local store in your area here.

Join the Cat’s Pride Club. With just a few simple clicks you can nominate your favorite shelter or sanctuary to receive litter.

I know Boo Radley and the other cat’s just like him are appreciative of being adopted in his own pur-fect way. One of the greatest decisions we ever made was to bring Boo into our home. And to make sure that Boo and cats like him are safeguarded at animal shelters while awaiting adoptive homes, we make sure to purchase Cat’s Pride litter. It’s our small way of giving back to those who need us the most!

We love that Cat’s Pride Fresh and Light Ultimate Care Premium Scented Multi-Cat Scoop is effective, affordable, and each 10-pound jug is 50% lighter lug around! It also has ten-day odor control, so we ensure Boo’s litter boxes are clean, fresh, and go unnoticed!

For 75 years, Oil Dry, makers of Cat’s Pride have been experts in cat litter. With their liquid absorption technology ensures their clay products are safe for cats, but as also used for things like edible oil purification, jet fuel filtration, major league baseball fields drying during games, and even for healthy crops. Neat, huh?

Which is why Cat’s Pride is our go-to brand for all of our cats. Including Shadow, Mr. Darcy, and of course, Boo Radley!

Be sure to purchase a green jug of Cat’s Pride Fresh & Light. It’s the feel-good way to keep your homes fresher and give back to shelter cats too! Also, do you or someone you know volunteer at a local shelter? Be sure to register your shelter at the Cat’s Pride website today!

Now I want to ask, are you the adoptive guardian of a shelter cat? And do you pamper your pets with Cat’s Pride litter at home? Share your stories below!

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7 Tips To Keep Your Home Cleaner With Dogs

This post is sponsored by The Libman Company but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

 

pets

As many of you know, we have a large adoptive pet family. Including three amazing dogs, including our twelve-year-old Westie, Roxie, our seventeen-year-old Chihuahua Harley, and my pride and joy, my nine-year-old Shih-Tzu Sassy.

So it’s not a big surprise that when it comes to keeping my home clean at home with pets, it can sometimes be a constant uphill battle. Considering that I already have two other human beings in my home with a penchant for all things messy.

Luckily over the years, I’ve learned a thing or two about keeping all the pet messes in my home at bay and today I’m sharing my top 7 tips for keeping your home clean and tidy with dogs.

1. Quickly clean up accidents.

Pets are often very scent driven. When it comes to effectively cleaning up pet accidents its best to air on the side of attending to stains sooner than later. My go-to? Enzyme cleaners.

While many prefer baking soda and vinegar bombs, they are often effective only at removing surface stains, whereas enzyme cleaners naturally dissolve the bacteria and pet-induced pheromones completely. Allowing you to quickly address accidents which will help you in the long run.

Because even if you can’t smell the residual bacteria and pheromones left behind by pet accidents, your pets certainly can. And this lingering smell can include repeat performances which over time can damage carpeting and untreated hardwood flooring

pet feeding station

2. Create a pet feeding station.

Keeping your dog bowl and water bowl on a clean, wipeable surface will allow you to quickly clean up food messes as well as to allow for a more hygienic means to feed and nourish your fuzzy friends each day.

At home, I like to use feeding stations consisting of easy-to-clean food dishes, a water fountain, and treat bowls places on top of clean contact paper. This allows me to keep their feeding area clean and tidy throughout the day.

3. Bathe your dogs bi-weekly.

Bathing your dogs bi-weekly will help keep your home cleaner and help keep your allergies at bay by keeping pet dander, shedding, and the proverbial ode de dog scent we all know and love.

This is also a great way in warmer months to keep your pets healthier as bi-weekly bathing will help you to kill any residual fleas that can come into your home via evening walks as well as give you the opportunity to get hands-on with your pets and check them over for ticks. Especially important from May-November each year.

4. Brush your pets often.

If you have a dog that sheds, is a long-haired variety (as two of my fuzzy friends are), or are prone to skin allergies, regular brushing will not only keep your home much cleaner but will also help to prevent painfully, difficult mats from forming. What’s even better? Many dogs enjoy a great brushing. So consider adding it to your pets existing care and comfort routines at home!

libman tornado mop

5. Stock my home with the right cleaning supplies.

When it comes to cleaning up after my pets at home, my go-to is always my Libman Tornado® Spray Mop. It’s my favorite because it features zero-waste cotton strings, which after you’re done the cleaning, can be thrown in the washing machine and line dried for quick and easy pet mess cleanups.

But what’s even better? After many seasons of cleanings mopings at home, the mop can be composted at home. Making it not only very effective at cleaning pet messes at home but eco-friendly too!

6. Set regular bathroom break trips.

One of the most effective ways I have found at home to limit pet messes is to regularly set household times for letting my dogs outside each day.

I designate times throughout the day where my dogs are allowed outdoors to our fenced in backyard where they can relieve themselves, play, and enjoy their time outdoors. This helps to not only eliminate pet messes indoors but like with children, helps out dogs release some of their pent-up energy too!

7. Clean your dog’s paws when they come inside.

Is there anything worse than being in the middle of mopping your home only to find redeposited paw prints everywhere? To remedy this, I make a point of wiping down and around my dog’s paws each time they come into our home. Especially on rainy days at home.

libman tornado mop

What to do to keep your home cleaner with pets this season?

The next time in-store at your favorite big box store, make sure you’re stocked up on pet cleaning supplies for your home. Especially the Libman Freedom® Spray Mop.

Not to mention, I really love the ability I have to throw the mop head straight into the washing machine after a messy day and right outside to line dry and sun bleach at home. It can hold up to at least 100 washes. Perfect for all your cleaning at home this season! My favorite part? This mop is easy to use, it’s not heavy in hand, and is always fresh, clean, and ready to use at home!

It also works great on my homes various flooring including century-old hardwood floors, ceramic tile, and concrete flooring too! Head on over to their site and find the closest retailer to you!

Now, friends, I want to ask, what are your go-to tips for keeping your home clean with pets at home? Share your tips below!

pets

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April 2018 No-Spend Update

April 2018 No-Spend Update

It’s hard to believe that today marks the last day of April in my 2018 No-Spend Year! 

Unlike other months, April was a relatively easy-going month in terms of our no-spend progress. This past month I didn’t need to make any large repairs at home, replace any items, or seasonally prepare anything at home. Overall I spent a total of $212.14 on groceries and toiletries while saving our family $881.62. 

How I saved:

  • $116.00 on requesting interlibrary loan books for of my reading club selections.
  • Used earned Amazon gift cards to purchase $100.00 in household goods for my ETSY shop.
  • Groomed pets at home which saved us $70.00.
  • Sold unused household items on Facebook local groups and made $125.00.
  • Reviewed a phone case and saved $20.99 off the cost of buying a new case.
  • Was gifted a care package of Lush Soaps and saved $40.00 by not buying toiletries.
  • Used free Redbox codes twice for family movie nights and saved $3.00.
  • Utilized free Hulu with our family Spring plan and saved $7.99.
  • Traded crochet handtowels for homemade preserves, nut butter, and produce; saved $50.00.
  • Donated to charity for tax receipts in deductions totaling $150.00.
  • Ate from our pantry and freezer for one week saving $64.00.
  • Cut my family’s hair at home. Saved $70.00.
  • Sold used books on eBay. Earned $64.64 after seller and PayPal fees and shipping labels.

I was very encouraged by my savings this past month. Especially with what I was able to put back from selling things around the house. It still surprises me how small things still seem to creep into our home. This was due largely to having participated in a YouTube minimalist collab this month really helped me reprioritize my decluttering habits at home. 

Around the house:

April 2018 No-Spend Update

This month also saw the end of this year’s robotics team at my husband’s school. To end the year with a bang, my husband and our local robotics team were able to try out a STEM learning kit I received from Circuit Cubes. They had a ball with this kit. If you’re in the market for affordable STEM learning kits, check them out here. 

April 2018 No-Spend Update

Spring has also found its way into my garden. I’ve spent a lot of time germinating seeds, weeding flower beds, pruning crepe myrtles, mending the trellises for our climbing roses, planning to build additional compost bins, and turning the last of fall’s leaves into mulch for the warmer months ahead.

I also made a batch of my DIY rose food. It’s my go-to for keeping my climbing roses looking their best year after year. As you can see, the results speak for themselves!

April 2018 No-Spend Update

This past month also saw the creation of a small venture on this site, Anchor app mini-podcasts. Each Thursday I post a 5-7 minute mini musing over my week, home, and ideas rattling around the noggin. I’d love for you to check them out each week! I’m also working on my upcoming regular podcast and two ebooks set to be published later this coming season.

5 Tips For Zero-Waste Cleaning at Home

I’ve also gotten back into the habit of prepping my household cleaning caddy each Monday. Making batches of all-natural bleach, wood polish, and countertop cleaner. I’ve also been experimenting with a DIY black soap cleaner, so stay tuned for an upcoming recipe as well!

Needless to It has been a busy time at home. A time of progress and enjoying more of the simple life at home. 

So, friends, I want to ask, did you participate in our no-spend, or your own frugal April, be sure to leave your comments about what you learned! If you didn’t participate, I’d still love to hear how and where you saved the most this month! Share your stories below!

April 2018 No-Spend Update

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5 Ways to make your cat happy at home

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MorrisKnowsBest #CollectiveBias

5 Ways to make your cat happy at home

Don’t you just love cats? Like most cat owners, one of my missions in life is to make sure that my furry friends are living their happiest, healthiest life at home. Especially my cat, Mr. Darcy.

5 Ways to make your cat happy at home

Mr. Darcy, a rescue kitten my husband surprised our family with one afternoon last fall. He’s named after one of my favorite characters in fiction, Mr. Darcy, from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

5 Ways to make your cat happy at home

Since the day my husband brought home our sweet little kitty, Mr. Darcy has become one of our best friends. A cat who lives life to the fullest. Making him the perfect cat!

From romping in laundry baskets to taking a leisurely afternoon siesta after a cuddle session, Mr. Darcy makes it his business to be anywhere there’s something going on at home. Especially if that involves him taking in a quick game of peek-a-boo from my laundry basket station!

Needless to say, Mr. Darcy has become one of my best friends. Which is why I make sure he’s purr-fectly at home. Now, if you too would like to make sure your cat is living their happiest, healthiest life at home, here are 5 tips to get you started:

5 Ways to make your cat happy at home

Carve out quality time with your cat:

Your cat deserves your time and devoted energy each day. So make sure to carve out a few minutes twice a day, in the morning and evening, to devote to giving your feline friend one-on-one special attention.

Quality time that can involve cuddling or just sit quietly admiring your cat’s adoring gaze from across the room. Afterall, nothing says your cat loves you right back that a slow, deliberate blink of the eye!

5 Ways to make your cat happy at home

Give your cat a cuddle:

Just like people, cats love a good cuddle! In our home, this means giving Mr. Darcy a small, 5-minute massage! 

Simply stroking your cat, from nose to tail, gives an all-over feel-good massage that lowers a cat’s blood pressure and yours too! Pay special attention to the places he likes best, such as the base of the tail and under the cheeks.

Touching, petting, and massaging your cat also serves as a simple way to check your furry friend for lumps, mats, sores, or other creepy crawlies, like ticks. Especially important during the warmer months of the year if your pet ventures outdoors! 

5 Ways to make your cat happy at home

Provide your cats with toys:

Cats rarely work for a living these days. Which means that while you are working or tending to matters of the home, your cat may be bored out of its skull.

To prevent the proverbial cat-on-drape fiasco, provide your furry friends a variety of toys. Including laser, toys to stimulate prey instincts, small furry toys for batting, and even treats like catnip to ease their anxiety while your not home.

When cats have toys on hand, you can end your days coming home to happy-go-lucky friends and not a stir-crazy menace to society playing anti-gravity games with breakables on the counter!

Keep them hydrated:

I like to keep a cat fountain near Mr. Darcy’s food station. This provides him with both filtered water and the subtle ambiance of running water in the afternoons when I’m not home. It’s a small stress reliever that I believe he’s come to enjoy. Especially as temperatures warm up this season!

5 Ways to make your cat happy at home

Feed them the best:

When it comes to Mr. Darcy’s care, we always try to give him the best. We want to keep him with us for as long as we can! He has a nice little perch in our kitchen where he can look outdoors and take naps. Then when he wakes from each nap, he’s ready to dig into a great meal!

5 Ways to make your cat happy at home

We feed him 9Lives Daily Essentials® because it helps us give our cat the nutrition he needs every day at every stage of life. 9Lives provides Mr. Darcy with the vital nutrition he needs to help ensure proper heart, vision, muscular, skin, and coat vitality.

5 Ways to make your cat happy at home

We also give our older cat 9Lives Plus Care. Because as cats age, their nutritional needs change. With 9Lives we know all our furry friends are being provided daily with food that will enable them to stay well and regular while supporting their digestive and immunity health too!

Darcy’s absolute favorite meal? 9Lives® Gravy Favorites Variety Pack, of course! What cat wouldn’t love meat and gravy for dinner, right?

5 Ways to make your cat happy at home

I also like feeding him 9Lives Wet Cat Food because gives him variety in his diet. Including choices of tender, meaty morsels with rich gravy, flakes of fish, savory shreds, or ground food with flavor and aroma my cat cannot resist!

5 Ways to make your cat happy at home

He also loves the 9Lives Hearty Cuts with Beef and Chicken in Gravy and 9Lives Tender Morsels Turkey and Giblets. Especially the Hearty Cuts with big, meaty chunks, cuts, and shreds in a hearty gravy.

5 Ways to make your cat happy at home

5 Ways to make your cat happy at home

5 Ways to make your cat happy at home

Because 9Lives believes your cat deserves to live well, they are dedicated to the health and happiness of cats everywhere, we stock it every time I visit Dollar General! Food formulated to help Mr. Darcy stay happy and healthy at home!

5 Ways to make your cat happy at home

The next time you are at your local Dollar General, be sure to pick up the 9Lives Daily Essentials, Indoor Plus Care, Hearty Cuts, and Tender Morsels cat food this season! It will be one of the best ways you can let your furry friend know just how much you care!

Check out DollarGeneral.com to find coupons and save on 9Lives wet and dry cat food from 4/1/18 – 5/31/18. Be sure to use the coupon to save even more this season! Now, friends, I want to ask, how are you helping to ensure your cat is living their happiest, healthiest life possible at home this season? I’d love to hear all about it below!

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Where to Donate

 

Clothing

Dress for Success
What they do: Provide interview suits, confidence boosts, and career development to low-income women in over 75 cities worldwide
What they need: Women’s business suits and other professional apparel, footwear, and accessories

Career Gear
What they do: Provide underserved job-seeking men with training, career counseling, interviews, and professional clothing
What they need: Men’s suits, dress shirts, ties, shoes, briefcases, and other interview-appropriate clothing

The Women’s Alliance
What they do: Provide professional attire and career skills training to low-income women and their families seeking self-sufficiency
What they need: Women’s business clothing and professional accessories

Sew Much Comfort
What they do: Provide adaptive clothing to wounded service men and women in military hospitals (specially designed to look like normal attire while accommodating their injuries)
What they need: Basketball shorts, boxers, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and PJ bottoms; also twill, flannel, and woven shirting fabric

Clothes4Souls
What they do: Provide clothes to people around the world who are in desperate need
What they need: New or gently-worn clean clothing

Planet Aid
What they do: Provide clothing to people in developing nations, and fund community, health, agricultural, and vocational programs
What they need: Gently-used, unsoiled, functional clothing and shoes

Soles4Souls
What they do: Distribute shoes to people in need in over 125 countries
What they need: All types of new or gently-worn shoes: athletic, running, dress, sandals, pumps, heels, work boots, cleats, dance, and flip flops

Diamonds for Dreams
What they do: Grant wishes for terminal breast cancer patients
What they need: Diamonds, estate jewelry, and other specialty jewelry items

Indigo Rescue
What they do: Assist county animal shelters, and rehabilitate pets and place them in adoptive homes
What they need: Jewelry (for fundraising events)

Animal Guardian Network
What they do: Rescue and place homeless pets with loving families, and assist low-income seniors and financially disadvantaged individuals with their pet care
What they need: Gently-used designer handbags to sell in their ReBag Boutique

Brides Against Breast Cancer
What they do: Advance the awareness of breast cancer, and operate a wish-granting service enabling patients to make special memories with their loved ones
What they need: New and used wedding gowns from 2005 to present

Brides Across America
What they do: Provide wedding gowns to military brides in need
What they need: New or gently-used bridal gowns, not more than three years old

DonateMyDress.org
What they do: Provide special occasion dresses to girls who cannot afford them for prom, sweet 16, quinceañera or formal events
What they need: Prom and special occasion dresses for young women

The Glass Slipper Project
What they do: Collect formal dresses and accessories and provide them, free of charge, to Chicago-area students who are unable to purchase their own prom attire
What they need: New and almost-new prom dresses and accessories

Third Love
What they do: Provide jobs for human trafficking survivors
What they need: Used bras, undergarments, and foundation pieces

 

Household Items

Goodwill 
What they do: Help people with barriers to employment learn the skills to find competitive employment
What they need: Clothing, electronics, appliances, furniture, and more

Salvation Army
What they do: Provide community programs, homeless services, rehabilitation, disaster relief, and other assistance to those in need
What they need: Clothing, furniture, household goods, sporting equipment, books, electronics, and more

Vietnam Veterans of America
What they do: Help Vietnam-era veterans and their families
What they need: Clothing, baby items, housewares, electronics, small appliances, tools, and just about anything else

Volunteers of America
What they do: Support at-risk youth, the frail elderly, men and women returning from prison, homeless individuals and families, people with disabilities, and those recovering from addictions
What they need: Clothing, furniture, toys, and household goods for their thrift stores

Friends of Pine Ridge Reservation
What they do: Provide needed items to the poverty-stricken Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota
What they need: From school, sewing, crafts, sporting, baby, and office supplies, to toiletries, clothing, Christmas gifts, holiday items, bed, bath and kitchen linens, cold weather gear, crayons and more (see website for specific needs)

Operation Give
What they do: Bring hope and solutions to the deprived and disconnected people of the world, in many cases where the US military operates.
What they need: Toys, school supplies, art supplies, sports equipment, and more (Fedex provides FREE shipping from anywhere in the US to their warehouse)

The Help Kenya Project
What they do: Provide Kenya’s students with science and computer skills to break the cycle of poverty
What they need: Used computers, books, clothing, sports equipment, and other supplies

Cause USA
What they do: Send gift packs to wounded military personnel and their families
What they need: Playing cards, handheld electronic games, current magazines, batteries, travel-size toiletries, and more

Forgotten Soldiers Outreach
What they do: Send care packages to deployed soldiers
What they need: Travel-size toiletries, packaged food, flea collars, batteries, tube socks, envelopes, trash bags, and more

 

Children and Expecting Mothers

Project Night Night
What they do: Reduce the trauma of homeless children with Night Night Packages of childhood comforts
What they need: Stuffed animals, blankets, and children’s books

SAFE (Stuffed Animals for Emergencies)
What they do: Collect items to give to children in emotional, traumatic, or stressful situations (like fires, illness, abuse, homelessness, and natural disasters)
What they need: New or gently-used stuffed animals

Hope Village For Children
What they do: Provide a home to children in need
What they need: Any household items or clothing that can be sold; this organization runs a charity thrift shop in Meridian, MS

Loving Hugs
What they do: Send stuffed animals to children living in war zones, refugee camps, orphanages, hospitals, and natural disaster areas
What they need: New or very gently-used stuffed animals

Project Smile
What they do: Provide emergency responders with children’s comfort items, to help ease their pain and fear
What they need: New or gently-used stuffed animals, children’s books, unused coloring books, new crayons

Newborns in Need
What they do: Provide care necessities to local agencies and hospitals serving premature, ill, or impoverished newborns
What they need: Baby clothing, toys, and other items; also fabric, yarn, thread, and other supplies

Touching Little Lives
What they do: Provide necessity items to needy infants in Ohio
What they need: Baby clothing, booties, toys, blankets and other items; also flannel, thread, batting, and yarn

Ronald McDonald House
What they do: Provide a “home-away-from-home” for families so they can stay close by their hospitalized child at little or no cost
What they need: New toys, food, and household products; see website for details

 

Electronics

World Computer Exchange
What they do: Provide used computers and technology to schools, libraries, community centers & universities in developing countries
What they need: Computers, laptops, printers, hard drives, peripherals, software, and more

National Cristina Foundation
What they do: Provide computer technology to people with disabilities or economic disadvantages, to enable them to lead more independent and productive lives
What they need: Desktops, notebooks, printers, peripherals, software, and more

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
What they do: Work to eliminate domestic violence, and empower battered women and children
What they need: Used cell phones

Games for Heroes
What they do: Provide emotional support to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan
What they need: Handheld video game devices like Gameboys, PSPs, and Nintendo DSs

Get-Well Gamers Foundation
What they do: Bring video game systems to children’s hospitals, for entertainment and pain management
What they need: Video games, systems, controllers, and other accessories

Computer Recycling Center
What they do: Place computers in public charity and community programs through Computers & Education™, and recycle unusable items to keep them out of landfills
What they need: Computers, laptops, home electronics

HopeLine from Verizon
What they do: Provide refurbished phones to local domestic violence organizations
What they need: No-longer-used wireless phones, batteries, and accessories in any condition from any wireless service provider

Cell Phones for Soldiers
What they do: Use the money from recycling cell phones to purchase calling cards for troops in need
What they need: Used cell phones

iOS Device Recycling Program
What they do: Bring high technology mobile devices (installed with educational apps) into classrooms
What they need: iPads, iPhones, iPod Touches

Fireside International
What they do: Use mobile devices to advance education in Haiti
What they need: iPods, iPads, iPhones

 

Office and School Supplies

iLoveSchools
What they do: Match America’s school teachers with donations of classroom resources
What they need: A variety of school supplies, materials, and equipment

Swap4Schools
What they do: Match donors’ “haves” with schools’ “wants”
What they need: Books, movies, and other items specifically requested by educators

The GrayMatters Foundation
What they do: Support and empower people impacted by brain tumors through outreach, awareness, and assistance programs
What they need: Stickers, postage stamps, blank or encouragement cards and envelopes

Muscular Dystrophy Association
What they do: Fund worldwide research efforts and nationwide programs to aid those with neuromuscular diseases and their families
What they need: Computers, software, office equipment, furniture, and supplies for use in local offices

Develop Africa
What they do: Provide books, school and teaching supplies, scholarships, and job-related training in Africa
What they need: A wide variety of school and office supplies; see website for details

Pens for Kids
What they do: Send pens to kids in Africa to assist them with getting an education
What they need: New and used pens of every type, color, size, shape, and quantity

 

Books

International Book Project
What they do: Promote education and literacy by sending quality used books overseas
What they need: Textbooks, dictionaries, encyclopedias, vocational books, children’s books, and more

Global Literacy Project
What they do: Foster community-based literacy initiatives throughout the world
What they need: “We are currently most in need of Pre-K to 12th-grade reading books as well as Math and science textbooks.”

Darien Book Aid
What they do: Send books in response to specific requests from Peace Corps volunteers, libraries and schools all over the world
What they need: A variety of new and gently-used books. Please call before shipping, to make sure your donations fit their needs

Books for Africa
What they do: Help create a culture of literacy by shipping books to libraries and classrooms in Africa
What they need: A wide variety of new and gently-used books, generally 15 years old or newer; details on the website

The Bridge of Books Foundation
What they do: Provide books to children in low-income families, particularly through foster family agencies, homeless shelters, underfunded schools, and neighborhood centers
What they need: New and used children’s books, from preschool through high school

Books Through Bars
What they do: Send quality reading and educational material to prisoners, thereby promoting successful community re-integration
What they need: A variety of new and gently-used books; details on the website. Please email prior to shipping.

Little Free Library
What they do: Allow community members to build or donate books to small free public libraries
What they need: A variety of gently-used books; details on the website. 

Books for Soldiers
What they do: Facilitate the direct donation of books to soldiers serving overseas
What they need: Books and magazines (as well as CDs, DVDs, and video games) requested by soldiers

BookEnds.org
What they do: Place books in inner-city schools, youth centers, homeless shelters, family literacy centers, after-school enrichment programs, children’s group homes, and juvenile detention facilities
What they need: Quality, gently-used children’s books appropriate for infants to 18 years of age

Better World Books
What they do: Sell books to help fund literacy programs worldwide
What they need: A wide variety of books; see website for details

 

DVD’s, Language Media, and CDs

Kidflicks.org
What they do: Create movie libraries for children’s hospitals and pediatric wards across the US
What they need: DVDs

DVDs4Vets
What they do: Provide DVDs to VA facilities for veterans in rehabilitation
What they need: DVDs and portable DVD players

DiscsForDogs.org
What they do: Sell used DVDs and CDs, and donate the proceeds to the SPCA
What they need: DVDs and CDs

Musicians On Call
What they do: Provide hospitals with complete CD libraries and players for patient use
What they need: New or gently-used CDs and new, unused personal CD players

 

Arts and Crafts

The CUREchief Foundation
What they do: Bring hope to cancer patients, and people with other conditions that cause hair loss
What they need: Cotton, flannel, or polar fleece fabric

Care Wear
What they do: Provide handmade baby items to premature infants in neonatal intensive care units
What they need: Yarn, flannel, broadcloth, and other fabrics suitable for children’s toys, apparel, and blankets/quilts

A Little Something
What they do: Help refugee women in Denver, CO become self-sufficient through crafting
What they need: Leftover or unwanted beads or jewelry-making supplies, weaving fiber, knitting needles, and natural fiber yarn

Beads of Courage
What they do: Provide arts-in-medicine for children with serious illnesses
What they need: All types of beads, of any color and shape

The Mending Hearts Project
What they do: Assist low-income families, teen and single mothers, and mothers with premature infants in neonatal intensive care units
What they need: “Donations of all handcrafted items, yarn, and sewing supplies are graciously accepted.”

Afghans Etc for Charity
What they do: Brighten the lives of children with cancer and other medical issues
What they need: Crochet and knitting supplies, and handcrafted items

Binky Patrol
What they do: Distribute homemade blankets (sewn, knitted, crocheted, or quilted) to children in need
What they need: Fabric, yarn, batting, and finished blankets

The Knitting Connection
What they do: Distribute supplies to volunteers to make hats, mittens, scarves, sweaters, afghans, baby booties, layette sets, and Christmas stockings for needy children
What they need: Yarn, knitting needles, knitting books, and finished knitted/crocheted items

Many Arms Reach You
What they do: Collect and donate knitted, quilted, or crocheted blankets to disadvantaged mothers and their children
What they need: Yarn

The Mother Bear Project
What they do: Provide hand-knit and crocheted bears to children with HIV/AIDS in emerging nations
What they need: Yarn, knitting needles, PolyFil, postage stamps, packing tape

Knots of Love
What they do: Provide crocheted and knitted caps for chemo patients and others facing life-threatening illnesses and injuries
What they need: Yarn

Made 4 Aid
What they do: Sell handmade items on Etsy to raise funds for Doctors Without Borders
What they need: A variety of handmade items, as well as arts and crafts materials

Inklude Studio
What they do: Provide a creative environment for adult artists with autism and other developmental challenges
What they need: A variety of fabric, art supplies, photography and computer equipment

ArtBridge Houston
What they do: Provide an arts program for children in homeless shelters
What they need: Art supplies including paper, colored pencils, watercolor paints, paintbrushes, stencils, markers, etc.

Children’s Healing Art Project
What they do: Create art classes for children in Portland’s children’s hospitals
What they need: A variety of art supplies; see website for the current wishlist needs

 

Sports

Sports Gift
What they do: Provide sports programs and equipment to impoverished and disadvantaged children throughout the world
What they need: A wide variety of sports equipment; see website for details

One World Running
What they do: Provide running shoes to those in need in the US and throughout the world
What they need: New and near-new running shoes

Bikes for the World
What they do: Donate bicycles to developing countries, so that individuals can get to work or school, or provide health and education services to low-income rural people
What they need: Any serviceable adult or children’s bicycles, as well as bike parts, tools, and accessories

Bicycles for Humanity
What they do: Send bicycles to developing countries, to empower disadvantaged people through improved access to food and water, employment, healthcare, education and social opportunities
What they need: Bicycles, as well as bike parts, tools, clothing, helmets, tires, and tubes

Opportunity Through Baseball
What they do: Provide baseball equipment to impoverished children in the Dominican Republic and around the world
What they need: Baseballs, gloves, mitts, bats, helmets, and more

PeacePassers
What they do: Distribute soccer supplies to communities in need, to empower youth and maximize hope
What they need: Soccer gear like balls, shoes, jerseys, shorts, and socks

 

Musical Instruments

Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation
What they do: Keep the music alive in our schools and communities by donating musical instruments to under-funded music programs
What they need: Gently-used band and orchestral instruments

Marching Mountains
What they do: Supply public school band programs in distressed counties in Appalachia with donated new and used musical instruments
What they need: Musical instruments in good working condition (mainly for marching and concert bands)

Operation Happy Note
What they do: Send musical instruments to deployed service men and women throughout the world
What they need: New or gently-used guitars, violins, mandolins, banjos, keyboards, horns of any kind, harmonicas, and even bagpipes

Education Through Music
What they do: Promote the integration of music into the curricula of disadvantaged schools in order to enhance students’ academic performance and general development
What they need: A variety of musical instruments; see website for details

 

Eyewear

Unite for Sight
What they do: Support eye care for patients living in extreme poverty in developing countries
What they need: New reading glasses, distance glasses, and sunglasses

One Sight
What they do: Provide free vision care and eyewear to people in need around the world (in some countries, a pair of eyewear costs more than a month’s salary)
What they need: 2 million pairs of gently-used eyewear

New Eyes for the Needy
What they do: Send eyeglasses to medical missions and international charitable organizations for distribution to the poor in developing nations
What they need: Eyeglasses, reading glasses, sunglasses, hearing aids

 

Vehicles

Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Cars for Kids’ Sake
What they do: Provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better
What they need: All types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, motorhomes, boats, airplanes, farm equipment, and construction equipment

Habitat for Humanity Cars for Homes
What they do: Build and rehabilitate houses for families in need
What they need: Cars, trucks, boats, RVs, motorcycles, and construction equipment

American Diabetes Association
What they do: Strive to prevent and cure diabetes, and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes
What they need: Cars, trucks, trailers, boats, and RVs

National Kidney Foundation Kidney Cars
What they do: Fund public health and professional education, vital patient and community services, organ donation programs and medical research to prevent kidney disease
What they need: Cars, vans, trucks, and boats

National Foundation for Cancer Research
What they do: Support cancer research and public education relating to prevention, earlier diagnosis, better treatments and ultimately, a cure for cancer.
What they need: Cars, trucks, boats, and SUVs

Purple Heart
What they do: Provide a variety of programs for wounded and disabled veterans and their families
What they need: Cars, trucks, RVs, and boats

 

Miscellaneous

National Furniture Bank
What they do: Provide beds, tables, chairs, and other crucial home furnishings to over 100,000 people in need each year
What they need: Beds, dressers, nightstands, tables, chairs, sofas, lamps, and more

Project C.U.R.E.
What they do: Donate medical supplies and equipment to hospitals and clinics around the world
What they need: New and used medical equipment and supplies, including crutches, wheelchairs, and beds

UNICEF
What they do: Provide humanitarian relief to children around the globe
What they need: Foreign coins and notes

Chemo Angels
What they do: Brighten the lives of those undergoing IV chemo treatment
What they need: Retailer gift cards, valid or expired (can still be used in CA)

TESSA
What they do: Provide safety and counseling to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in El Paso and Teller counties
What they need: Grocery and retailer gift cards and used cell phones

Make-A-Wish Foundation
What they do: Grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions
What they need: Retailer gift cards and gift certificates

St. Jude’s Ranch
What they do: Serve all abused, abandoned, and neglected children and families in a safe, homelike environment
What they need: Used greeting cards

Overseas Coupon Program
What they do: Facilitate the sending of coupons to overseas military personnel and their families
What they need: Manufacturer’s coupons, valid and expired (up to 2 months)

 

General Recycling and Downcycling

Teracycle
What they do: Facilitate the sending of hard to recycle goods to companies and foundations needing your recyclable items
What they need: Various recycled goods; see website for more details; free program

Freecycle
What they do: Facilitate local posting of free goods and bartering opportunities
What they need: See site for more details; free program

Buy Nothing Project
What they do: Facilitate local posting of free goods and bartering opportunities
What they need: See site for more details; free program

Pots & Pans Outlet
What they do: Information provided on recycling metal pots and pans; treated and non-treated products
What they need: See site for more details; free program

Recycle Bank
What they do: Search engine and database for all North American recycling programs & point earning online games for kids
What they need: See site for more details; free program

Earth 911
What they do: Search engine and database for all North American recycling programs
What they need: See site for more details; free program

Recycle Now
What they do: Database for all North American hard-to-recycle item programs
What they need: See site for more details; free program

7 Tips For Pet-Friendly Spring Cleaning

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LoveTheseCleanPaws #CollectiveBias

 

7 Tips for pet-friendly Spring Cleaning featuring Fresh Step

If you’re anything like me, a house only becomes a home when a cat resides there. As an adoptive cat owner, I know first-hand that owning cats brings companionship to my days, helps me to be a more empathic person, and to have an overall better quality of life.

It goes without saying that I love cats. Particularly my cats, Boo Radley and Shadow. They are the most loving, thoughtful friends a gal could have. But with all that love and compassion comes floors stained by dirty paws, the air full of fur, and not-so-clean litter box areas in my home.

Luckily, Spring is right around the corner and now is the perfect time to Spring clean the areas my pets utilize the most throughout my home.

But before I start any seasonal cleaning project, I always make sure my cleaning caddy is stocked with all the products I need to help my pet’s areas sparkle at home.

7 Tips for pet-friendly Spring Cleaning featuring Fresh Step

My go-to? My local Target, of course! Because all of the pet-friendly products I need including Fresh Step® Clean Paws™ Multi-Cat Scented Litter with the power of Febreze™ Freshness is within driving distance of my home. Making it my one-stop-shop for all my pet care needs each Spring season!

I love buying Fresh Step® Clean Paws™ because it helps me keep my cat’s paws cleaner and my home fresher in the process too!

It’s my go-to litter because its low dust formula is perfect for reducing litter box tracking in my home. A must for my family as two of our litter boxes are located in my home kitchen!

What I love most about Fresh Step® Clean Paws™ Litter is its special blend of larger particles that are designed to stick less to your cat’s fur and stay in the box.

Plus, with a 10-day odor control guaranteed for multiple cats, this is the litter to buy for multi-cat households like my own!

What’s even better? Currently, there is a Target Cartwheel offer that will be running from 4/1-4/7. So be on the lookout for this offer to save even more at Target on Fresh Step® Clean Paws™ and your other pet care needs.

Now, generally speaking, my cats require little cleaning in their litter box and feedings stations, these areas in my area still require Spring cleaning. And they may in yours as well.

With that in mind, here are 7 tips to help you get started with Spring cleaning your cat’s areas in your own home this coming season.

1. Deodorize your surfaces.

When starting pet care Spring cleaning at home I always start by deodorizing all the surfaces my pets frequently touch. This includes using baking soda and 5-10 drops of my favorite pet-safe essential oils, added to a salt shaker, to deodorize soft surfaces including couches, carpets, and pet beds. I let the baking soda sit on the surfaces for one hour and then vacuum the surfaces clear.

I also use a steam mop to clean all tiled and wood surfaces in my home as well. Paying extra attention to lower surfaces my pets walk across each day.

This also includes my cats feeding station. I like to use Spring cleaning as an excuse to give these areas a thorough going over. Including their food dishes, water fountain, and food trays.

2. Toss stuffed toys in the washer.

Washing your pet’s toys can help them from to keep them from getting stinky. Including small, plush cat toys.

I like to add the toys to a washer, on the hot water setting, and then allow them to air dry naturally. This also includes collars, blankets, and carrier inserts. Making sure to wash each item as directed on its tag.

3. Give your cats a good grooming.

Brushing your pet is essential for proper coat maintenance and for keeping your homes clearer too. Especially in Spring, where furry coats can trap pollen particles on your pets and can spread these particles throughout your home. Trapping these potential allergens in your home.

It goes without saying that long-haired pets need combing regularly to remove any knots or tangles that can potentially become painful matters. Spring is also the time of year when pets shed excess fur.

Regardless if your pet is a long or short haired variety, a good brushing each Spring is a great time to groom your pet and prevent loose, allergy-triggering fur from flying about your home!

4. Dust with a microfiber cloth.

Removing pet dander and hair from furniture and other surfaces is as simple as using a microfiber cloth.

A must-have for every pet parent, like microfiber fabric, use static energy to pick up hair and dander than rags.

I use microfiber to tackle out-of-reach surfaces that may be covered with cat furs like light fixtures, fan blades, and vents with a ladder or extendable duster. Spots that can harbor allergens.

5. Wash plastic and metal food dishes in the dishwasher.

Pet food and water bowls are one of those things that slip our mind to clean – they’re used every day, but not by us.

Place plastic pet bowls in the dishwasher for a much-needed clean. Making sure to run them through the extra-duty cycle and sanitize rinse for extra Spring cleaning power!

6. Sort through your pets toys.

Spring is a great time to sort through your pets toys. Making sure to discard or donate unused toys and to stock up on new toys that might need replacing!

7. Deep clean your litter box areas.

While most cats need little training when it comes to using their litter boxes, due to their innate desire to dig and bury their waste, making cats clean, conscientious, fastidious pets. But that doesn’t always mean their fastidious nature means they are the cleanest when coming out of their litter box areas!

Each Spring I like to remove my litter boxes and give them a deep clean. Including removing all litter, hosing my boxes out, and letting them air dry. While my boxes are drying I like to give the litter box surrounds a deep clean with DIY lime-infused cleaner and a microfiber cloth.

Making citrus-infused cleaner is super simple to make too! Here’s my go-to recipe:

Citrus-Infused Vinegar Cleaner:

  •      Combine the peels of four lemons or limes into a quart sized mason jar.
  •      Fill mason jar to neck with white vinegar.
  •      Seal and store for one month.
  •      When ready to clean, strain and add to glass spray bottle.
  •      Use full-strength to clean shower stalls or diluted for windows and countertops.

Once my cat’s litter boxes are dry, I like to refill my boxes with clean litter. As I previously mentioned, Fresh Step® Clean Paws™ Multi-Cat Scented Litter. I find that Fresh Step® Clean Paws™ is a low-maintenance, high-quality, affordable cat litter solution.

It’s the best litter for our cat’s needs. I also love that it’s pleasantly scented with the power of Febreze™ Freshness making it a winner in my book!

So, everyone, those are my seven tips for Spring cleaning your litter box and pet feeding stations at home. Now I want to ask, will you be Spring cleaning your feeding areas and litter boxes this season? Will you be using Fresh Step® Clean Paws™ in your litter boxes at home? I’d love to hear all about it below!

Connect with Fresh Step Clean Paws™ Online:

Facebook | Youtube | Twitter | Instagram

*Febreze and the Febreze Freshness logo are registered trademarks of The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, Ohio used under license by The Clorox Pet Products Company. © 2018 The Clorox Company.

7 Tips for pet-friendly Spring Cleaning featuring Fresh Step

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How to Spring Clean Your Pet Areas at Home

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #Purinadays2018 #CollectiveBias

 

Purina Days

If you’re anything like me, a house only becomes a home when cats and dogs reside there. With the benefits of owning pets, from the companionship to improved quality of life, all of which are reasons I love being an adoptive pet owner.

purina15

The greater reason still? I just love cats and dogs. Particularly my pets. I am the adoptive pet owner of two amazing cats, Boo Radley and Shadow. I am also the adoptive owner to three amazing dogs, Roxxie, Sassy, and Harley. They are all the most loving, thoughtful companions a gal could have.

I also love that my pets require few staples to be purchased each month. Which is why I insist on buying them the best pet food and litter box staples I can buy.

But because my family lives in a small town, where the closest health food store or specialty pet food chain is a three hour round trip drive for my family and me to make. It makes being a pet owner difficult at times. Especially for my family, who provides for 5 furry family members.

Purina Days

Couple this with being picky about the brands of food we feed our pets. Which is why we are committed to purchasing Purina® products for our furry family members. But traveling for hours at a time to pick-up your next bag of pet food is simply out of question. Which is why I love shopping at my local Tractor Supply store. 

Purina Days

Tractor Supply is my one-stop shop for all my pet care needs. There I can quickly pick-up litter box supplies, including Purina® Tidy Cats® 24/7 Performance Clumping Litter and pet food, including Purina ONE® SmartBlend® Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food. 

Shopping at Tractor Supply also helps me save on all my pet care needs. As they consistently have the best prices in my area on Purina products. Especially each March during their Purina Days savings event, happening each March. The perfect opportunity for my family to stock-up trip for all our pet care needs. With this year marking the 5th year of this saving opportunity and as an adoptive pet owner to five awesome pets, I make sure to attend each year!

Purina Days

I also love that at Tractor Supply, which my husband is checking out and loading up our supplies, I’m able to bring in my leashed pets and Tractor Supply to check out any special savings that may be found on everything from pet supplies to gardening boots and canning supplies. Perfect for big bag supply trips! 

Purina Days

During my last trip to Tractor Supply, I was able to pick-up Purina® Tidy Cats® and Purina ONE® SmartBlend® and was able to save Save $5.00 on Purina dog food and $4.00 on Tidy Cats cat litter. You can also check out current sales circular in your area running from 3/28-4/2.

Once home, I was then able to start some my pet-friendly Spring cleaning chores too. Starting with cleaning my litter box cleaning stations. 

Purina Days

I began with cleaning the small handled brush and dustpan set that’s housed beside my litter box with a handheld steam cleaner. I then cleaned out my litter boxes with all-natural orange-infused vinegar spray. Making sure to wipe all surfaces in and around my litter boxes. 

I finished cleaning up my litter box stations by refilling each box with the Purina® Tidy Cats® I purchased at Tractor Supply. 

I then moved on to cleaning my pet feeding area. I wanted to not only clean the area but to spruce it up too! To do this I decided to create a DIY Pet Food Station. An area that’s easily accessible to my pets, simply for me to clean, and bright and cheery for the Spring season ahead! If you’d like to create your own pet feeding stations, check out how simple it is to make below!

To create a DIY Cat Food Station you need the following items:

  • Reusable cleaning towels
  • Pet-safe cleaner
  • 5-15 Gallon Aquarium filter & filtering pump
  • Food Trays
  • Ice Cube Tub
  • Purina ONE® SmartBlend® Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food

Purina Days

To begin, I used same cleaning spray to wipe off a shelf in our dining room built-in bookcase. Making sure the shelf was completely dry before continuing. 

As pets prefer running water to still, I used a 5-15 gallon aquarium water filter and in-freezer ice tray to create our water fountain feature. Making sure to remove the filter from its packaging, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and priming the fountain before its initial usage. Once installed, I filled the fountain with filtered water from the fridge. 

I then added cleaned food dishes and a puzzle feeder. Puzzle feeders are great for fast-eaters as it both helps your pet slow down their eating to ensure proper digestion but also to allow pets to increase their cognitive abilities by having to navigate their food portions around the feeder.

I finished the station by adding the Purina ONE® SmartBlend® Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food to my pet station. As you can see, Sassy and even Shadow and Boo loved the DIY Pet Food Station! It’s been a great addition to our home. What’s even better? All the supplies used can be purchased at your local Tractor Supply! 

Purina Days

Purina Days

I love that Tractor Supply allows me to give my pets the very best even while living in a very small, rural community while saving money in the process too! I can purchase both Tidy Cat and Purina ONE SmartBlend products without having to travel a great distance in doing so!

Now that my litter boxes are clean and my pet feeding station is done, my home feels so much better! When my pets are happy and healthy, I am too! Now I want to ask, are you planning to visit your local Tractor Supply during their Purina Days this month? Or are you planning to use Tidy Cats or Purina ONE SmartBlend products this season at home? I’d love to hear about it below!

Purina Days

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