Puppy Bowl Sunday: You can get the Subaru App to Watch Some Puppy Love and All the Cutest Puppiness!

Suit up Puppies and humans!  Get ready for some serious Puppy Bowl action with the coolest new co-viewing app presented by Subaru:

Puppy Bowl IX: The Biggest Game on All Fours is Back!

Link to download: http://blogp.ws/Wxa8ia (This is the iTunes app link) 

Dog Friendly Subaru has made the Puppy Bowl even more exciting and interactive as part of their Dog Tested. Dog Approved.™ campaign.Their cool and fun app will have Subaru content available this Sunday Feb 3 during the Puppy Bowl.

It will also work during the re-air (check your local listings ) Its available for  mobile devices and tablets, and makes this year’s game even more fun!

[Note that this app. only works in unison with the broadcast- ie the sounds of the Puppy Bowl broadcast IXrigger activity on this app similar to Shazam technology, which is what this app interactive, fun and just so puppylicious!]

The half time show with the kittens! "Sandie" says wooo hooo let's get in on this action and jump in the tv screen and chase them!

Oops I forgot that she's not the least bit interested in kitchens on the screen but in REAL LIFE!

Check out the water cool down zone. The new
features this year will rock your world, with the slow
mo cute cam, lipstick cams, snout to snout lens shots.
Of course a cool down tub, when the pups need to cool
down.

Don’t forget the tailgaters on the sidelines.
This year game will be more fun than ever.

Gear up before all the action starts for the big game by getting Subaru’s hot
new app for Puppy Bowl IX! Download the “IntoNow” app on your tablet or mobile device. You can enjoy some trivia, photos, polls, the Puppy Bowl Hall of fame and some fun extras. This app works on both Apple  IOS and Android Devices.
Dog Friendly Subaru has made the Puppy Bowl even more exciting and interactive as part
of their Dog Tested. Dog Approved.™ campaign.Their cool and fun app will have Subaru content available this Sunday Feb 3 during the Puppy Bowl.

It will also work during the re-air (check your local listings ) Its available for mobile devices and tablets, and makes this year’s game even more fun! [Note this app only works in unison with the broadcast- ie the sounds of the Puppy Bowl broadcast IXrigger activity on this app similar to Shazam technology, which is what this app interactive, fun and just so cool!]
As Subaru puppy bowl app users watch the Puppy Bowl IX live on TV, the Puppy Bowl Plus application will serve up additional fun and interactive content to engage with. Sandie has given this APP a four paw salute!

Every year Subaru of America celebrates the love between Subaru and their dogs with a dog specific campaign.
This year’s Subaru Dog Tested. Dog Approved.™ campaign introduces Grant Weber, Subaru Canine Sales Associate. Having sold Subaru vehicles to only dogs, No matter size, breed, or temperament, he’ll find the right Subaru for your needs. So if you’re a dog, and you’re looking for a Subaru, head on down to see Grant Weber. He knows what a dog wants and what a dog needs! Subaru is sure you will leave with your tail held high, and paws up salute!

Join the Puppy Bowl  action on Twitter and follow MeeptheBird ,  use the hashtags #SubaruBP and #PuppyBowl to interact with other viewers. If your on google plus, interact with others using these same hashtags. If your a facebook fan. you can hang out and interact at Subaru Dog Facebook page, on February 3rd. Check out our Pinterest Subaru Board for some cute pics of our dogs enjoying the games.

This post is sponsored by Subaru. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about the Dog Tested. Dog Approved.™ campaign, but Conversations With Carolyn only shares news for products we support.

 

 

 

DASH Eating Plan has been the best I've done! A Review!

Chicken Salad

"Why has the DASH diet been ranked as the best diet, the healthiest diet, and the best diet for diabetes, two 3 years in a row? The expert panel of physicians assembled by US New & World Reports chose DASH because it is proven to improve health, has a balance of healthy food groups, and it actually works. It has been proven to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and is associated with lower risk of several types of cancer, heart disease, stroke, heart failure, kidney stones, reduced risk of developing diabetes, and can slow the progression of kidney disease.

Now, there is a new bestseller, The DASH Diet Weight Loss Solution, to help you harness the health benefits of the DASH diet for weight loss. This book stands alongside our first bestseller and top DASH diet resource, The DASH Diet Action Plan, to give you a fresh start to healthy eating. The full DASH diet plan is shown below.

And we just learned of more honors for The DASH Diet Action Plan, which was recently named as one of the top life-changing health books, by Huffington Post readers. And DASH was a newcomer in the top 25 most popular diets, from the Diets in Review rankings. See more recent news stories about the DASH diet.

The DASH Diet for Weight Loss

While the DASH diet was originally developed as an eating style to help lower blood pressure, it has been found to be a fabulous plan for weight loss. The DASH Diet Weight Loss Solution turbocharges weight loss with a powerful plan based on previously overlooked DASH research. The DASH Action Plan is famous for having introduced the DASH diet for weight loss. Now we take it to the next level.
Because it has an emphasis on real foods, heavy on fruits and vegetables, balanced with the right amount of protein, DASH is the perfect weight loss solution. It is filling and satisfying. Because it is healthy, you can follow it for your whole life. And it is a plan that you can feed your entire family, with larger portion sizes for those who don't need to watch their weight. It helps you easily lose weight, even though you feel as if you are not on a diet, and it actually makes you healthier!
The DASH Diet Weight Loss Solution has special benefits for people who carry their excess weight aroung the middle, or who have metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, PCOS, or postmenopausal weight gain. And, it has been shown to be very effective in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.

See more about our 2 special events for the book launch, a Google+ Hangout on January 31, 8:30 pm EST and our free Facebook support group. We will help you get started for the New Year, New You!

The DASH Diet for Health

The DASH diet is especially recommended for people with hypertension (high blood pressure) or prehypertension. The DASH diet eating plan has been proven to lower blood pressure in studies sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension). In addition to being a low salt (or low sodium) plan, the DASH diet provides additional benefits to reduce blood pressure. It is based on an eating plan rich in fruits and vegetables, and low-fat or non-fat dairy, with whole grains. It is a high fiber, low to moderate fat diet, rich in potasium, calcium, and magnesium. The full DASH diet plan is shown below. The DASH diet is a healthy plan, designed for the whole family. New research continues to show additional health benefits of the plan.
In addition to being recommended by your physician, DASH is also endorsed by:

• The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (one of the National Institutes of Health, of the US Department of Health and Human Services)
• The American Heart Association (AHA)
• The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
• US guidelines for treatment of high blood pressure
• The 2011 AHA Treatment Guidelines for Women
• The Mayo Clinic.

The DASH eating plan has been proven to lower blood pressure in just 14 days, even without lowering sodium intake. Best response came in people whose blood pressure was only moderately high, including those with prehypertension. For people with more severe hypertension, who may not be able to eliminate medication, the DASH diet can help improve response to medication, and help lower blood pressure. The DASH diet can help lower cholesterol, and with weight loss and exercise, can reduce insulin resistance and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

The NY Times Best Sellers, The DASH Diet Action Plan and The DASH Diet Weight Loss Solution, provide real life solutions to make it easy for people to follow the DASH diet. They each have 28 days of meal plans, recipes, guidance for weight loss, how to eat at restaurants, fast food places, etc. and still stay on track. It shows you how to stock up your kitchen for the DASH diet, and how to read food labels to make good choices. And, of course, the meal plans and recipes are all low sodium/low salt. The book shows you how to add exercise and other lifestyle changes to help lower blood pressure. The books help you design your own personal "DASH Diet Action Plan" and your own "DASH Diet Weight Loss Solution."
New research shows that following the DASH diet over time will reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease, as well as kidney stones. The benefits of the DASH diet have also been seen in teens with hypertension. The DASH diet truly is the diet for everyone.

Specifically the DASH diet plan includes:

Type of food	Number of servings for 1600 - 3100 Calorie diets	Servings on a 2000 Calorie diet
Grains and grain products (include at least 3 whole grain foods each day)	6 - 12	7 - 8
Fruits	4 - 6	4 - 5
Vegetables	4 - 6	4 - 5
Low fat or non fat dairy foods	2 - 4	2 - 3
Lean meats, fish, poultry	1.5 - 2.5	2 or less
Nuts, seeds, and legumes	3 - 6 per week	4 - 5 per week
Fats and sweets	2 - 4	limited

Even though most people know that this seems like a very healthy way of eating, they initially may find it hard to implement and sustain. The average American gets 2 - 3 servings of fruits and vegetables combined each day, so following the DASH diet can involve making a concerted effort. The book makes it easier. It helps you with simple lifestyle changes and strategies to make new habits that you will keep for a lifetime. Although weight loss was not a part of the original DASH diet research, these books help you harness the benefits of DASH for weight loss. The design of the meal plans in the book are based on newer research on how to make satisfying meals, helping to prevent between meal hunger. That is a key feature of high-fiber, low caloric-density, balanced meals with appropriate serving sizes.

Check these links for more information on The DASH Diet Action Plan, The DASH Diet Weight Loss Solution, our reader feedback, DASH diet in the news, DASH diet research, the author Marla Heller, MS, RD, Marla in the media, DASH social media, or to book her for a seminar. We support the American Heart Month (February), the Go Red for Women campaign, and the National Wear Red Day (February 1, 2013), promoting awareness about women's heart health. Join our Twitter chat to help you get started with The DASH Diet Weight Loss Solution on December 30. And check out our blog. Click for US purchasing options including Amazon and Barnes & Noble, International orders, or ebook orders."

REVIEW in PDF form:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash/new_dash.pdf
 
Thanks: MARLA HELLER, contributor 


LOOKING FOR: Another blogger, or obsessive compulsive eater who would like to try this eating plan (not DIET) although that is part of it.  What I ask...


1.  you try it for a week and be sure you choose foods that work for you and your doctor and the Eating Plan!

2.  you agree to send a review here when you have completed 1 week.  If you are interested, please write to carolyncavies@yahoo.com for an idea of what kind of review we are looking for!  I do not pay in dollars for this review, but rather in FREE AD SPACE on my blog!    

SHOWER IN STYLE Giveaway Event Hurry to join...

SHOWER IN STYLE Giveaway!! 

Sponsored by Change your Bathroom.com, and hosted by S.O.S. Mom, Real Momma and The Bunny's Reviews, one lucky person will win an 8" LED lit shower head (as seen in picture above)! Prize is valued at $120. Pimping your shower, yes we are!

Change Your Bathroom is at the cutting edge of today’s popular home design trend. Their years of experience will guarantee a seamless finish. Whether budget style, or texture is at the front of your mind, they have the right look for you.

The team is composed of Josh, the tile installer/electrician. who has worked in remodeling for 14 years and is proud to be a 2nd generation home builder. His passion lies in turning his concepts into reality. He has created several products including but not limited to the inflowAIR dust containment system and our very own hidden drain system for curb-less showers. He also loves to create beautiful spaces and for the past seven years has made bathrooms his specialty. From custom projects including hidden TVs to more traditional projects, Josh enjoys a challenge.

Michelle, who is in charge of customer service and design. Her passion for design developed around her extensive travel through Europe. She sets new standards in the design industry. Michelle incorporates the strength of ancient architecture and beauty of modern concepts to create a whole new world of design options. Working with the home owner every step of the way, she works to bridge the gap between the contractor and the client. Michelle custom designs each bathroom as a work of art to be enjoyed forever.

And finally, Jesse the plumber/tile installer. Jesse is trained as a skilled tradesman and has been in the construction industry for over 10 years. As a 3rd generation plumber and 2nd generation remodeler, Jesse understands all aspects of the trade from demolition to completion; he has an eye for detail and strives for perfection. Jesse has been with the team for 5 years and continues to keep every project running smoothly. He enjoys working closely with the home owner to make each project simple and seamless.

Please visit Change Your Bathroom at this address http://www.changeyourbathroom.com to get acquainted with the work they do and offer. 

This giveaway event will be running until February 9th inclusively and is open to US residents only. To enter, simply fill the form below to gain entries to win.

Special thank you to co-hosts Give Oh Giveaway, Simply Sherryl, Tabby's Pantry and Tunica Mama. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest Post: The 5 Fastet Ways to Get More Referrals for Your Small Business

The 5 Fastest Ways to Get More Referrals for Your Small Business

Thursday is guest post day here at Conversations with Carolyn and another guest post is this one from Andy Sernovitz – Enjoy!

photo credit: woodleywonderworks 

Most small businesses will tell you their new customers come through word of mouth, but very few can tell you how those referrals happen or where they come from.
But, it’s not magic and it’s not an accident. Great word of mouth is the result of a planned, well-executed strategy focused on earning raving fans and helping them talk about you.
The good news: It’s easy (and a whole lot of fun) to get started.

Here’s how to do it:
1. Just ask
Wait, hold on. Before we go any further, have you done the most obvious, most straightforward, and most effective word of mouth strategy of all? Have you asked your happy customers to tell their friends about you?
Remind them on their way out the door. Add a note to your receipts. Send follow-up emails that include a request for a review. Include simple sharing links on your checkout confirmation pages.
Really, just ask. It’s that simple. Happy customers would be glad to talk about you.

2. Focus on the first-timers
As much as a longtime customer may love you, they’re not as likely to talk as the new one that just walked out the door.
Think about it this way: You may go to a local spot two or three times a week for lunch, but you talk a whole lot more about that exciting new place you tried for dinner last week.
When we’re used to how great something is, what else is there to say?
So, go out of your way to blow the minds of the newbies: Treat them like VIPs, celebrate their arrival, let them taste everything on the menu, give them a tour, and make sure they leave with something that helps them tell friends about the incredible experience they just had.
You only get one chance to meet each new customer. Make sure it’s amazing.

3. …and do something fantastic for the old-timers
While the new folks might be easier to get talking, your loyal customers still represent a huge and worthy word of mouth opportunity.

Give them something great to share — things like a special discount code, beta access to new products, badges and status, a reunion, or a spot on a special advisory board.
Sure, it may take a little more to get this group talking — but their experience and loyalty to you makes their referrals more credible and effective.

4. Always, always ask for feedback
Not asking for feedback is sort of like cupping your hands over your ears — customers are still complaining, but instead of doing it directly to you, they do it publicly on review sites, blogs, and social networks.
It’s not only a great way to find opportunities for improvement, it’s also a great excuse to remind happy customers to leave a review.

Start your feedback requests with a sincere focus on getting the customer’s opinion. Don’t waste this opportunity to hear about where you could do better. Ask them to rate your stuff, to share ideas for what would make things better, and to give open feedback.

Then, at the end of everything — here’s where you can add a coupon for a friend, a link to relevant review sites, and a simple checkbox saying, “Yes, I give [company name] permission to use my feedback in their marketing materials.”
For inspiration, check out how the folks at PrintingForLess.com use their feedback forms to earn referrals.

5. Learn to be great at saying “thank you”
Saying thank you to your talkers isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s also a fantastic way to generate more referrals.
But, how do you find the talkers who deserve thanking? Easy, ask every customer how they heard about you. Leave room to share the referrer’s contact information and use it to send these talkers something nice.
Some businesses go so far as to send small perks (this dentist surprises his talkers with $20 Starbucks gift cards), but a friendly thank you note can work just as well.

The key here: Don’t try to buy referrals (it’s icky and often backfires), focus on thanking your existing talkers as a way to encourage even more word of mouth.
What about you? How are you earning referrals for your business? 

About Andy
Andy Sernovitz teaches word of mouth marketing. He is the New York Times bestselling author of Word of Mouth Marketing: How Smart Companies Get People Talking and CEO of WordofMouth.org and SocialMedia.org.

Guest Book Review: By Sharon Martin for INNER PILGRIMAGE

Book Review

 

Inner Pilgrimage Ten Days to a Mindful Me 

by Raji Lukkoor 

Meet the Author

Hi I’m Raji Lukkoor, and I’m pleased to make your acquaintance.  A travel enthusiast, I was born and raised in Goa, India, but now call California, USA, my home, where I live with my husband and two sons.

I have loved to write since I was in the seventh grade, and although I went on to study and work in the field of environmental engineering, the art of communication always fascinated me and has consistently brightened my verbal, aural, written, and interpersonal competence. 

Travel- both physical and vicarious (although online volunteering)-across the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia over the years has given me perspective, motivation, a sense of achievement, the ability to connect to others, and deep regard for the world's cultures.  In summer 2008, when an opportunity for travel presented itself, I couldn't resist.  It was the trip of a lifetime - at a  vipassana meditation course. This compelling experience held up a mirror to the reality of my existence, furthering my spiritual evolution and helping resurrect the authentic me. Thus was born my first publication, “Inner Pilgrimage: Ten Days to a Mindful Me.”

Book Description
A profound human experience, a modern-day response to the primeval human quest for truth and meaning in life. By engaging in the author’s spiritual journey, readers learn about vipassana—a timeless, powerful, non-sectarian, and non-mystical tool for transformation. They see how the practice of mindfulness, nourished through regular meditation, can help anyone to live a life that is fully expressed, affirming, connected, healthy, compassionate, and vibrant. This book will appeal to all spiritual seekers and to anyone with an interest in Buddhism or meditation.

Inner Pilgrimage in the hands of vipassana master His Holiness S. N. Goenka

August 08, 2011

http://www.dhamma.org/

My Review

I have often watched documentaries on retreats with the secret yearning of wanting to attend one of these myself one day.  They show you the difficulties people have to overcome and the unbelievable transformations of peoples lives that can take place, it is simply amazing.

What you don't actually think about is what it is really like to participate on such a retreat for the whole period, spending every minute there, on the personal journey you have to travel to get to your destination.  For anyone thinking of going on a similar retreat this is a great book to read, giving you an insight of what it genuinely feels like to the there, day by day, through the authors writings.

When I first saw this book, for some reason I was immediately pulled towards it and couldn't wait for its arrival.  On opening the book two words struck out to me straight away 'inner war'.  The description was so clear and so close to home that the book grabbed my attention as soon as it had began.

As well as explaining, in fantastic realistic detail, how living through the whole course felt - through the emotions, the ever so true worries the author felt, the pain and yet the enlightenment she felt, it also explains basic Buddha and meditation methods learnt.  These are the parts where you may have to re-read certain pages to fully understand.

For me the main message in the Buddha teaching is that everything in life is impermanent and by not accepting this we create our own problems.  "Why agonize over that which is I, me and mine?  The body and the mind are mere wavelets of vibration and energy.  Egoism is futile because if brings unhappiness, disappointment, frustrations, sorrow, anxieties, and worries.  Happiness is to be sought not in the outside world where society judges you, but within the person, where eternal peace, compassion, equanimity, wisdom, joy and moral integrity flourish."

A fascinating read and I have so much respect for the author, travelling through her own journey.

"A beacon of spiritual light charted a new course for my life during the summer of 2008, when I attended a S. N. Goenka led, ten-day Buddhist meditation (vipassana) retreat. That experience sparked the writing of Inner Pilgrimage: Ten Days to a Mindful Me--a mindfulness triggered spiritual transformation."

More information at http://www.rajilukkoor.com

Visit Raji’s blog at http://www.rajilukkoor.blogspot.com

Find Raji on both Facebook and Twitter 

Buy at: http://www.amazon.com

My Rating .5

Guest Post:: To Lose Weight DO NOT Start With What You Eat

To Lose Weight  DO NOT Start With What You Eat
   
Theresa Grisanti
 

The first thing we think of when we want to lose weight is to stop eating “bad” foods or start working out.  Of course these are two logical places to start.  If you can begin there, great!  

If you are finding the process of weight loss to be overwhelming it might be helpful to think outside the box. Establishing an environment that will support weight loss and health, begin where you live.  

Often, when we are dissatisfied, we want to make changes to our body first.  However, our environment can be contributing to our feelings of lethargy and frustration with making change.

After 20 years in the health industry helping people to eat better and make lifestyle changes, my experience tells me that the hardest place to begin when wanting to create health is by changing your food.  Food is the most primal need for us as humans.  We can’t stop eating.  We need it to survive. Also, we are predisposed to eating fat and sugar from centuries of living on this planet...but that is another story.

When you want to change how you feel, the good place to begin is making your home environment more liveable.  Start with your bedroom.  This should be your sanctuary.  The place you go to release, relax and rejuvenate.  Clean out the clutter and put the clothes away.  Put clean new sheets on the bed, add extra pillows, put water and a journal on your nightstand.

Once you have a space to relax in, you can begin to think about how you want your life to be healthier.  This clean space will begin to grow the subtle changes you need to make in order to shift your focus from dieting to health.

Then make a plan to be healthier.  Go slowly.  Here are some ideas:

• Take a walk everyday
• Drink more water (70-100% of your body weight in ounces of water)
• Get more sleep
• Start every meal with a salad before you eat anything else
• Take a nightly detox bath using epsom salts and lavender

There are many things you can do to begin improving your health.  You don’t need to give up all your favorite foods first thing.  The more you can replace unhealthy habits and environments with ones that make you feel healthy and well-cared for, you begin to make more decisions that support a new lifestyle.  

What will you do TODAY to make your life easier?

Theresa Grisanti has been studying and applying her understanding of health, nutrition and intuitive eating for more than 15 years. Her training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, included instruction from leaders in the holistic healing field, such as Andrew Weil and Mona Lisa Schultz. Find out more about Theresa's new program Break Free From Dieting and learn how to lose weight the natural way.

.Guest Post: How to Choose the Best Senior Products for the BEST PRICES

By Stephen Saldana on April 02, 2011

You know the choices you have in offering your pets the best in care, food, entertainment and comfort. Those can start as the cheapest of the cheap items at the "everything under $1" store all the way up to anything advertised as "gourmet", "luxury" or coming with a "designer" name tag. 

It seems that the options are endless and sometimes even overwhelming. But what we all want for our pets is the best pet products, for the best prices, without having to sacrifice quality for price. I mean, after all, our pets are nothing less than members of our personal families, right? Our senior pets deserve the best we can afford to give them for all those years of dedicated and unconditional love.

Well, there is a secret to getting the best prices on the senior pet products you're looking for, and the good news is that you don't even have to leave the comfort and convenience of your home to find them. With a little help from the internet, you are just a few clicks away from an amazing resource for educational information, comparative options and affordable solutions to the unique senior pet concerns and issues you are product shopping for.

Making sure you find sites with resources in taking care of your senior pet are important too. Finding the right places means you'll get to meet and get background information on the veterinarians and experts who know what they're talking about. 

Knowing that your research information comes from accredited and caring experts can go a long way in helping you find the pet products best suited to your senior pets needs at the best prices and can help save you a ton of money in the "trial and error" method of pet product shopping.

Many pet superstores have a great selection of across-the-board pet products, BUT some even offer items you may need that the others don't even offer like the best in therapeutic and rehabilitative products, mobility aids, ramps, steps, comfort/safety and travel products. This ensures that you are getting the best value for your pet care dollar and your beloved pet is getting the best in loving care.

Why try to "make-do" with products that aren't designed for the specific needs of your pet and why over spend trying to find just the right thing? Check out all the great resources online and see how much your senior pet will love you for taking care of them at the best price possible.

When Stephen Saldana's beloved dog started getting older, he found some senior pet products that would help with the problems of aging. 

SeniorPetProducts.com offers a large selection of pet products for senior dogs and cats with pet experts and info to help you and your pet

Read more: Pet Products - The Secret To Getting The Best Prices http://www.sooperarticles.com/pets-articles/dog-articles/pet-products-secret-getting-best-prices-378062.html#ixzz2J8oa0POt