White on white- it’s a classic Summer look and done right you’re pretty much guaranteed to turn heads. I’ve worn a multitude of white on white this Summer and here’s a little secret as to why- it’s an easy combination to nail without much time thinking.

When I’m putting together an all-white look I keep three simple ‘rules’ in my head and integrate at least two of them every time:

Outfit 1. Rules used:

my top | jeans | shoes | bag | sunnies

Shelbi's overalls | shoes | hat | top

photos by Ban Avenue Photography

Growing up in a very small town, making friends was an easy task. I pretty much had the same friends since birth (and I still love them all dearly to this day!) and we rarely ever even had a new transfer at our school. I also went to a fairly small university and played on the golf team, so I kept a tight circle of friends and we spent most of our time together. When I moved to Houston back in 2010, it was a very different experience than I'd ever had before. I'd never lived in a city anywhere close to the same size, and especially not one where I didn't know anyone besides my boyfriend at the time (hey, Z!). Zach introduced me to his work friends and while I enjoyed spending time with them, I still didn't feel like I really had any girlfriends I could be close to and hang out with. It took several years really, until a few months after Bear was born, that I decided to take the plunge and really try to make friends in the city. I hadn't been lonely at all up until that point- we were going through the engagement process, wedding process, honeymoon, and a big move, so I didn't think about it much honestly. But after having Bear, I was ready to get out and meet some mamas! And here are some of the best things I did:

1. Meetup App- This is probably the #1 aid in helping me make new friends in Houston. Late one night when Bear had just turned 3 months old, I got the idea that I wanted to join a playgroup. I wanted to make other mama friends and most of all, wanted Bear to be around some other babies. I searched online, found meetup.com, and immediately downloaded the app. I found a new playgroup in the area that was to meet the next afternoon and decided to give it a shot. The rest is history! That's been over 5 years ago and some of the mamas from that playgroup are still some of my very closest friends, and their kids are still some of Bear's best friends as well. What's great about meetup is that everything is tracked in the app- meetings are posted there as well as a chat with members. It's super convenient and a great way to find groups, even if you're not a mom. There are all kinds of different groups or meetups with everything from bowling clubs to people just wanting to make friends in a new city. Another app I've heard great things about is the Supper Club App- and try new great food in the process! 

2. Volunteer- Don't just sign up for anything that comes along, but take time to volunteer for something you're truly passionate about. This way, you'll be doing a good deed while meeting people that share similar interests as you. In all cities, there are a ton of volunteer opportunities. Whether it's signing up for a 5K, food pantry, or an animal shelter, there are a lot of great places to volunteer. Hospitals (especially ones with a kid's unit) always love new people to come in and help with various things, and so do park restoration projects. You'll feel good about what you're doing and as a bonus, it's a great way to make new friends. Zach and I both volunteered after Hurricane Harvey and met so many amazing people that we now consider friends.

3. Weekly work-out class- Okay let me be completely honest here and say that this is not something I've done. If you know me personally you know that I'm not a big work-out person (at all), and Zach and I dropped our gym membership a year after getting it and only going a handful of times (back when we were engaged). That said, I have a TON of friends that this has worked for so I know it's a successful tactic when it comes to meeting new people! The key is scheduling a class that you're not rushed to attend because it's key to arrive a little early and stay a little late in order to chat with people and make conversation. People who prioritize fitness automatically have a mutual interest as well as similar personality traits, so if you're one who likes yoga or spinning, this is a great way to make new friends.

4. Church- This is an obvious one if you're a church-goer because you'll already be joining a new church and the members will likely be very warm and friendly. But even if you're not a Sunday regular, sign your kids up for a Wednesday night program or check out activities a church near you hosts. Our church has a great fall festival with a carnival, rides, meals, etc. and it's an easy way to get out and meet new people in a safe, welcoming environment. 

5. Hang out at public places. This sounds a bit odd, but it's worked well for me in the past and looking back I'm surprised at how many friends I've made just by hanging out at local coffee shops (Starbucks are always busy) and the swimming pool at both our old apartment and current neighborhood. Anywhere people are relaxing and lounging is a good spot to strike up a conversation and meet other people that could lead to potential friendships. 

____________________________

Hopefully, I didn't ramble too much and actually made some sense with those points! We feel really lucky to have amazing friends in Houston and it's funny how once you make a little effort, things start falling into place. The original playgroup that we joined through the meetup app ended up branching off into a separate playgroup, where I've met other mamas who I'm really close to as well. Once you put yourself out there and just go for it, you'll be surprised at how easy it is to make friends, even in a big city. Shelbi, whom I'm pictured with above, actually reached out to me over Instagram via DM and we decided to meet up for lunch when we realized she worked close to our house. The rest is history and now she's one of my best friends. Thanks, Instagram!

Happy weekend, friends (yes, I consider Y'all friends, too)!

xo, Britt

Original content by The Hello Honey Blog.

It’s that time of year, everything is alive and beautiful again and strawberries are in season! I get so excited about cooking with fresh ingredients. Last weekend I went to the farmer’s market and picked up a bunch of strawberries and had the itch to make these little shortcakes.

When I was a little girl I used to love to play in the garden! My mom planted all kinds of vegetables and picking them was my favorite thing to do. Recently, a friend and I went to pick strawberries and it reminded me of being a little girl with no worries of getting dirt all over me and having the reward of picking something right off the vine. I think it’s so cool to see where our food comes from. It certainly makes me appreciate it a lot more.

These Strawberry Shortcakes are the epitome of fresh food. Made from scratch cakes, freshly picked berries and a little bit of whipped cream all make the perfect warm-weather dessert! I hope you enjoy.

Strawberry Shortcakes

INGREDIENTS

1 pound strawberries, stemmed and quartered

1 tbsp raw sugar

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

2 tbsp raw sugar

5 tbsp vegan butter

1 ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk

whipped cream

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a bowl mix the strawberries and 1 tbsp sugar. Refrigerate while preparing the shortcakes.

2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Put parchment paper onto a baking sheet and set aside. In a sifter, sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in 2 tbsp sugar. Using a fork or pastry cutter, mix cold butter into the flour mixture until it has a grainy texture. Stir in almond milk. Place the dough onto a floured surface and flatten to about ¼ inch thick. Use a round glass or biscuit cutter to cut out circles and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Cook in the oven for about 17-20 minutes or until golden brown.

3. Allow to cool and assemble with prepared strawberries and whipped cream.

Original content by A Happy Healthy Heart.

I recently posted about why a staycation is always a good idea & today I am partnering with Babbleboxx to share some of the very best products that are perfect for a staycation (or vacation...or really anytime....). I recently got to stay at the beautiful Hotel Alessandra and I'll give you a peek inside my bag at some of what I brought!

1. OMM Thickening Hair Mask & Thickening Oil- Ever since having Boone, I've been losing a lot of hair and what I do have feels pretty dull and lifeless. I've been using the OMM hair mask & oil and it has helped so much with my dull and lifeless hair post-baby! I LOVE how the products smell; the hydrating hair mask has a jasmine scent that leaves my hair smelling amazing for several days between washes.

2. My Ex Life book- Y'all know that I am a big bookworm and love to read, but I don't get a lot of time to finish novels these days with two little boys. Let me just say, I finished My Ex Life in less than two days because I could not put it down. The author, Stephen McCauley, did such a great job creating characters that really pull you into the plot and keep you turning the pages long past when you need to sleep (3am, in my case). If you aren't familiar with McCauley, he also wrote The Object of my Affection which was later made into a film starring Jennifer Anniston and Paul Rudd.

3. Bali Comfort Revolution Bra- Finding bras is a bit of a challenge for me at the moment since I'm breastfeeding, but I don't like spending a fortune on nursing bras that will only be worn for a year or so. That's what I love about the Bali Comfort Revolution- it works for nursing and then I can continue wearing it long after! It's seamless but has great support- I love wearing it with tank tops and tees during the hot summer months.

4. Faustino I Gran Reserva- I'm not much of a drinker but I had to try this wine since Bodegas Faustino is Spain's largest producer of Gran Reserva wines, which are aged for 26 months in French and American oak barrels and then at least 3 years in the bottle. So much goes into the creation of this wine- it's truly an art form and you can tell in the taste. I typically prefer something sweeter but it pairs well with steak and goes down so smoothly!

5. Bellame- I have wanted to try Bellame products for a while now and am now a huge fan of both the Acqua Lumiere Hydrating Moisturizer and Acqua Lumiere Hydrating Eye Cream. Eye creams have never worked that well for me until this one- I could visibly notice a reduction in my dark circles after just two uses! I apply the moisturizer in the morning and at night after I shower, and my skin has never felt softer. You can receive a free set of ultra-luxe Bellame bamboo sourced washcloths with the purchase of the Acqua Lumiere Collection.

6. Erin's Faces Deet-Free Mosquito Repellent & Sunstick SPF 30- With two little boys, we are constantly outside and mosquitos have been awful in Houston lately with all the rain we've had. I've been taking this Mosquito Repellent with us to the park and my boys don't get eaten alive, which makes me feel so much better about taking them outside (which they love!). I'm also obsessed with the Erin's Faces Sunstick- I love that it's cruelty-free and is so easy to just throw in my diaper bag/beach bag. It's gentle enough for both Bear and Boone and goes on so much easier than the spray kind. 

photos by Ban Avenue Photography

And now I'm craving another staycation...thankfully we have lots of mini vacays coming up in July that I'm so excited for! And all my new fav Babbleboxx products will definitely be coming along for the ride. :)

Hope you're having a great week! Does it feel like Wednesday to anyone else? Thankfully it's only Tuesday because I have a lot to do and can use that extra day I keep forgetting about!

xo, Britt

Original content by The Hello Honey Blog.

Greenville, South Carolina

This past week, Marleylilly partnered up with Harvest Hope Food Bank in a company-wide summer donation project! Since 1981, the mission of Harvest Hope is to provide food for hungry children, veterans, seniors and homeless communities across 20 counties in South Carolina. As neighbors to Harvest Hope, Marleylilly employees were excited to team up with this local organization!

Staff members were invited to bring in non-perishable food items. The company-wide goal was to collect at least 200 non-perishable food items. Very early on in the week, the goal was met, but that was even more motivation to keep raising the bar! The total donation count was 725 items! The Marleylilly team had a BLAST working on this summer donation project if you can't tell from this project recap:



Peace, love, and monograms!

As you might have seen in this post, I went to Nashville last month with one of my best friends. It was so much fun, but also a lot of planning ahead of time went in to make it fun. Today I wanted to share some of my best tips for how to have a successful road-trip, whether it is a 2-hour drive or a 20-hour drive.

original image via

1. Plan your stops

Our trip was only 6 hours there and 6 back, so we only made one stop about 3 hours in to eat and get gas. It was nice for both of us to know that we were stopping there because it gave us something to look forward to and then we were both on the same page about when and where we were eating.

2. Bring drinks/snacks

This is especially important if you are going to be in the car all day and will need some energy mid-afternoon. This also can save you time since you won't be stopping at gas stations as often to pick up a pop or a bag of chips.

3. Plan your route ahead of time

Don't just trust your GPS to take you there. Make sure you at least have an idea of the route you will be taking, and make sure it is the quickest or easiest route. If you are traveling through a city that has lots of tolls (Chicago, I'm looking at you) make sure you have change for that or see if there is an alternate route that will allow you to skip the tolls altogether. Even if the alternate route adds a little time onto your trip, it is usually worth it.

4. Figure out gas beforehand 

If you are road tripping with friends, make sure you settle how you are splitting gas beforehand. You don't just want to stick the driver with the entire cost, so I recommend rotating who fills it up as the trip progresses, or just add up the cost of gas and split it equally at the end to reimburse whoever paid.

5. Make a playlist or download some podcasts

If all your passengers can agree on a podcast, it is a great way to pass the time. Otherwise just make a playlist that includes all of your favorite songs!

6. Get your car ready

I'll be the first to admit I am not great with cars. But you probably want to clean out your car, fill your tank and check your tires before you begin on a road-trip.

7. Know whether to book your hotel ahead of time

If you have one final destination that you are reaching, make sure to book ahead of time to find the best option. But if you are doing a road trip that is multiple days long, consider waiting to book so you don't lock yourself into stopping at a certain location. This means that you are not on as tight of a schedule and can go slower or faster than originally anticipated depending on what sights you stop to see.

8. Book any attractions/events ahead of time

If you are going somewhere that involves tickets, you most likely will want to purchase those well in advance. If you wait until right before your trip, there is a good chance they could be sold out.

9. Ask social media friends for trip recommendations

If you let people know your final destination or a state you are going through via a tweet, more likely than not one or more of your followers will have gone there before and will have good tips on what to see and what is not worth it.

What advice would you give someone about to embark on a road-trip? Tell me in the comments below!

xo, Scarlett

Original content by The Trendy Chick.

Last week I posted a picture of a key lime pie that I made to take to Rudd’s house in North Carolina for the weekend and so many of you asked for the recipe! This is the key lime pie recipe that I’ve been making every summer for as long as I can remember. And guess what? It’s SO EASY! With a homemade crust and filling, it only has 6 ingredients and is ready from start to finish in 30 minutes. Take this pie to a summer cookout or family get together and you’ll be the star of the show!

Off-the-Shoulder Ruffle & Lace Blouse • $36.97 
Vineyard Vines Every Day Shorts • $64 
BaubleBar Granita Tassel Earrings • $38 
Kate Spade New York Bangle • $32 
Kate Spade New York Pendant Necklace • $58 
Vachetta leather apple watch® strap • $68 
Tory Burch Miller Leather Sandals • $198

This yummy key lime pie recipe has a thick, sweet crust and a cool, creamy, & tart filling! My motto is that more is more when it comes to desserts – you’ll never find a skimpy recipe around here. Let me know/send pictures if you decide to make this!!

Margaret’s Key Lime Pie Recipe

FOR THE CRUST:
1/2 cup melted butter
1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar

FOR THE FILLING:
2 cans of sweetened condensed milk
3 egg yolks
1/2 cup of key lime juice

WHAT TO DO:

1. Preheat oven to 375, Mix all of the crust ingredients together in a bowl.
2. Press mixture into pie plate and bake for 6 minutes.
3. While the crust is baking, mix all of the filling ingredients together in a bowl.
4. Remove crust from oven, and decrease the temperature to 350. Pour filling mixture on top of the crust.
5. Place pie in the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
6. Remove from oven and allow the pie to cool to room temperature then place it in the fridge until cold – slice, and serve!

Original content by Collectively Carolina.

Happy first day of summer! Woohoo! 

Now that summer has officially begun, it's time to knock out those summer to-dos, enjoy days soaking up the sun, and catch up on sleep! But this new season also means setting new goals and participating in fun summer activities! Take a peek at this summer bucket list to get your summer off to a great start!

Whether you are home for college, in the heart of your work career, or staying home with the little humans, this bucket list is for you! Release your inner kid by chalking a driveway or reminisce on your college years by going on a spontaneous girl's road trip. This summer is yours for the taking!

What's on your summer bucket list? Let us know in the comments!

- Ely

Summer is a glorious season! A season for days in the sun, pool time, beach trips, summer shopping, late night ice cream runs, trips to the movies and more! While all of these sound like the perfect summer, they also sound super expensive! That's why this summer I am tackling this list of ideas and tips for summer activities that won't break the bank!

1. Backyard camping means you are killing the staycation game. Pack a small bag, set up your tent, and put new batteries in your flashlight because this night is about to get fun and adventurous. Swap your bedroom ceiling for a starry night and you will feel as if you are on camping vacation away from home. Even build a campfire, roast hot dogs, make s'mores, and tell scary stories with dad for all the nostalgic feels!

2. Attend a parade/festival will be sure to keep things interesting! I love both of these events because there is always something and someone new to learn and appreciate. Find a nearby Independence Day Parade or Hot Air Balloon Festival and jot it down on your calendar! Whether you go with your friends or your kids, parades, and festivals are the perfect economically friendly activity. Plus, you might even snag some fun souvenirs and cotton candy!

3. Travel with AirbnB is the new way to vacay. Save money on expensive hotels with even bigger rooms! What makes Airbnb so special, is that there are the cutest and most diverse places to stay. Want a relaxing weekend getaway in a secluded treehouse? Or a road-trip in a Malibu-style AirSteam? Or even live like a Parisian in a studio apartment with a view of the Eiffel Tower? Airbnb has it all! Get a taste of authentic culture and reasonable traveling this summer.

4. Free/Reduced Movies are nothing short of perfect. Movie theatres often like to reward their community in the summertime with free or reduced movies, so if you have not checked in with your local theatre, hop on it! While these movies are available on DVD, there is nothing more exciting than heading to a movie theatre to see your favorite Pixar movie on the big screen with your favorite candy without making your wallet cringe.

5. Homemade Pizza & Movie Night for the win! Save money on pizza deliveries and instead, spend quality time cooking and decorating pizza with your loved ones. Head to the grocery store and buy your favorite pizza toppings, popcorn, movie candy and pop in your go-to summer movie, grab your fuzzy blanket, and curl up for a cozy night in!

6. Picnic in the Park has "quaint summer" written all over it! There is something about heading to the park with my family and friends for lunch and games that makes me want to squeal and jump up and down! This picnic can include your usual sandwich from your favorite deli or a homemade PB&J, picnic blanket or picnic table, neighborhood park or community park. Whatever your picnic in the park looks like, it is a great opportunity to switch up your lunch scenery for a small price point!

7. Backyard Waterpark can't get any more summery. Set out your garden sprinklers and turn on your water hose! Playing in the sprinklers was one of my favorite things to do as a kid. Now that I'm an adult, who says I can't? Have some friends over for an old-fashioned water balloon fight or slip-n-slide party!

8. Ice Cream Fridays will chill your bank nerves and the summer heat! A spontaneous trip out of the house for ice cream always gets me in the summer spirit and keeps my taste buds craving cold, delicious ice cream! Ice cream screams summer, so be sure to treat your self!



9. Book your vacations early will put you ahead of the game and save you from those late fees and last-minute charges. The closer you are to your departure date, the less money you will save, so reserve your rooms, flights, and tours in advance! There are also great travel apps that are designed to make your trip planning and traveling smooth — such as, Dealray, Roomer, and AutoSlash. Stay up to date with prices and fees so that you will never miss a great deal! 

10. A trip to the Humane Society makes me feel so warm and fulfilled (peep to the picture below for the adorable puppy I saw at my last humane society visit 😍). Taking time out of my busy summer schedule to volunteer at a non-profit and love on others is the best medicine; it always gets my heart in the right place. While summer is a great time to relax and catch up on our lives, it is also a time where we can give back to the community, put others needs above our own, and take care of those in need when we typically might not.

Enjoying all the perks of summertime while also keeping your finances in check is a challenge for us all. But with a combination of creativity and having an adventurous mindset, you can make your summer wildly happy for you and your bank!

What are your ideas and tips for a summer on a budget? Let us know in the comments!

- Ely

Bring on the chips & the guac… I’ve got a dress that’s ready for a FIESTA!

Monogrammed Maxi Dress: c/o Marleylilly || Wedges: Nordstrom || Sunglasses: c/o DIFF || Clutch: Nordstrom (sold out, similar here) || Apple Watch with this band

Y’all know my love for a fiesta, and you definitely know my love for a monogram, so then combine the two and you have the most perfect dress ever! I always get so excited when I see a Marleylilly package waiting for me at the door because opening it up is like opening up a box of happiness! Every single piece I’ve ever gotten from them has always been exceptionally made (this dress for example is the softest, bounciest cotton and feels like a dream in the summer heat!) and always has the best details! I’m swooning over the little rainbows that line the bottom of this dress! I normally hem my maxi dresses so that I can wear flats, but I couldn’t bear to lose the trim on this dress- so tall wedges it is!! ha.

hile we all know that black isn’t normally my color, when you add this bright embroidery on top- all of a sudden I cannot get enough! Ole!!

Monogrammed Maxi Dress: c/o Marleylilly || Wedges: Nordstrom || Sunglasses: c/o DIFF || Clutch: Nordstrom (sold out, similar here) || Apple Watch with this band

Photos: Iridescent Photography

Just had to tell y’all how excited I am about the next batch of photos coming to the blog! My sweet Aunt (who takes 90% of my pictures) and I have both been traveling so much that we haven’t been able to meet for pics. I was totally out of styled looks until I realized that my girlfriend Nina from college is now a professional photographer and we got together Sunday to shoot a few looks and had the BEST time! So thankful for how the Lord works to bring friends (back) together. If you’re local be sure to check her out– she is such a doll!

A refreshing and simple watermelon salad with mint and fresh lime juice. The perfect summer side dish!













Happy weekend, friends!

With nothing but warm weather ahead, I’ve got that summer kind of feeling! I’ve always loved watermelon, but never had I tried to mix it with anything else… Tragic, right?! This watermelon salad recipe was actually a miraculous mistake. If you follow my Instagram stories, you’ve seen my large weekly fruit bowls. Every week I put together a big bowl, usually full of berries, but now that watermelon is in season I wanted to mix it up! This was the refreshing results!

This salad only takes minutes to make and is the perfect dish for summer. My Michael doesn’t usually like watermelon, but he absolutely loved this salad. I’m talking ate it all in one night kind of love! He thinks that it was the lime juice and salt that won him over. Regardless, this recipe is a must and would be perfect for BBQs, picnics, or the Fourth of July!

WATERMELON SALAD WITH MINT & LIME:

4 cups seedless watermelon chunks

1 cup blackberries

1/2 cup blueberries

1/8th cup fresh lime juice

1/8th cup chopped mint leaves

Himalayan sea salt to taste

Toss the watermelon chunks, blackberries, and blueberries with the lime juice and chopped mint leaves in a large bowl. Sprinkle with Himalayan sea salt before serving.

With love,

Lauren

Original Content by Going for Grace

Lately, I have been obsessed with neckerchief and scarf headbands. I throw on one of my fave comfy tees and wrap a scarf into my bun or show off my sundress with a high pony and scarf! I could not love this trend more because it adds so much cuteness to any outfit on absolutely any day! Plus, you are guaranteed to reel in those compliments and "how did you...?" questions.

Scarf Bun

Want to spice up your messy bun? Have no fear, the scarf bun is here! Take a careful look at this up-do because it is not your ordinary bun.

Headband Bun

Day two of dry-shampoo means that you best believe that I am wearing this look! Pulling back your hair with the scar reveals your gorgeous summer glow and makes your entire outfit pop!

Bun Wrap

 Don't settle for just another messy bun. The bun wrap twists and wraps around your bun, creating a hipster yet gentle vibe!

Hanging Pony

It doesn't get any easier than this one, folks! Throw that hair into a pony and tie your scarf around the hair tie. Easy-peasy!

Bow Bun

This one is taking me back to cute tea parties and girly middle school volleyball. Whether you are a high or low bun kinda girl, tie your scarf into a traditional bow and feel perfectly preppy all day!

Flipped Hanging Pony

Similar to the hanging pony, this style is super simple! It has just the elegant touch for your bridal shower ensemble or an evening out for drinks!

Classic Headband

If you just aren't feeling a full hair-do today, I feel ya girl! Take your headband, twist it up, and wrap it around your head for a simple headband. It will be sure to keep your hair out of your face all day!


No longer worry about whether or not you can pull off these looks; because girl, you were made for these! Rock your messy bun, high ponytail, beach waves, and everyday hair with the help of this seasons outfit lifesavers — neckerchief scarves!

How do you wear your neckerchief scarves? Let us know in the comments!

- Ely, avid neckerchief wearer

P.S. Enjoy the cute pics of the fur children of Marleylilly! 😍

1. Maintain a balanced, nutritious diet

Not to state the obvious here, but maintaining a balanced diet is everything! A nutritious body is a happy body! Strengthen your pet's health by keeping away the chocolate, caffeine, dairy, nuts, and most "people" foods. It is also important to keep them hydrated! Pets, especially cats, are just as susceptible to dehydration. A trick for avoiding this is mixing up your pet's diet from dry food to wet food every so often. Another tip is to always keep water in their bowl so it's available to them!

2. Engage with other animals and people

Social skills are so beneficial for your pet! Taking your dog to the dog park, inviting other pets over for a play date, or having your friends over for movie night is sure to strengthen your pet's social skills, confidence, and state of mind. It will make them aware of others around them while also training them on how to interact with other people and animals. Realizing the importance of not isolating your pet will make them mentally and emotionally stronger. They will better be able to function in public and in return, you will have a cooperative, confident, and comfortable pet that you can take in more public spaces!

3. The Reward System

When your pet does something good, reward them! This can be with a yummy treat, but it can also be with a big belly rub or a simple verbal praise. Rewarding them when they do something applaudable is how you can communicate what's good and bad behavior.

4. Schedule annual vet visits

Pets need yearly check-ups, too! Your vet may be able to notice things about your animal that you don't know to look for! Your pet goes through changes as they get older, so check in with your vet at least once a year to keep them healthy and strong and give you peace of mind!

5. Watch portion sizes

It is so easy to overfill your pet's food bowl, reward them with too many treats, and over feed them our food scraps. Animals and pets are susceptible to obesity just like humans and are at risk for heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. According to Stephanie Eng from Youngevity, 57% of dogs and cats in the United States are obese. Always pay attention to the recommended serving portions on the back of the pet food packages or consulate your vet for what they suggest. While treating your pet with a sweet treat is fun, remember moderation is key!

6. Stay squeaky clean

Because animals carry bacteria, lick/chew everything, shed their fur, and go from inside to outside, it is vital for both you and your pet to stay clean. Disinfecting their bowls will keep their food and water fresh (also try spraying a light coat of Pam Cooking Spray on the bottom of their food bowl to prevent any leftover moist food bits from sticking), spraying down the littler box and cage will get rid of any bacteria, moping the floor, and vacuuming the carpet weekly will make your house smell fresh and kill off those evil potential fleas. Oh, and don't forget to bathe your pets! Using a gentle shampoo, routinely clean your animals!

7. Keep mentally strong

Train, train, and train! Playing games with your pet and training them to do tricks keeps their mind working and keeps their thinking cap on. The stronger their mind, the stronger they are to solve problems and communicate with you when they need food, need to go potty, or if they don't feel good. The mental strength also increases their chance of having a healthier and longer life!



Throw your pup some extra love with this monogrammed dog bandana, pictured on Rooney above. 

8. Exercise With Them

We all the know importance of keeping our pets active, however, exercising with them is just as important. Engaging with your pet by playing fetch, swimming, or tug of war, is a great way to bond with them, keeps them interested in being your pal, and gets all of their energy out that has been bundled up all day. It will also help motivate you to get moving when you're tempted to cozy-up on the couch with chocolate and Netflix.

9. Prioritize them

Owning a pet means that you are taking on the responsibility of taking care of their needs. This may look like feeding them first thing in the morning before work, running to the store at the last minute because you ran out of pet food, and coming home to take them out on a walk before you head out to dinner with your friends. Your pet depends on you, so make sure that you prioritize them!

10. Love them
And last but not least, love your animal. Give them hugs, give them kisses, cuddle with them, rub their tummies, offer them words of encouragement... They need your love and attention just as much as you do! Showing them that you love them strengthens your relationship and makes their world all the more happy and joyful!

Proper pet care extends way beyond these ten tips, but it's always good to learn new tips and tricks! Caring for my cats, being patient with them, taking care of our living space, and loving on both of them is my daily goal in order to keep them healthy and happy! Be the person your pet thinks you are because home is where the 🐾 is

What are your tips for having a healthier pet? Share your tips with others in the comments below!

- Ely, caretaker of cats, Jazz and Snow